City life can be hectic—traffic jams, crowded streets, and the never-ending buzz of daily hustle. But imagine coming home to a furry friend who doesn’t add to the chaos, but instead melts it all away.
That’s where easygoing dog breeds shine. These pups are the true masters of calm, adjusting effortlessly to apartment living, busy work schedules, and the occasional noisy neighbor. They don’t need acres of land or constant adventure; they’re perfectly content with a cozy couch, a short stroll around the block, and your company.
For city slickers who love the idea of a canine companion but worry about energy levels, exercise demands, or space, choosing the right breed makes all the difference.
These relaxed, adaptable dogs know how to keep things simple. Whether you’re sipping coffee at a local café, enjoying a weekend stroll through the park, or binge-watching your favorite show, they’re happy to be right there with you.
From affectionate dogs to calm companions with just the right spark of personality, easygoing breeds prove that urban life and dog ownership go hand in hand. Let’s meet the four-legged friends that thrive in the heart of the city.
Did you know? Some dogs are natural city dwellers—they thrive in smaller spaces and enjoy low-key routines. A calm canine companion can make your apartment feel cozy, help reduce stress, and even motivate you to take relaxing daily walks.
Easygoing Dog Breeds For City Slickers
1. French Bulldog
Meet the French Bulldog: small in size, big in personality, and basically the happiest roommate you could ask for. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they rank among the most favored tiny dog breeds worldwide, particularly in urban settings.
With their bat-like ears, wrinkly faces, and irresistible charm, French Bulldogs are the ultimate low-energy dog: always ready to greet you with a smile, join you on the couch, or simply be the adorable centerpiece of your apartment life.
These gleeful little loafers are famous for their cheerful dispositions, making them perfect companions for city dwellers who want a dog that’s equal parts playful and relaxed.
Not very vocal, Frenchies don’t bark excessively, yet their attentiveness makes them reliable watchdogs. They adjust well to living with individuals, couples, or families and don’t need extensive outdoor exercise.
While Frenchies do have bursts of energy, they’re not built for endurance. Moderate daily exercise—a short walk or some playtime—is usually enough to keep them content. And because they’re sensitive to heat and humidity, those city summer strolls might need to be kept short.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If snuggling were an Olympic sport, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would take home the gold. These small-to-medium-sized sweethearts thrive on human (or dog) companionship, making them perfect for city dwellers who want a furry friend to curl up with after a long day.
Weighing in at just 11 to 18 pounds, they’re easy to carry, easy to handle, and surprisingly easy to train—basically the ideal apartment companion. These sociable dogs possess a mild temperament, making them ideal for first-time dog owners. They are presently one of the most popular dog breeds.
With their big, soulful eyes and affectionate nature, Cavaliers have a way of making every couch feel like a throne and every Netflix binge feel like a royal affair.
Cavaliers do have a few grooming needs, like regular brushing to keep their silky coats smooth, ear cleaning, and the occasional professional trim.
But don’t let that scare you—they’re low-shedding, hypoallergenic-ish, and only need a few baths a year. So yes, they’re basically the perfect mix of low-maintenance and luxury.
3. Greyhound
Think “racing dog” and you might imagine a whirlwind of fur zooming through the city streets—but Greyhounds have a surprising secret: they’re basically the aristocrats of the dog world, perfectly content to lounge in style.
Greyhounds are classified as a large breed, with slim, streamlined bodies that extend from their heads down through their frame. Although originally bred for high-energy pursuits, they are generally calm and composed at home, showing little excitement toward strangers or new surroundings.
Most Greyhounds are true couch potatoes, happily loafing around the apartment with their humans, exuding an air of graceful calm. Of course, they still enjoy a daily walk and the occasional sprint in a safe, open space—but don’t worry, they’re not demanding marathons.
Their laid-back demeanor makes them ideal for city living, where space can be tight and hectic schedules are the norm.
PetMD noted they’ve a patient nature around children and are more likely to step away than react aggressively, though they do need their own personal space, which young children may sometimes inadvertently invade.
With their sleek frames, gentle personalities, and a penchant for curling up on the comfiest chair available, Greyhounds redefine what it means to be an active dog: elegant when they run, but masters of relaxation when at home.
4. Bulldog
If you’re a city slicker who appreciates a dog that’s low-key but full of character, the English Bulldog might just steal your heart—and your favorite armchair. These squat, wrinkly charmers are the ultimate after-work companions, happily lounging by your side while you unwind from the daily grind.
English Bulldogs originally descended from bull-baiting and butcher’s dogs, but through generations of selective breeding, they have become calm dogs—even sometimes lazy—companions.
Bulldogs are calm, easygoing, and downright lovable, making them perfect for apartment life. Sure, they adore their naps (and who can blame them?), but don’t let their laid-back attitude fool you—like all dogs, they still need a bit of daily exercise.
