If you live in a small apartment, a Great Dane will not be the ideal choice for a pet. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring home a loving and loyal canine companion.

When you have a small home and yard, you need to find a dog that doesn’t have a lot of energy and requires only a small amount of exercise. Also, you don’t want to choose a dog that is prone to excessive barking, as that could get you in trouble with the neighbors and the owner.

Below are five breeds that do well in small apartments.

• Pug

These little flat-nosed beauties love to snuggle with their owners. They don’t need a lot of exercise and will be just as happy to sit at your feet as they are to run around the block. They usually won’t bark for no reason, which is another trait that makes them great for apartment living.

• Bichon frize

These dogs look like a fluffy white snowball. While some breeds of toys drive their owners crazy with constant high-pitched barking, the Bichon Frize is generally much quieter. They don’t shed much, but daily brushing is required.

• Poodles

Poodles are very intelligent and therefore easy to train. This dog hardly sheds anything, but constant grooming is required. The larger poodles (standard and miniature) require a bit more exercise than the toy poodle, but all three make good apartment dogs.

• Greyhound

Many would be very surprised if greyhounds appear on this list. Although extremely athletic, these dogs are just as happy to hang out with you in the living room. They have to walk every day, but those walks are usually all the exercise they require. They are very quiet and relaxed, two more qualities that make them an excellent option for a small space.

• Yorkshire terrier

According to the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org), these little dogs weigh between 3 and 7 pounds. That small size means that they can work with whatever power they have even in a small space. They love being with their owners and only require a few short walks a day. However, they do require good grooming to keep their coat in tip-top shape.

These aren’t the only dogs that are great options for apartment living. Any dog ​​that does not have a high energy level or is prone to excessive barking will be a good choice.

Be aware that there are many mixed breed dogs in shelters across the country looking for a home. The workers at these shelters will be able to tell you about their personalities and can help you find a dog that meets your needs.

Visit your local shelter or call a rescue group near you. Tell them that you are looking for a low energy dog ​​that does not require a lot of space. They will be happy to help you find the perfect canine companion for you.