Dogs

20 Best Indoor Dog Breeds

On Jul 30, 2024

Various dog breeds enjoy being in indoor environments because of their small size, calm demeanor, and low exercise needs. It makes them an ideal companion for owners with limited outdoor space.

Indoor dogs require much less exercise and need less space to be comfortable. Dogs with low prey drive can do better indoors than their high prey canine friends. These indoor pups can entertain themselves and are low maintenance and calm. Their playful nature and calm behavior make them excellent indoor family dogs.

1. Pug

Pugs are the most popular city dogs because of their adaptability. They show charming personalities with round eyes and innocent faces, making people fall in love.

They have a gentle and intuitive demeanor and are caring and affectionate. Because of their smaller sizes, calmness, and lazy attitude, they make the perfect indoor dog breeds. Also, they don't need enough exercise to keep them slim, and this is ideal if you want a homebody.

2. Chihuahua

These little furry companions don't leave your side when you are home and roam around you to enjoy spending time. They can thrive in apartments and smaller spaces due to their smaller sizes.

They have a charming and independent personality. With moderate activity levels, a run down the hall or playtime in the living room is enough exercise for them. The owners can satisfy their pup with a normal walk around the fences.

3. Dachshund

Dachshunds are unique hound dogs with long bodies and short legs. Due to their shorter legs and unique physique, they are perfect as indoor dogs.

Their smaller size makes excellent pets for small spaces and for owners who are lazy themselves. This breed should avoid running around, since their short legs and thick, aren't conductive to sustaining high energy exercises for two long.

4. American Hairless Terrier

These dogs are good to go after swift walks because they enjoy being indoors. The owners must help these dogs to protect their skin from the sun and the cold.

With an average height of 14 inches, they are ideal indoor dogs with playful and curious personalities. They are hypoallergenic so they won't go outside and are great for allergy sufferers, who want a companion in their home. Despite their size, they carry enough energy conducted into indoor play and training.

5. Bulldog

Bulldogs are big dogs with a small frame weighing 40-50 pounds but standing 15 inches tall. Their smaller size makes them the best apartment dogs with a low-key characteristic.

They usually love people and tend to get along with other canine friends. They may have playful spirits or energy but are known for being couch potatoes. Also, they make great cuddling partners with their human companions and often enjoy regular walks and social time with them.

6. Bichon Frise

Bichons are active dogs, but because they are smaller, they don't need much space to roam around. They are a cheerful, small dog breed with a love of mischief and lots of love to give.

They almost look like a child's toy due to their black eyes and fluffy white coat. These pups are the happiest and most enthusiastic companion for cuddling around the house with their owner. Bichon Frise is playful and intelligent and can get along easily with apartment dwellers.

7. Basset Hound

Basset hounds possess a lovable personality and low energy levels, excellent companions for home buddies. These adorable and long-eared pups are easygoing and survive indoors and they get along well with people and other dogs.

Once you are home from work, you may get ready for a lazy snooze. They enjoys low-key and indoor lifestyles as a hardcore couch potatoes. Eventhough they are ideal for indoors, they need a daily walk around the block to keep them happy.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

They are small dogs with even-tempered and calm personalities. Cavaliers are the most adaptable pups available and are more than happy to adjust to your lifestyle.

They don't need much room to spread out and can easily live in installer spaces. They love to enjoy themselves with the kids and other pets outdoors. Eventhough, though they are bred for outdoor adventures, they also spend time snuggling with human companions.

9. Chow Chow

Chow Chow are large and fluffy animals, which doesn't need much extreme outdoor exercise or interaction with others. They carry their aloof and loyal personality and are devoted to their families ignoring the strangers.

These dogs are best known to be gentle and independent. They are intelligent dogs and can entertain themselves while living indoors. They need moderate exercises, including regular walks and playtime.

10. French Bulldog

Frenchies have muscular and compact frames with heavy bones and squared-shaped heads. They are small and have an outgoing personality. These bulldogs are social, silly, and playful, making them ideal companions.

These pups don't feel the need to bark to announce themselves and enjoy indoor playing time rather than outdoors. They love being the companions of their human parents and bond deeply with the household members.

11. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small toy dog breed, popular in indoor spaces and apartment living. They weigh only 7 pounds and are ideal for smaller spaces.

These breed dogs enjoy being around people and are adaptable and energetic. They are playful and affectionate, so make time for interactive games as well as daily walks. They love to curl up in your lap or receive praise and attention from family members and guests alike.

12. Poodle

Poodles are intelligent and adaptable dogs that are highly trainable and love being around people. They are ideal indoor dog breeds due to their low shedding rate and hypoallergenic nature.

Their high energy does well with regular exercise and mental stimulation. They will survive easily in city life if you provide them with obedience training and socialization skills. They can get engaged with interactive toys and regular walks around the house.

13. Maltese

The Maltese weigh only 7 pounds but have a very big personality. You can expect them to be playful and affectionate companion with minimal exercise due to their smaller stature. They just need an interactive play session, which is sufficient.

Also, they love to spend time with their human companions and it's best not to leave these dogs for many hours at a time. They are dignified little dogs who adapt well to just about any lifestyle. They are also content to lounge inside with you as often as you.

14. Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is a fascinating breed that is very aware of strangers and is a loyal watchdog. They can easily adapt to indoor living due to their low energy levels and independent nature.

Eventhough they have lower energy levels, they need a regular walk and playtime for good physical and mental health. However, extra socialization is crucial as you want them to show good behavior later on. They become aggressive but adapts well with effective home training.

15. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a true lapdog that survives on close companionship and doesn't require much room to roam or run. You can keep these dogs active and healthy with just 20 to 30 minutes of walking every day.

They are known for their socializing traits with children and other pets, making them an easy addition to any family. While they enjoy walks, they are content with the indoor playtime and love to cuddle and be close to their humans.

16. Japanese Chin

These quiet pups will happily tag along for a walk. They can be stubborn stones and much prefer indoor playtime rather than outdoor activities.

These Japanese pups were bred as companion animals for Japanese nobility, but are dignified and love doting on their humans. They are also known for their loving and devoted nature stay quiet indoors and don't take much space due to their compact size.

17. Basenji

For an active companion, who makes a good apartment dog, you can consider getting a Basenji. They require extended exercise every day but their other traits make them ideal fir for indoor living.

They are rarely vocal so barking won't be an issue. The breed also has a reputation for cleanliness and will self-groom like a cat. This smaller breed typically weighs less than 25 pounds when full grown.

18. Havanese

The Havanese are known for their affection, intelligence, and attractive silky coat. They are a natural fit as one of the best indoor dog breeds with their small size.

These dogs are quick enough to bark at unfamiliar people and sounds, so you should provide early training to be calm and not to bark excessively. They are also known for their loving and devoted nature and adjusts well to different living environments.

19. Japanese Spitz

The Japanese spitz exhibits a bigger and all-white pomeranian with a thicker chest. They are known as sweeter dogs and are one of the cleanest dog breeds.

Their compact size, medium energy levels, and intelligence make them well-suited for indoor living. These dogs are affectionate and playing and enjoy human companionship through cuddling and being a lapdog.

20. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the world. These dogs are known for their loyal and friendly nature with people.

They are active dogs and require long walks every day. The one major proud thing for owners is that these dogs are very gentle around children and take care of children indoors. Also, they are easy to housetrain, which makes them the best indoor family dog.