A short walk or playful romp is usually enough to keep them healthy, happy, and prevent those extra snoozes from turning into full-time hibernation.
While generally docile, they can show curiosity in new situations and may be reserved around strangers, yet they are loving and affectionate with familiar people. Bulldogs are not typically prone to excessive barking or digging, but without enough mental stimulation and attention, they can develop destructive behaviors.
With their wrinkly faces, snorts, and undeniable charisma, Bulldogs have a way of melting hearts and making even the busiest city apartment feel cozy. They’re the perfect mix of couch potato and devoted companion—basically your ideal work-from-home buddy.
5. Basset Hound
If laid-back city living is your vibe, the Basset Hound is basically your dream roommate…if your roommate were furry, droopy-eared, and had an uncanny sense of smell.
Basset Hounds are delightful, medium-sized dogs belonging to the hound group. They are calm and laid-back, rarely getting overly excited. Originally bred as slow, methodical hunters, they still enjoy leisurely walks with their owners. As per WebMD, this breed is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a loyal and dependable companion.
Bassets are famous for their droopy ears, soulful eyes, and that unmistakable “I’m judging you, but I still love you” expression. They’re affectionate without being clingy, making them perfect for city dwellers who want a companion to hang out with, but not a tiny shadow that follows you everywhere.
A leisurely 30 to 60 minutes of playtime a day is usually enough to keep them happy, leaving plenty of time for what they do best: snuggling and napping.
Bonus: Their slow-and-steady approach to life means you’ll never have to rush through the streets or worry about them bolting across a busy sidewalk.
Just grab a cozy blanket, settle in, and let your Basset Hound prove that happiness can be measured in naps, snuggles, and the occasional sniff of something mysteriously delicious.
6. Shih Tzu
If you’re a city slicker who enjoys the finer things in life—like cozying up on the couch with a blanket and a good book—a Shih Tzu might just be your furry soulmate.
These little fluffballs were basically bred to be adored, so don’t be surprised when your Shih Tzu claims your lap as their throne and demands cuddles on demand.
Perfect for apartments or small homes, Shih Tzus are the ultimate low-key companions. They’re affectionate, friendly, and they’ve somehow mastered the art of making you feel like the most important human in the world…all while looking impossibly cute doing it.
And yes, they’re as glamorous as they look. With a hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally, you won’t be constantly vacuuming fur off every surface—but a weekly brush will keep their luxurious locks silky, and the occasional trim ensures they don’t start resembling a tiny lion on wheels. Think of it as high-maintenance in the cutest possible way.
In short, the Shih Tzu is small in size but big on personality and love. They’re perfect for city dwellers who want a charming, cuddly companion that makes apartment life feel a little more like royalty.
7. Boston Terrier
This little tuxedoed charmer is the canine equivalent of your favorite coffee shop regular—friendly, stylish, and impossible not to smile at. With their compact size and cheerful disposition, Boston Terriers are perfect for apartment living and navigating crowded sidewalks without knocking over a latte (or a pedestrian).
Don’t let their pint-sized stature fool you—Boston Terriers have personality in spades. They’re smart, affectionate, and somehow always ready to crack a joke with their expressive faces.
Seriously, their “oops, I just stole your sandwich” look is Oscar-worthy. They thrive on human companionship, making them ideal for city dwellers who love a pup that’s basically a four-legged shadow…minus the judgment when you binge-watch a whole season in one night.
Another bonus: Boston Terriers are relatively low-maintenance. They don’t need endless hours of outdoor romps (though they love a good stroll), and their short coat means less fur on your sleek apartment furniture.
Their adaptability and charm make them an easygoing city companion who’ll turn even the busiest block into a little neighborhood party. If you’re a city slicker who wants a dog that’s classy, affectionate, and just quirky enough to keep life interesting, the Boston Terrier is basically your four-legged soulmate.
Conclusion
Choosing easygoing dog breeds means balancing lifestyle and pet needs. Apartment dwellers benefit from calm dogs, quiet breeds, and those that thrive in smaller spaces, like Maltese dogs or Shih Tzu’s coat-friendly companions.
Low-maintenance dog breeds, small dog breeds, and those requiring minimal grooming fit well in apartments, while long-haired breeds may need regular grooming. Dogs with a gentle nature, laid-back nature, or playful nature provide mental and physical stimulation without excessive exercise, making them ideal for active households or relatively low-energy owners.
Consider large dogs like Golden Retrievers for outdoor adventures, mindful of moderate exercise, or smaller dogs for light exercise and mental stimulation. Dog lovers and pet owners should also address separation anxiety, provide regular vet checkups, and enjoy dog park visits. Overall, city pets flourish with fair exercise, proper stimulation, and affectionate companionship, making them great apartment pets and loyal companions for urban life.
