Living in the city is amazing… until you start thinking about getting a dog.
Suddenly, you get worried about tight living spaces, noise complaints from the neighbors, and if your future puppy will lose their mind being cooped up in an apartment all day.
And, let’s be truthful here…. not every dog is made for city life.
But, no worries!! There are plenty of dog breeds that actually thrive in urban environments. Dogs that won’t need a massive backyard, don’t bark at every little sound,
and are totally cool with apartment living.
These pups get the city dog life. They understand that city living means adapting to a different rhythm. Short outdoor time. More indoor chill sessions. And going through crowded sidewalks like pros.
Let us break down seven of the best dog breeds for a happy city lifestyle and living situation.
The dogs that make excellent city companions and fit nicely into the hustle and energy of urban life.
Best Dog Breeds for a Happy City Lifestyle
1. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is one of those dog breeds that feels made for city dwellers.
These small dogs are calm indoors, low maintenance (unbelievable, right?), and have a quiet nature that won’t disturb neighbors.
Seriously, if you are worried about excessive barking in an apartment setting, this breed’s characteristics show that they are basically the opposite of that problem.
Japanese Chins are one of the best small dog breeds with minimal exercise needs.
A couple of short daily walks and some playtime indoors. They are set.
They don’t need extensive exercise or long runs. They are perfectly content hanging out in your living space and keeping you company.
As per the American Kennel Club, they are such clean dogs that they are famous as “feline” in nature. Fastidious. Cat-like in how they groom themselves. That’s why their grooming needs are minimal compared to other breeds.
Though regular grooming helps keep their silky coat looking good.
Japanese Chin dogs have an affectionate nature and bond closely with their people. They are great companions for apartment dwellers who want a dog that is loving but not overly demanding.
Plus, they get along well with other pets, which is a BONUS if you have a multi-pet house.
2. Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers are one of the best dog breeds for city life.
They are adaptable, friendly, and just have the right energy level for apartment life. Not too hyper, not too lazy. Just the right dog breed for small spaces.
That’s why they are the “American gentlemen”.
Boston Terriers are great apartment dogs because they don’t need a lot of space. They are content with moderate daily exercise, like a good walk around the block and some indoor playtime.
Mental stimulation is important! Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games keep their minds sharp.
As per PetMD, they have a lot of energy, but they are still calm indoors once they have had their exercise needs met.
They are not the type to get destructive behaviors if left alone for a bit, though, like most city dogs, they do better when they are not isolated for long periods.
Boston Terriers are also super social dogs. They get along great with other pets, other dogs, and people in general. They have a playful nature but are not loud or yappy, which makes them perfect for apartment living where noise can be an issue.
Plus, their minimal grooming needs mean you are not spending hours on upkeep.
A quick brush here and there, and they are good to go.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were originally bred to be companion dogs for royalty, and they still act like it, don’t they?
But in the best way possible.
These dog breeds thrive in apartment living because they are affectionate, calm, and perfectly happy living in smaller spaces as long as they are with their people.
Shih Tzus are ideal for city life as they require minimal exercise. Daily walks are important for a healthy lifestyle, but they are not high-energy dogs that need constant action. A couple of short walks and some indoor play, and they will be satisfied.
This Asian dog breed loves to be close to their owners, so they are great for people who work from home. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone too much. So, they do best in homes where someone is around most of the time.
Shih Tzus have a calm temperament and don’t bark excessively. Hence, good apartment dogs.
Their grooming needs are a bit higher than some breeds; regular grooming is important to keep their coat tangle-free. But, if you are okay with that commitment, Shih Tzus are excellent companions for urban life.
4. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas might be small, but they have got big personalities. And while they can be a little sassy, they are actually one of the best dog breeds for apartment living.
They are compact, they don’t need much space, and they are incredibly loyal to their people.
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, which makes them perfect for tight living spaces.
They need minimal exercise, a short walk, and some indoor playtime is enough. They are not the type to demand long hikes or intense physical activity.
These little dogs are people-oriented and bond closely with their owners. As per PetPlan, they are protective, which can sometimes lead to unnecessary barking if proper training is not done.
But with consistent training and socialization, Chihuahuas can be calm and well-behaved apartment dogs.
One thing to note: Chihuahuas can be sensitive and might develop anxiety if left alone for long. They do well with owners who can spend time with them.
Their grooming needs are minimal if you have a short-haired Chihuahua. Basic grooming, like nail trims and occasional baths, is all they need. Usually.
5. Pug
Pugs just get apartment living. Yes, these wrinkly dog breeds.
They are laid-back, friendly, and content with chilling in indoor living. They have got a playful side, yes. But they don’t have high energy levels.
They are fine with a slower pace of life, so they are ideal dogs for city living.
Pugs are great apartment dogs because they don’t have a lot of exercise needs. These are social and love being around people.
Their affectionate nature makes them great companions. Plus, they have minimal grooming needs, though their wrinkles need regular cleaning to avoid skin issues. They are also prone to breathing problems because of being a flat-faced breed. So, keep an eye on them during hot weather.
One heads up!!! Pugs can be a little stubborn in training. But if you show enough patience and proper training, they figure things out.
They are not the type to develop destructive behaviors as long as they are getting enough attention and moderate exercise.
6. Maltese
The Maltese is a classic small dog breed that’s been the favorite among city dwellers for centuries. They are gentle, affectionate, and adaptable to apartment living.
Plus, they are one of the most hypoallergenic dogs out there. A bonus for people with allergies.
These small white dogs are perfect for indoor living because they don’t need much space or extensive exercise.
A couple of short walks and some playtime indoors.
They do not bounce off the walls as they are calm, well-mannered, and content in small living spaces.
Maltese dogs do require regular grooming to keep their long and silky coat looking good. But, if you are willing to put in the effort (or take them to a groomer), they are stunning dogs.
This dog’s temperament is calm, like many dog breeds on this list. They are quiet and do not bark much. They get along well with other pets and adapt easily to city life.
7. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is one of the most popular dogs for city living. They are small, friendly, and just have the right energy level for apartment life.
A happy and cheerful puppy who loves being around people.
Yes, that is the Bichon Frise.
These are great apartment-friendly dogs, better than larger dogs, because they are adaptable and don’t require a HUGE amount of space.
They do need a bit of moderate physical exercise for a healthy life, but they are also content hanging out indoors once they have burned off some energy.
Bichon Frises are also hypoallergenic dogs, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies. However, their grooming needs are higher than some breeds, as regular grooming is super-important to keep their fluffy coat healthy and prevent matting.
These dogs can also develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They thrive in homes where they are added to the daily life and get plenty of mental stimulation and attention.
But, yes, these dogs are cheerful, loving, and suited for city dog life.
Conclusion
Finding the right dog for city life is easy.
The best dog breeds for a happy city lifestyle can adapt well to small living spaces (these are not really large breeds). They don’t need excessive exercise; they don’t need to run off as much as Italian Greyhounds. And, they can handle the noise and energy levels of urban environments without losing their cool.
It could be the elegance of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Maltese, or Bichon Frise, but there is a dog out there that fits your city life.
If you get the right dog breed, city living can be one of the most rewarding experiences ever.
