So if you reside in an apartment and dream of owning a delightful companion, you can turn your dream into a reality.

Not all breeds require a large house; some can do exceptionally well in a limited living space and bring immense joy into your life.

In this article, we will explore such low-maintenance dogs for apartments in India that will help you to discover the perfect four-legged addition to your urban abode.

So without further adieu, let's get started!

15 Best dogs for apartments in India

1. Pug

Pug tops our list of best apartment dogs India!

These dogs with affectionate and charming natures carry a distinct wrinkled face, a curled tail, and a playful personality.

Pugs are friendly and sociable animals which tend to get along well with people of different age groups making them one of the best family companions. 

In addition, they have low exercise needs which makes them well-suited for apartment living.

Features of this breed

• Origin: China
• Height: 10-13 inches
• Weight: 14-18 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Colors: Fawn, black
• Price:  ₹8,000 to  ₹20,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two bedroom apartment (300 - 600 square feet approx.)

2. Bulldog

Bulldogs are a medium-sized dog breed with a calm and demeanor nature having a wrinkled face, a pushed-in nose, and a sturdy appearance.

These dogs are affectionate, loyal, and good with children making them excellent family companions and a family pet.

Their low to moderate exercise needs make them perfectly suitable for apartment living and urban environments.

Features of this breed

• Origin: England
• Height: 14-15 inches
• Weight: 40-50 pounds
• Lifespan: 8-10 years
• Colors: Various colors (e.g., brindle, white, fawn)
• Price: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two bedroom apartment (600-800 square feet approx.)

3. Golden Retriever

The golden retriever is a medium to large dog breed with a friendly, intelligent, and gentle disposition.

They have extremely expressive eyes, a wagging tail, and a golden-colored coat, giving them a striking appearance.

Golden retrievers are among the top 5 highly trainable dog breeds, making them ideal for various tasks, including therapy & assistance work.

These dogs can do well in an apartment if provided with enough regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Features of this breed

• Origin: Scotland
• Height: 21.5-24 inches
• Weight: 55-75 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Colors: Various shades of golden, ranging from light to dark
• Price in India: ₹20,000 to ₹60,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (800-1200 square feet approx.)

4. Indian Spitz

Indian spitz is a very popular small-sized dog breed known for their lively and friendly nature.

Their moderate exercise requirements & their high adaptability to apartment living make them an excellent choice for people looking for the best dog breeds for apartments in India.

Features of this breed

• Origin: India
• Height: 9-12 inches
• Weight: 11-20 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Colors: White, brown, black
• Price: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (600-800 square feet approx.)

5. Beagle

Beagle is a small to medium-sized dog breed with a friendly, curious, and outgoing nature.

Their short coat, long ears, and high carried tail gives them a distinct appearance.

Beagles are also scent hounds possessing a great sense of smell, excelling in activities like hunting and tracking.

These dogs are social and carry an adaptable and loving personality, making them a wonderful choice for families with children and other pets.

They can do well in an apartment if regularly exercised for physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

Features of this breed

• Origin: England
• Height: 13-15 inches
• Weight: 20-30 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Colors: Tri-color (black, tan, and white)
• Price: ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (800-1000 square feet approx.)

6. Dachshund

Dachshunds are amongst the best dogs suitable for apartments in India, carrying a compact size, unique long body, and short legs.

These lively, curious, and brave dogs, also referred to as "sausage dogs" or "wiener dogs" due to their distinct appearance, are available in two varieties:

1) Standard

2) Miniature

Their affectionate and friendly nature makes them excellent family pets.

Dachshunds can do well in an apartment and enjoy indoor playtime, but they might also be required to take out for regular outdoor walks to keep them healthy & happy.

Features of this breed

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)
• Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), up to 11 pounds (miniature)
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Colors: Various colors and patterns
• Price: ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (600-800 square feet approx.)

7. Chihuahua

Chihuahua is a tiny dog breed carrying a big personality.

These dogs with alert, lively, and sassy natures carry large eyes, erect ears, and distinctive apple shaped heads.

Despite their small stature, these dogs are confident, fearless, and fiercely loyal, forming a strong bond with their owners.

If you live in an apartment & have a busy lifestyle, you can't go wrong with a Chihuahua as they will only require regular indoor activities and short walks to keep them healthy and happy.

Features of this breed

• Origin: Mexico
• Height: 5-8 inches
• Weight: Up to 6 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-20 years
• Colors: Various colors and patterns
• Price: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (300-600 square feet approx.)

