City life has its charm—coffee shops on every block, rooftop vibes, food delivery at 2 AM—but it’s not exactly a peaceful country meadow. And if you’re a dog lover with a downtown address, choosing the right pup becomes less about chasing squirrels and more about fitting comfortably on the couch during Netflix marathons.
Enter the easygoing dog breeds: the chill companions that thrive in an apartment setting, ride elevators like pros, and don’t panic at the sound of traffic horns or your neighbor’s bass-heavy playlist.
Whether you’re navigating tight hallways or cozy studios, these dogs keep their cool. They don’t need sprawling backyards or endless hikes—just some love, a few short walks, and maybe a sunbeam to nap in.
Think of them as urban Zen masters wrapped in fur. We’ll introduce you to the mellow, friendly, and low-energy best dog breeds perfect for city dwellers who want the joy of dog ownership without the chaos of an overly energetic roommate.
Bonus? Most of them won’t wake the neighbors with every squirrel sighting. Let’s dive into the calm, compact world of dogs made for city living.
Easygoing Dog Breeds for City Living
1. French Bulldog
If you’re living the city life with cramped elevators, tiny balconies, and noise at all hours, the French Bulldog is your laid-back urban soulmate.
French Bulldogs are small, sturdy dogs with a signature look—short snout, wide flat face, and those iconic oversized bat ears. Adults usually weigh under 28 pounds and measure around 11 to 13 inches tall, sporting a compact build with a broad, muscular chest.
Calmness: Naturally chill—your ultimate couch buddy who’s always down for a lazy day
Barking Level: Quiet overall—more likely to snort, grunt, or sigh dramatically than bark
Exercise Requirements: Minimal needs—one short stroll, and they’re happy to flop on the nearest cushion
These bat-eared bundles of joy are low-maintenance, low-energy, and high on charm. They’re perfectly happy snoozing on your couch while you Zoom into your fourth meeting of the day, and they won’t judge your takeout habit, mostly because they’re hoping you drop something.
While their unique appearance is undeniably charming, it also comes with a downside: Frenchies are prone to a number of health issues, especially those related to their facial structure.
Why French Bulldogs Rule the Urban Jungle:
✅ Compact size = fits in your lap, tote bag, and can be great apartment dogs.
✅ Doesn’t need a yard—just a cozy blanket and a sunbeam
✅ Rarely barks, so no angry neighbor notes under the door
✅ Social butterfly without the need for constant motion
Frenchies are adaptable, affectionate, and make friends wherever they go (especially with neighbors who have snacks). With a face that says “I woke up like this”, they’re a hit in city parks, coffee shops, and Instagram stories alike.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Living in a small space? No problem—this regal little lovebug will happily turn your 500 sq. ft. apartment into their personal palace.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the gentlest, most affectionate breeds around. They thrive on companionship, adore snuggles, and adjust seamlessly to city life as long as they’re close to their humans.
Calmness: Super mellow and affectionate pups—they practically melt in your lap
Barking Level: Generally quiet—more into soulful gazes than sound alarms
Exercise Requirements: Low to moderate exercise—daily strolls and indoor play do the trick
They’re polite, friendly with strangers, and won’t bark unless absolutely necessary (like if you stop petting them). While they enjoy walks and light play, they’re just as content binge-watching your favorite shows curled up on the couch—bonus points if there’s a blanket involved.
Why Cavaliers Make Great Urban Roommates:
✅ Small, portable, and perfectly sized for city living
✅ Friendly with neighbors, strangers, delivery folks—you name it
✅ Easygoing and adaptable, even in a noisy environment
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are true companion dogs that crave human interaction. They don’t do well when left alone for extended periods and thrive best in homes where they can be part of the daily action and showered with attention.
3. Greyhound
Don’t let the long legs and race track résumé fool you—Greyhounds are secretly some of the laziest dogs on Earth. Nicknamed the “40-mph couch potato,” this fastest breed loves short bursts of exercise followed by hours of lounging. If you’ve got a soft bed and a quiet vibe, they’re all in.
Calmness: Surprisingly chill—they’ll out-relax you any day
Barking Level: Very quiet—would rather nap than yap
Exercise Requirements: Short daily walks or a fenced-in sprint, then it’s nap time
Despite their size, Greyhounds are surprisingly ideal for apartment living. They’ve a calm temperament and don’t bark much. Plus, their short coats mean less shedding, which your furniture will appreciate. They’re also famous for their sweet, sensitive personalities and cat-like love for creature comforts.
Why Greyhounds Are Low-Key Urban Legends:
✅ Ideal for quiet buildings—they’re not fans of drama or loud noise
✅ Minimal grooming and super low odor—bonus for shared spaces
✅ Sweet, polite, and gentle—like having a very quiet roommate who’s always sleepy
Greyhounds are naturally energetic and thrive on both physical and mental stimulation. To keep them happy and healthy, their families should provide regular opportunities for high-energy activities and exercise, PetMD noted.
When it comes to training, Greyhounds can be a bit independent—they were bred to chase, not to take orders. This means training may take some patience and consistency, as they often prefer making their own decisions over following commands.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies may be small, but they’ve got the confidence of a dog ten times their size—and the hair to match. This pint-sized pup is a city slicker at heart, thriving in small apartments where they can rule the roost from a plush cushion or sunny windowsill.
Calmness: Spirited, but can settle in as a lap dog queen
Barking Level: Can be vocal—early training helps tame their sass
Exercise Requirements: Regular walks and indoor play will keep them content
One of the Yorkie’s most distinctive features is its long, silky coat of blue and tan hair, which is often styled into a chic, trimmed haircut, making them look like they just stepped out of a doggie salon.
