Cramped apartment? Busy schedule? Don’t think city life and dog ownership are compatible? Think again! Certain breeds thrive in urban environments, happily adapting to smaller spaces and bustling sidewalks. Whether you’re looking for a cuddly couch potato or an energetic companion for city strolls, this list of 9 dog breeds perfectly suited for city living will help you find the paw-fect urban pup to share your concrete jungle. From low-shedding companions to pocket-sized pals, get ready to meet your new best friend.
When choosing the best dog breeds for city living, it’s important to find a dog that thrives in small spaces and around other people and pets. Every dog is unique, even within the same breed, so it’s essential to consider your lifestyle and the kind of companion you want.
City life can look different for everyone—some may enjoy an active, on-the-go routine, while others might prefer a more relaxed and cozy experience with their furry friend. While many city-friendly dogs have lower to moderate energy levels, they still need daily walks, mental stimulation, and plenty of love to stay happy.
As you search for the perfect dog, take into account their energy levels, personality, and physical needs for space and exercise. Think about whether you’re looking for a friendly dog who gets along with everyone or if you prefer a guard dog to keep watch over your home.
Although we’ve gathered some of the top dog breeds for city living, it’s crucial to do your own research to ensure the dog you choose aligns with your lifestyle, energy levels, and specific needs. After all, the right match will lead to a joyful and lasting companionship!
Dog Breeds Perfect For City Living
1. Basenji
The Basenji is a great choice for city living, especially if you’re active. Weighing under 25 pounds, they fit well in small spaces. This small dog needs plenty of exercise, like at least an hour of walking or jogging daily, but it’s perfect for apartments due to its quiet nature – it rarely barks. Grooming is simple, with just a quick brush or wipe once or twice a week, and they are naturally clean, even grooming themselves like cats.
According to Hill’s Pet, the Basenji is known for being affectionate with its family but can be aloof around strangers. While not naturally outgoing, they form strong bonds with their loved ones. While they are smart, they can be tricky to train and need patience.
Originally bred to hunt in packs, Basenjis usually get along well with other dogs if socialized early, though they can sometimes be a bit feisty with other Basenjis. With proper socialization and care, they make a loyal and low-maintenance companion for city living.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful choice for city living, including apartment life, as long as they get enough exercise. These small, affectionate dogs love spending time with their families and are known for their gentle and adaptable nature. Their compact size makes them perfect for smaller spaces, and their kind, loyal temperament makes them a joy to live with.
Their beautiful coats require daily brushing to prevent matting, especially during shedding seasons in autumn and spring. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make excellent family pets, enjoying the company of people of all ages as long as they’re well-socialized from a young age. They thrive in homes where someone is around most of the time, so they might not be ideal if you have a busy lifestyle that keeps you away often.
PDSA points out that Cavaliers are eager to please, which makes them fairly easy to train, especially with positive, reward-based methods from an early age. They are generally calm and easy-going, and while they don’t bark excessively, they may bark when excited or when someone new arrives. Consistency in training will help them avoid bad habits.
3. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are small, compact dogs that are perfect for city living, especially in apartments. Their sociable nature makes them well-suited to indoor life, and living outdoors isn’t ideal due to their coats, which can get dirty and matted. Although they don’t shed, their coats need frequent brushing to stay clean and tangle-free.
WebMD notes that Bichons are easy to train because they love pleasing their owners and adapt well to change, staying calm with loud noises or environmental shifts. They are moderately active, enjoying bursts of energy and playtime, balanced with long periods of relaxation. Their versatility also makes them popular as show, companion, and therapy dogs.
Bichon Frises are curious dogs that notice everything around them, but they aren’t protective or territorial. They are friendly and not wary of strangers, making them great for households that often have guests. Their sociable and easygoing nature ensures they’ll be welcoming to new people, adding to their charm as perfect city and apartment dogs.
4. Maltese
The Maltese is a petite dog, typically weighing less than seven pounds, making them easy to carry and perfect for taking along wherever dogs are allowed. Their small size means they don’t need much living space, so they’re great for apartment living.
Friendly and adaptable, the Maltese makes an excellent lapdog with its trusting and gentle nature, always happy to be a loyal companion. The Maltese has a charming and playful personality, though they can also be a bit stubborn and willful at times. They form strong bonds with their families and are happiest when they’re by your side throughout the day. Because of this attachment, leaving them alone for long periods can lead to separation anxiety.
Their long, elegant coat requires regular grooming, but they don’t shed much due to their single coat. Although energetic, they don’t need extensive exercise and enjoy activities like indoor play or simply walking with you.
5. Dachshunds
Dachshunds are a great fit for apartment and city living due to their small size and adaptability, though they do tend to bark. They need regular exercise, like moderate walks twice a day, to keep them fit and support their long backs. Dachshunds are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, as they don’t shed excessively.