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog breed with an elegant, gentle nature, beautiful silky coat, expressive eyes, and charming expression.

These dogs can become excellent family companions, thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and adaptability towards other people and pets.

They have moderate exercise needs and love indoor playtime, making them one of the dog breeds suitable for flats.

Features of this breed

• Origin: United Kingdom (England)
• Height: 12-13 inches
• Weight: 13-18 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Colors: Various colors, including black and tan, tricolor, and ruby (chestnut red)
• Price in India: ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (600-800 square feet approx.)

9. French Bulldog

The French bulldog is a small-sized dog breed carrying a sturdy build, short/smooth coat, distinctive bat-like ears, and a charming personality.

Their affectionate, playful nature, adaptability, and low exercise requirements make them a great choice for families and individuals living in an apartment.

Regular indoor play and short walks are sufficient to keep them happy & content in an apartment setting.

Features of this breed

• Origin: France
• Height: 11-12 inches
• Weight: 16-28 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Colors: Various colors, including brindle, fawn, white, and pied
• Price: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (600-800 square feet approx.)

10. Maltese

Maltese is a charming and affectionate small-sized dog breed carrying a long, silky white coat, giving them an elegant appearance.

Their gentle nature, playfulness, and love for being around their owners make them excellent lap dogs and companions.

You should opt for this breed if you live in an apartment with a relaxed lifestyle, as they have low exercise requirements and only need regular indoor play and short walks to keep them happy and healthy.

Features of this breed

• Origin: Malta
• Height: 8-10 inches
• Weight: 4-7 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Colors: White (pure white coat)
• Price: ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (400-600 square feet approx.)

11. Shih-Tzu

Shih-Tzu is a friendly & affectionate small-sized dog breed carrying a distinctive push-in nose, expressive eyes & a luxurious long coat.

Their gentle, loyal nature makes them an excellent choice as a family companion & their moderate exercise needs make them well suited for individuals living in an apartment with a more relaxed lifestyle.

Regular indoor play and short walks are the only things they need to keep them happy & healthy in a small living space.

Features of this breed

• Origin: China
• Height: 9-10.5 inches
• Weight: 9-16 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-18 years
• Colors: Various colors, including black, white, gold, and various combinations
• Price: ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (400-600 square feet approx.)

12. Boston Terrier

Boston terrier is an affectionate, intelligent, and friendly small-sized dog breed carrying a tuxedo-like coat, bat-like ears, and a charming personality.

Their playful, adaptable nature makes them delightful pets for individuals/families alike, and their moderate exercise needs make them well-suited for apartment living.

Regular indoor activities and short walks should be enough to keep them healthy and happy.

Features of this breed

• Origin: United States (Boston, Massachusetts)
• Height: 15-17 inches
• Weight: 12-25 pounds
• Lifespan: 11-13 years
• Colors: Various colors, including black, brindle, seal, and white with markings
• Price: ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (400-600 square feet approx.)

13. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent, alert & friendly small-sized dog breed with a distinctive beard, eyebrows, and a playful, sociable and outgoing nature.

These dogs are known to serve as excellent watchdog & loyal companions. In addition, they only require a moderate amount of exercise, making them best suited for apartment living.

They will remain happy and healthy by participating in regular indoor activities and short walks.

Features of this breed

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 12-14 inches
• Weight: 11-20 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Colors: Various colors, including salt and pepper, black, and black and silver
• Price in India: ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (600-800 square feet approx.)

14. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound is a small, gentle, affectionate, and elegant sighthound with a short, smooth coat available in various colors.

Get this breed if you are looking for a companion that loves being around other people and pets & which requires low maintenance and minimal exercise.

Features of this breed

• Origin: Italy
• Height: 13-15 inches
• Weight: 7-14 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Colors: Various colors, including black, blue, fawn, red, and white
• Price: ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (400-600 square feet approx.)

15. Cocker Spaniel

Features of this breed

• Origin: United Kingdom (England)
• Height: 13.5-15.5 inches
• Weight: 26-34 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Colors: Various colors, including black, brown, golden, and tricolor
• Price in India: ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 (approximately)
• Apartment living preference: one or two-bedroom apartments (600-800 square feet approx.)

Conclusion

Coming to the best dogs for apartments in India, certain dog breeds stand out as ideal companions.

From pug, Golden retrievers to cocker spaniels, these breeds prove that size doesn't matter when it's about living in an apartment.

The only things that matter are nature and adaptability, which is critical in bringing warmth, and happiness and serving as the perfect furry friend to urban dwellers.