Don’t be fooled by their silky locks and fancy bows—Yorkies were bred as working dogs and still carry that bold, alert attitude. They’re loyal to their people, full of spunk, and love short adventures followed by long cuddles.
Why Yorkies Shine in Small Spaces:
✅ Teeny tiny—perfect for even the coziest city studio
✅ Loves human companionship and fits perfectly in your tote bag
✅ Doesn’t need a yard—just a warm lap and maybe a cute sweater
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Yorkies are known for their long lifespans and hypoallergenic coats, which are more similar to human hair than typical dog fur.
Despite their small size, they make excellent little watchdogs—alert, protective, brave, and always ready to sound the alarm. While they can get a little barky if not trained early, many city dwellers love their watchdog instincts (your doorbell will never go unnoticed again).
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu hails from China and is believed by some to be a mix between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. Their name translates to “lion” in Chinese—a nod to their majestic look. Originally bred to warm the laps of Chinese emperors, the Shih Tzu hasn’t lost an ounce of their regal charm—or their appreciation for indoor luxury.
Calmness: Laid-back and loving—born to lounge
Barking Level: Quiet and polite—won’t disturb the peace
Exercise Requirements: Just a little play and some leisurely strolls
These sweet-natured dogs are great family pets. They’re calm, affectionate, and happiest when they’re lounging somewhere soft and getting pampered.
Shih Tzus aren’t big barkers and generally do well with neighbors and guests. They’re a great match for anyone looking for a friendly, low-exercise, high-cuteness roommate. Just be ready for regular grooming—because royalty doesn’t do frizz.
Why Shih Tzus Are Apartment Royalty:
✅ Compact and calm—no need for a backyard kingdom
✅ Friendly with strangers and other pets
✅ Loves a routine that involves treats, naps, and admiration
These dogs were bred as royal companions, spending their days lounging in palace halls rather than roaming outdoors. As a result, Shih Tzus require only minimal exercise and are perfectly suited to an indoor lifestyle.
6. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are the kind of dogs that look like they were made in a fancy dessert shop—fluffy, sweet, and completely irresistible. They belong to the Barbichon family of breeds, which also includes their close cousins: the Bolognese, Havanese, and Maltese.
Calmness: Cheerful and well-balanced—not too hyper, not too sleepy
Barking Level: Generally quiet unless excited—then it’s a happy yapfest
Exercise Requirements: A daily stroll and some indoor playtime to keep them content
But underneath all that puff is a cheerful, playful little companion that thrives in apartment settings. Bichons are social butterflies that adore people, other dogs, and just about anyone who offers a belly rub.
This small dog breed is not yappy, but they do love being the center of attention, so expect them to follow you from room to room like a tiny, fuzzy shadow. And though they’re energetic in short bursts, they don’t require intense exercise—just some playtime and walks around the block.
Why Bichons Fit Perfectly into Apartment Life:
✅ Small, hypoallergenic, and nearly fluffier than your throw pillows
✅ Sociable and friendly with both pets and neighbors
✅ Doesn’t need a backyard—just someone to bounce around with
✅ Loves routine, snuggles, and looking fabulous at all times
Bichon Frises make wonderful companions for just about any household, even for first-time dog owners. Petplan noted Bichon Frises have a tendency to be a bit chatty, so early socialization and consistent training are essential to help manage their vocal habits.
7. Pug
Pugs are basically the comedians of the dog world—silly, sweet, and full of squishy-faced charm. These compact canines were bred to be lap dogs, and they take that role very seriously.
Calmness: Easygoing and affectionate—they’ll nap with you all day
Barking Level: Pretty quiet—unless there’s food involved
Exercise Requirements: Light walks and a game of “follow me to the fridge”
Pugs are affectionate companions who absolutely love being the center of attention. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy being involved in the daily routines of their household. If you live in an apartment and want a dog who’s equal parts loyal dog and lazy cuddle buddy, the Pug is your ideal roommate.
They don’t need much space or regular exercise, and they’re generally low-maintenance aside from cleaning their adorable wrinkles. They’re also not big barkers, though they do have a signature snort-and-sigh routine that’ll make you laugh out loud.
Why Pugs Are Perfect City Pals:
✅ Small, sturdy, and hilarious—great for tiny homes and big hearts
✅ Doesn’t need a backyard, just access to a cozy lap
✅ Social and friendly with everyone, from the UPS guy to your cat
✅ Ideal for mellow households with plenty of snack breaks
As a brachycephalic breed, Pugs have a short snout, flat face, narrow nostrils, and restricted airways, often accompanied by an elongated soft palate. These features make them sensitive to heat and prone to breathing difficulties, especially during intense activity.
Bonus Fun: Pugs are basically living cartoons. They snore, snort, sneeze, and sometimes spin in circles when excited—and you’ll love them even more for it.
Conclusion
When it comes to city living and apartment life, choosing the right furry friend makes all the difference. Easygoing dog breeds like Boston Terriers, Basset Hounds, and even some mixed-breed dogs are surprisingly well-suited for urban environments. With moderate energy levels, they thrive with minimal exercise needs and interactive play, making them ideal for busy city folks who rely on a dog walker or have limited time. Some medium-sized dogs and even a large dog like a Golden Retriever can adapt well with enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a seasoned dog lover, there are different breeds with a playful nature and affectionate nature that do great around other dogs and adjust well to different living environments. In short, whether you’re walking through crowded streets or relaxing at home, these city dogs are well-suited for the pace of urban living, proving that even high-energy dogs can thrive and stay healthy in the heart of the city.
