Life seems quite fast in cities, with rushing to the offices, traffic, and chaos all day. And honestly, it’s challenging for people living alone or single families. We don’t want to end up sitting all alone and questioning our life choices after a tiring workday.
This is the reason that people in urban homes love to have four-legged roommates. It’s a common myth that you need to have a fenced yard, farmhouse or maybe five acres to get a dog. Because there are some iconic breeds that don’t mind living in compact homes, unless you are with them.
Choosing a dog for apartments is not only about its size. You also have to consider their energy needs, temperament and grooming needs. Every small dog breed differs from others, just like we humans do. So, obviously, it’s legit to know more about a dog before you have them.
We have listed the 7 dog breeds for city living in this guide. Some of them are calm while others are active, so stick with one to find a pup that you can connect to.
Ideal Dog Breeds for Happy, Healthy Urban Homes
1. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise looks like a walking marshmallow, smiling cloud and cotton candy. They were originally bred to be companions, so that’s why they are perfect lapdogs. This tiny dog handles the hustle and bustle of city life with their happy, curious and playful nature, as noted by the AKC.
They adjust well to apartments due to their small size. Bichon Frise does not bark much, but only to alert you, which is quite good for your neighbours and you. Honestly, they are social butterflies who love to play with children. They are Velcro dogs, so even first-time owners can pet them.
Apart from this, they are happy with just a brisk walk around the block. This little dog learns quickly, and you have to be patient and provide them consistent training.
That being said, they have a fluffy white low-shedding coat that is said to be hypoallergenic, but there is no 100% allergic free dog. But they require frequent grooming sessions and brushing to prevent mats.
2. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are also known by the names of Boxwoods, Bostons, Roundheads and Boston Bulldog, Orvis shared. This was the actual first breed to be developed in the United States. Many people call them American Gentlemen because of their black and white tuxedo coats and polite manners.
They are the perfect dog for apartment living due to their size and chill behaviour. Honestly, they kind of have a go with the flow attitude and often do funny things just to make you laugh. They are gentle with kids and seniors, which makes them perfect family dogs.
This small dog has large expressive eyes, erect ears and a sturdy body but a brachycephalic face. So they are likely to face breathing problems. However, they don’t require miles of running, but make sure to take them for walks.
They are eager to please, so training them is easy. Boston Terriers have a short, low-maintenance coat. But they shed moderately, so you have to brush them weekly to maintain their coat.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a royal lapdog, and they are named after King Charles I and his son Charles II, as per PetMD. It is one of the most famous and adaptable breeds for urban life. Cavaliers are calm and have moderate energy levels.
So if you want to go for a walk in the park, then they are up, plus they don’t mind binge-watching your favourite series with you. Many Cavalier parents say that they are love sponges and like to stay with you. They also form strong bonds with children, other dogs and even cats at home.
They are eager to please and only need a few short walks. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful companion with a polite and gentle nature. That being said, they have a silky medium-length coat that requires maintenance over time. Plus, they do shed, but you can keep it under control with regular brushing.
4. Pug
Pug is an affectionate, mischievous, loyal and calm dog with a huge personality. They were in China as lapdogs, so they don’t need a lot of space to be happy. Pugs have large expressive eyes, a little body and a wrinkly face.
They don’t bark and mind living in a chaotic space, which makes them excellent city companions. These active pups do little tricks to make you laugh and like to spend time with you. However, they are quite gentle with kids and love meeting new people.
That being said, they just need a couple of walks or indoor playtime for mental stimulation. They are intelligent and a bit stubborn, but food is their weakness. Pugs have a short coat but shed heavily throughout the year, so be ready. Plus, they snore a lot, so don’t complain afterwards.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is often called the lion dog because they are intended to look like lions, though they are quite calm compared to them. They are famous for their crysanthemum face and sweet expressions.
This little dog is a perfect match for apartment living, as they were bred to be a companion. So, they don’t have high prey drive or roaming habits. They are calm, adaptable and only bark to alert you, which makes them a good watchdog.
They do well in families with children due to their friendly nature and love getting attention. They need 30 minutes of walking or just some indoor playing. That being said, the Shih Tzu has a beautiful double coat that does not shed much but requires frequent grooming to maintain it.
6. Maltese
Maltese is a playful and affectionate dog with a floor-length white coat. They were bred to be companions, and that’s why they adapt well to urban living. They are small dogs, but they are incredibly brave and alert.
This tiny dog actually has a huge heart, and they love their owners. They are generally gentle and social, so don’t be surprised if they greet your neighbours happily because this is how they are. Like other apartment dogs, Maltese also need little exercise every day to stay active.
That being said, this white dog has a low-shedding coat, but it requires frequent grooming sessions to maintain its hair. You can opt for a short or puppy cut, or leave its hair long as it is.
7. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodle is the smartest dog breed in the world, and they were downsized in France from standard Poodles. These little pups are great at understanding, so if you are busy at work, then they just settle down, but they are always up for a walk when you grab the keys or the leash.
This intelligent and highly agile dog is devoted to its owners and loves spending time with children. They don’t mind living with other pets due to their friendly and social nature. However, you can take them for a brisk walk or play mind games like puzzles for their mental stimulation.
That being said, Toy Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat, which means they barely shed, but you have to brush them regularly to prevent mats.
Conclusion
You don’t need to have a big home to get a dog because these 7 dog breeds can adjust to anywhere as long as you are with them. They don’t need five miles running every day because they are happy with just short walks around the park and some indoor playing.
Some of these apartment dogs were bred to be companions and lapdogs, so they don’t have a prey drive. Apart from this, most of them have a low-shedding coat, but there are also ones that shed a lot.
However, this is not the factor to determine if they are a good fit for your home or not. So, make sure to read the details to know about their temperament and training needs.
