12 Best Apartment Dogs for Full-Time Workers — our top picks
Shiba Inu
Smallest Japanese spitz breed with fox-like appearance. Independent, clean, and alert with strong personality.
Shar Pei
Chinese breed with distinctive wrinkles and blue-black tongue. Independent and loyal but can be aloof.
Basenji
Barkless African hunting dog with cat-like cleanliness. Independent, intelligent, and unique.
Pekingese
Ancient Chinese breed with lion-like mane and dignified bearing. Independent and somewhat aloof companion.
Japanese Chin
Oriental toy breed with distinctive flat face and cat-like personality. Elegant and dignified companion.
Chow Chow
Ancient Chinese breed with blue-black tongue and lion-like mane. Independent and dignified with strong protective instincts.
French Bulldog
Muscular flat-faced breed with bat ears and adaptable personality. Excellent apartment companion.
Saluki
Ancient Persian sighthound with feathered or smooth coat. Independent, gentle, and built for endurance running.
Sloughi
Ancient North African sighthound. Elegant and noble hunter with aloof dignity.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Unique Scottish terrier with long body and distinctive topknot. Calm, dignified, and devoted companion.
Sealyham Terrier
Small Welsh terrier with distinctive white coat. Calm, charming, and less aggressive than most terriers.
Boston Terrier
American Gentleman with tuxedo markings and friendly disposition. Intelligent and easy-going companion.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 321 breeds is scored on the traits that matter most for this lifestyle — energy, size, temperament, grooming and trainability — using our vet-reviewed breed database. Read more about our methodology, or take the free quiz for a ranking personalised to you.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Which dog suits an apartment if I work full-time?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the Shiba Inu ranks as the top choice for flat-dwellers who work away from home, followed by the Shar Pei and Basenji.
- How was this list of dogs for flat-dwellers who work away from home chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for flat-dwellers who work away from home — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.