Australia is in the top 20 countries for the highest dog population, so the fact that we love man’s best friend is no secret. However, when you live in an apartment, owning one can become tricky, as lack of space, comfort and entertainment can all become concerns.

Don’t worry, though – in this article we’re going to show you the top 5 low-energy, calm and quiet dog breeds that will make the ideal companion in your apartment or unit, as well as how you can keep them happy. Read on to find out more.

1) Greyhounds

Greyhounds are a larger breed of dog and shed an average amount of hear. They’re gentle, calm and quiet and surprisingly lazy for a breed known for its athleticism. Greyhounds love walks and have a strong chasing instinct, so getting them out of the apartment a couple times a day for a game of fetch is an absolute must. Exercise should last for 20-40 minutes a day.

2) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs are both small in size and shed a lower than average amount of hair. They’re great with kids and any other pets you might have, so if you’ve already got a cat in your apartment, they’ll fit right in. This breed is affectionate, playful and loves being around humans.

3) Miniature or Toy Poodles

Poodles are a highly intelligent species of dog, making them easy to train. They’re also an incredibly friendly breed that sheds a very small amount of hair. Poodles thrive on attention and love fun and action, so need 40 minutes of exercise each day.

4) Shih-Tzu

Shih-Tzu’s are a compact, happy breed. They love attention and being close to humans, so make a perfect lap dog. Since they’re only little, they require just 20 minutes of exercise a day.

5) Dachshund (the sausage dog)

This breed is ideal for indoor living, as their slight stature and short limbs mean even the smallest of apartments give them plenty of space to stretch their legs. These dogs are loyal, great watchdogs and fantastic with children, but they can be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. Dachshunds should be exercised for 20-40 minutes a day, so get them down to your local park for a run-around.