Living in bustling and busy cities can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. If you’re a dog owner, urban life poses some challenges that many might not understand. Having to look after pets that go bonkers in small or crowded spaces is a job in itself.
If you’re all about city life, you’re going to need a dog breed that has all that it takes to deal with crowded cities. If you’re in a situation like this, don’t sweat; go through our guide of 10 awesome dog breeds suitable for living in crowded cities.
Fantastic Dog Breeds that Move Well in Crowded Cities
1. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are tiny bundles of cuteness, with their bat-like ears, wrinkly skin, and short, broad muzzle. According to the American Kennel Club, Frenchies are one of the world’s most popular dogs. These gentle pups are great family dogs and get along well with children and other pets.
With their tiny legs and muscled-up small bodies, Frenchies are quite good at moving through crowded cities. They look like puppy-sized muffins, but can be quite watchful and alert. These tendencies, combined with their mostly barkless nature, make them awesome buddies for people living in cities.
Due to their size and moderate energy levels, Frenchies can live happily in small spaces. This perfect apartment living dog is also a gift to dog parents due to its minimal grooming needs. Their short and smooth coats shed a little, and weekly brushing is enough to keep them clean and sparkly.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are compact dogs that make wonderful companions for city dwellers. They’re affectionate and intelligent dogs that get along perfectly with children and other dogs in the household, as per Hills Pet.
King Charles are calm and sweet-natured lap dogs that can thrive in apartment life. They’re quite content cozying up with you while you watch your favorite series. If you tend to be a couch potato, this dog can make a good companion for you.
These small dogs don’t need a lot of physical activity; a little playtime in a dog park will keep them happy and healthy. Playing indoors will make them equally blissful. They’re moderate shedders who need minimal coat care, making them great dogs for busy owners.
3. Greyhound
If you need a chill dog that will happily lounge around your small apartment, a Greyhound is your best option. Although they appear active and athletic, Greyhounds have a famous nickname: “45-mile-per-hour couch potatoes.” We wonder what they have to say about it, but it kind of fits.
These easygoing pups have a calm demeanor and a sweet nature, which helps them enjoy the company of children, adults, and other house pets. They don’t need as much physical activity as some of the other dogs.
Their ability to stay happy indoors makes them great city pets. Still, it’s good to take them outside for some light daily walks. They’re independent in nature but possess a fondness for socialization; they’ll happily accompany you to cafes or take a little sidewalk trot outdoors.
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds are comical-looking, short-legged dogs that are quite popular pets among urbanites. One of the most suitable dogs for small living spaces, these pups will brighten up your apartment with their playful nature.
Dachshund, also called “wiener dog,” was originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, but they’re a really cherished breed in America. They’re family-friendly and curious with a little stubborn streak (because you can’t have it all).
As very smart dogs with a capability for independent thinking, they will love mental stimulation games. Despite being smaller dogs, they do need enough exercise to keep them healthy. Brisk walks, and playtime outdoors will keep your Dachshund content.
These dogs face only minimal shedding, but weekly brushing is still recommended to keep their coats clean and matt-free (for the long-coated Dachshunds).
5. Boston Terrier
These small dogs are perfectly suited for city life due to their size, temperament, and adaptability. Boston Terriers are flat-faced pups with batlike ears and a muscular body. They make loving lap dogs indoors but don’t mind some light walks outdoors.
These lively dogs are eager to please their owners and will fit in with any family. While apartment living is what they’re best suited for, they won’t freak out at the sight of people and other dogs outdoors. They can be handfuls as they need a lot of attention and suffer from separation anxiety.
These little dogs don’t need a lot of exercise but will enjoy playing fetch and short walks.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are beautiful, tiny dogs that make great companions for apartment dwellers. Their fluffy coats are a sight for sore eyes, and their affectionate nature warms their owners’ hearts. Few breeds are as lovey-dovey as Yorkies.
These compact but loyal dogs can be bossy at times as they have huge personalities. They’re made for the big city life with their fiesty and jaunty nature. How much exercise any breed needs can vary from dog to dog, depending on their health.
Yorkshire Terriers do need some regular exercise, but short walks and playtime pretty much do the trick. These intelligent pixies need their mental stimulation activities as well.
They have hypoallergenic but long hair; these dogs require regular grooming of their coat to prevent matting.
7. Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are highly adaptable dogs with low energy levels that can adjust well to city life and apartments. Great canine companions for busy city dwellers, they need less exercise than most breeds.
These small to medium-sized dogs have distinct, floppy ears that make them look too cute. They are scent hounds, so if you take them on a walk outside, they’re going to have fun exploring the smells. They have moderate grooming needs as their short, smooth coats have a low shedding level.
Bassets are generally happy dogs with a confident nature and don’t mind spending time on their own.
8. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhound (or Iggy) is a sleek-looking breed distinct for its long neck and lean legs. They are amiable companions despite their hunting dog instincts. These outgoing dogs make suitable pets for urbanites due to their sociable nature.
These canines do enjoy indoor time as their short coat can make them feel cold outdoors. They’re a bit challenging to train due to their stubbornness. Thankfully, grooming them isn’t so hard due to their hypoallergenic coat’s minimal shedding.
9. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a Chinese dog breed with a playful nature and an affectionate face. Shih Tzu (also called “Little Lions”) have a fluffy coat that can captivate onlookers.
Shih Tzu’s history of royal companions makes them great indoor dogs, as they used to be palace dwellers. They will joyfully live with you in your apartment, though. They thrive on affection and get along well with children and other dogs. Making them easier to handle outdoors as well.
They’re indoor dogs, so a little brisk walk outside is pretty much enough activity for them.
10. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu is another amazing Chinese breed that makes great companions for people living in crowded cities. They’re small but muscular dogs with a happy and affectionate nature. They look like miniature foxes due to their facial features and ears.
These little pups are high energy and love getting regular, proper exercise. They enjoy brisk walks and playtime outdoors; taking them to parks to allow them to burn off some energy will keep them content. They’re quite well behaved even when alone, but prone to separation anxiety.
Conclusion
Dogs are loyal and loving companions that make life worthwhile, no matter where you live. The busy and sometimes isolating lifestyles of big cities make dogs even more priceless as companions. To find the right dog for your lifestyle, make sure to get in touch with a reputable breeder or a good rescue center.