Known for their long, sausage-like shape, these “wiener dogs” have big personalities, being brave, clever, and vocal, making them excellent watchdogs. Playful and adaptable, Dachshunds are popular family pets, good with children, and often get along well with other dogs.
Dachshunds can be a bit stubborn and independent, which can make training challenging at times. However, their affectionate nature helps balance this trait. With a training approach that focuses on rewards and positive reinforcement, most Dachshunds will respond well and make great progress.
6. Corgis
Corgis are adaptable dogs, thriving in both city and country settings, which makes them ideal family pets. They handle life changes well, making them a great fit for growing families. With their short legs, Corgis can easily get the exercise they need even in smaller spaces like apartments.
My Family Vets states that these social dogs love having company over but are also comfortable being alone while you’re at work. While they are friendly, Corgis tend to be quite vocal and can make excellent guard dogs, often barking at guests. They can adjust to apartment living but would prefer some outdoor space to roam.
Corgis are highly intelligent, making them easier to train and a great choice for first-time dog owners. They are known for their affectionate personalities and are very loyal to their families. Corgis love spending time with their humans, whether it’s relaxing on the couch or enjoying a walk.
7. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are an excellent choice for small city living, as they don’t require much space to stay happy and healthy. They love being close to their owners, often sticking by your side or lounging under your feet. This breed is ideal for active apartment dwellers, as they are loving, devoted, and enthusiastic companions.
Whether snuggling on your lap or joining you for a walk, Boston Terriers are content with a few short walks around the block to burn off their energy. Known for their playful antics, they are sweet, smart, easy to train, and perfect for families.
Boston Terriers do have a high prey drive, but with early socialization, they can get along well with cats and even rabbits. Proper introductions and consistent training can help them peacefully coexist with other pets in the household.
8. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are ideal for city living due to their small size and moderate exercise needs. They are intelligent and quick learners, making them easy to train for urban environments. These dogs are loving and thrive on human companionship, happily adapting to life in a flat or a larger home.
Shih Tzus make great family pets, as they are gentle and fun-loving, but early socialization is key to preventing anxious behaviors like excessive barking. They also need regular exercise and routine grooming to keep them happy and healthy.
According to AKC, the Shih Tzu’s coat, which comes in a variety of colors, is one of its most striking features and well worth the time spent grooming. Few dogs can match the beauty of a well-groomed Shih Tzu. Their adorable, lively charm makes them irresistibly cute, and maintaining their luxurious coat enhances their natural elegance.
9. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are alert little dogs that make excellent watchdogs, often barking to alert their families to any potential intruders. They are well-suited to city living, as they don’t need much space to stay happy and healthy. These dogs are moderately active and great with children, making them a good fit for various households.
Griffons have a sensitive nature and love sticking close to their special human, which makes them an ideal choice for those who work from home. Their rough coats require professional grooming, and as brachycephalic dogs with flat faces, they are prone to snoring and sensitive to both hot and cold weather. Known as “Velcro” dogs, Brussels Griffons crave constant companionship and love spending every moment with their families.
Brussels Griffons generally do well in families with children, other dogs, or cats, but their sensitive nature means supervision is recommended. They can be a bit nervous around strangers or in new situations, but they are usually not aggressive or overly vocal.
Conclusion
In city life, finding the right dog breed to match your living situation can make all the difference. For city dwellers, smaller living spaces often mean opting for small dogs like the French Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier, or even the laid-back Basset Hound. These city dogs (not in this list) adapt well to apartment life and typically require less space, making them great apartment dogs.
For those looking for a loyal companion, lap dogs such as the French Bulldogs are ideal, while Basset Hounds offer a more relaxed temperament for city dwellers who prefer a calm yet affectionate pet. Despite their small size, these breeds still need mental stimulation and regular dog walking to keep them happy and healthy.
While large breed dogs might seem out of place in smaller living spaces, some medium-sized dogs and even large breeds can adapt to urban life with the right care. High energy dogs or big dogs might benefit from a dog walker to ensure they get enough exercise. Additionally, city dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier can serve as a great little guard dog, alerting you to any activity outside your door. Purebred dogs come in a variety of energy levels and temperaments, making it important to choose one that suits your lifestyle, whether you prefer a high-energy breed for outdoor adventures or a more laid-back companion for quiet nights at home.
Ultimately, the “perfect” city dog depends on individual lifestyles and living spaces. While these nine breeds, with their adaptable temperaments and manageable exercise needs, are strong contenders for apartment life, thorough research and honest self-assessment are crucial. Consider your ability to meet a dog’s specific needs, from grooming to training and socialization. Choosing a breed that truly complements your urban lifestyle ensures a happy, harmonious partnership for both you and your canine companion. Adopting from a shelter is a wonderful option; speak to rescue staff about their dogs’ personalities to find the best urban fit.