City dwellers need to consider a lot of factors before adopting a dog. Good candidates cannot be frequent barkers, as they might disturb your neighbors. They should have moderate exercise needs and do not need lots of space for physical and mental stimulation.
A walk around the block or indoor play sessions provide adequate enrichment. Dog breeds suitable for urban settings are comfortable living in confined spaces. Their manageable size and adaptable nature make them ideal apartment dogs.
At the same time, they are sensitive to human emotions and get attuned to them. Being fiercely loyal to their owners, they can understand what they are feeling. In the hustle and bustle of city life, they offer comforting companionship and bring happiness in stressful situations.
Here are some extra sensitive dog breeds for urban settings.
Extra Sensitive Dog Breeds For Urban Settings
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are loving and affectionate dogs that were originally bred to serve as companions. These friendly dogs need human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods, explains PetMD.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very sensitive to their environment and become anxious when there is stress or tension in the home. Cavaliers are also used in hospitals and other therapeutic settings where these empathetic dogs offer emotional support with their comforting presence.
Their small size, adorable looks, and gentle nature can make anyone smile. Their small size and adaptable nature mean they can adjust well in urban settings. Cavaliers are quite easygoing dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Their intelligent and eager-to-please nature makes them easy to train. Cavaliers have moderate exercise needs and are content with regular walks and some playtime.
2. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are sleek little dogs with adaptable personalities. These super-fast canines are surprisingly well-suited for apartment living. They get short bursts of energy and need regular but moderate exercise to stay healthy and content.
Once exercised properly, Italian Greyhounds make the calmest couch potatoes. They have a playful and affectionate nature. Italian Greyhounds are sensitive dogs who may get hurt due to harsh corrections. Therefore, always use positive reinforcement methods to train them.
Italian Greyhounds do well with children and other pets. However, interactions between children and these dogs should be closely monitored so that nobody gets hurt accidentally. They are needy of love and may get shy or hyper if they don’t get enough attention.
Having a history as hunting dogs means that Italian Greyhounds possess a strong prey drive. Before bringing them to a home with smaller pets, teach them not to chase.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are adaptable dogs who can live in a variety of new environments, from cities to the countryside. These charming dogs are loved for their long, silky coat that do not shed much. Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic dogs who make ideal pets for people suffering from allergies.
Shih Tzus are friendly, sweet, and playful dogs. They prefer companionship and tend to follow their pet parents like a shadow. Their affectionate and gentle nature means they are sensitive to their owners’ moods and emotions. That is why Shih Tzus make excellent therapy dogs.
Shih Tzus need half an hour to one hour of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Petplan recommends a combination of short walks and games to avoid undesirable behaviors. Shih Tzus are brachycephalic and must not be over-exercised.
Their luxurious coat requires regular grooming to stay in top-notch condition. These small hypoallergenic dogs are very social and get along well with everyone.
4. Whippet
Whippets are sweet and sensitive dogs with a graceful build and sleek coats. Combining athleticism and energy with a surprising amount of chill, Whippets have a charming personality. They are super fast for their size and are built for sprinting, not for speed.
They do not require too much exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Whippets have a wonderfully adaptable nature and are not prone to excessive barking. It makes them perfect dogs for apartment living. Whippets are gentle and affectionate dogs who form strong bonds with their owners.
They are highly sensitive, physically and emotionally. That is why Whippets are better suited for calm and quiet homes. They don’t do well in chaotic households and may be a bit shy of strangers. Early socialization and positive reinforcement-based training sessions are helpful.
5. Toy Poodle
The smallest of all Poodles, Toy Poodles are known for their intelligence, elegance, and charming personality. These sensitive dogs have an uncanny ability to read body language and easily understand their owners’ commands.
Due to their empathetic nature, this toy breed has been serving as an emotional support animal for several years. However, their sensitivity can make them snappy or territorial as well. Their hypoallergenic coats and petite size make them well-suited for living in small spaces.
These little dogs love running and playing, but burn up their energy very quickly. Toy Poodles need no more than an hour of daily exercise and may benefit from interactive play sessions and brisk walks. It means they can adapt to a home with limited outdoor space.
Their sensitive nature means they cannot tolerate loneliness for too long. Spending hours without human companionship can lead to behavioral issues.
6. Papillon
Papillons are alert and affectionate dogs who thrive in homes where they get lots of attention. They thrive on human companionship and have a playful and amiable personality. Paps’ gentle nature and small size make them well-suited for living in urban settings such as apartments.
Moreover, they have low to moderate exercise needs. Their energy can be expended through indoor play sessions and neighborhood walks. Papillons have an adaptable nature. They do well in different types of environments.
These sensitive dogs have an innate desire to spend time with their family members. Lack of adequate attention can lead to separation anxiety. Their natural intelligence means they learn commands quickly and are responsive to their owner’s moods and desires.
7. Bichon Frise
One of the best dog breeds for urban environments, the Bichon Frise is a white powder-puff dog with a playful and merry temperament. These affectionate and friendly dogs make excellent companions. According to the American Kennel Club, these happy-go-lucky dogs spread smiles wherever they go.
Bichons make great watchdogs, but they are lovers, not fighters. They are quite social and do well in the company of other dogs and pets in the household. Their compact size, hypoallergenic coat, and easygoing temperament make them ideal for urban lifestyles.
Their loving, gentle, and sensitive nature makes them amazing therapy dogs, providing comfort and companionship to those in need. However, Bichons don’t like harsh treatment when it comes to training. Around half an hour of exercise, along with a chance to enrich their brain, does the best for Bichons.
Conclusion
These dog breeds are known for their compact size and gentle nature. Such breeds are ideal for living in urban settings due to their moderate exercise needs and loving personalities. Most of them possess a playful energy to brighten up your day.
These pooches are sensitive, empathetic, and respond well to human emotions. They thrive on companionship and want to stay by your side all the time. These wonderful dogs make excellent therapy dogs and emotional support animals.
French Bulldog, Great Dane, and Boston Terrier are also a few of the best dog breeds that make wonderful companions for urban environments.
