Living in a metropolitan city is highly rewarding! Fun places to hang out, ample options to satisfy your cravings for overpriced but scrumptious mugs of coffee, thrilling hang-out spots, and splendid concerts every once in a while. But, what’s the concern coming with all this? Well, the living spaces!
Apartments in cities are equivalent to matchboxes! They are so teeny that you may even end up feeling suffocated. Bringing a pet to such a house may seem an inconceivable mission.
Well, if you are really jazzed up to have one, you don’t need to be this disappointed. There really are some small, tiny dogs that can adjust to your tote-sized house just as well as you can. These small dogs are distinguished for urban living and turn out to be the best dog breeds to take out for an evening city walk.
So, what’s the wait? Let’s check out some of the best apartment dogs that are capable of filling up the void of your heart and your home.
Best Tiny Dog Breeds for City Living
1. Bichon Frise
Do you know what really spiced up the otherwise boring apartment living? Having a zesty friend like the Bichon Frise. These teeny dogs that are merely 10–18 lbs are definitely some of the best small dog breeds that can easily adjust to little places!
Are you prone to allergies? Well, here is some good news.
Bichon Frise webpage brings up that these purebred dogs wear a hypoallergenic coat, which means they don’t leave you sneezing and have a constant running nose during the peak shedding season. In city life, where pollution is already a massive concern, this comes like a breath of fresh air!
These dogs are fun! They would love a walk at the dog park, but don’t expect them to be super-hyper. Once you are back from your office, they’ll greet you with a fun gesture without annoying you by being too enthusiastic.
Bichon Frise is a blessing for apartment dwellers, especially those who are looking for a highly adjusting pet.
2. Pug
Weighing around 14–18 lbs, Pugs are increasingly becoming one of the most loved pets for city dwellers.
What I love the most about these tiny dogs is their lack of need to bark constantly! Yes, they are not yappy, and honestly, that’s the best part about them.
Also, these dogs are the ultimate couch potatoes! They don’t have the stamina and energy like the big dogs and are happily chilling with you on the sofa, binge-watching a Netflix season.
GreenCross Vets point out they are low-maintenance dogs, and you won’t have to shell out extensive bucks on their grooming every week!
But that doesn’t mean you can go all lazy with them. To ensure they stay healthy, take them out for quick walks, and it will keep them physically and mentally stimulated. These dogs are highly adaptable. They will go on the lift with you, sit inside your tote, and even go to the dog park for some strolling.
3. Shih Tzu
If you are looking for a super-friendly dog that will not throw a massive tantrum every time your friends are invited to a house party, there is no option better than the Shih Tzu.
These small-breed dogs are the real champs when it comes to adjusting in small spaces.
AKC breed profile mentions they are super calm and have an affectionate nature. This means they will be cordial even with the annoying cats of your neighbors who love to give you death stares!
Oh, and before I forget to mention, Shih Tzus are extremely polite and well-mannered! You can take them out for a stroll, even off leash, and they will showcase the best possible behavior.
Originally bred to entertain their human companions in ancient China, they have slowly transitioned into classic pups, ideal for apartment life.
4. Havanese
So you’ve got a small apartment, but really itching to get a dog to make your lonely life a bit less miserable? A Havanese is your ultimate calling!
These small dogs weighing around 7–13 lbs are super adaptable and understand your ‘city life’ hardships. They fathom that you’ve got a busy schedule and can’t be there for them at all times. While you are typing tirelessly on your laptop, trying to complete your official task timely, they will happily chill around you, without disturbing you.
They are not attention seekers. They do have some bursts of energy once in a while, which you can easily manage, and take them out for a brisk walk for some mental stimulation. However, they are not as extreme as large dogs.
They are great dogs even for first-time dog owners!
These dogs are low-shedding ones. This means they will not fill your house with their hair during their peak shedding periods. Also, being highly intelligent, they won’t trouble you during their training session. It’s really easy to train them with positive reinforcement.
5. Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terrier is known for its alertness. Despite being small, with a mere weight of 4–8 lbs, they are great for a big city.
These dogs are total lookers! Their tri-colored, silky, long coat is a head turner. As soon as you head out for a walk or a play session at the park, you will notice everyone staring at your dog.
Are you an ultimate enthusiast of aesthetic homes and keep doing new things to make your living space appear chic? This dog wouldn’t really cause any chaos around the apartment. Being non-reactive when compared to other breeds, they won’t jump on the parcel delivery guy entering your pathway, breaking that pretty vase you had just bought.
This low-shedding dog won’t really affect your chic apartment by filling it up with their fur. Likewise, if you have a tendency to catch allergies, you’re safe with this hypoallergenic pet.
Give them enough exercise and regular exercise sessions, and there will be no dog more adjustable than this one!
6. Japanese Chin
Don’t have a massive backyard, and worried about where your dog will burn off its energy? You’re not alone — but that concern disappears when you choose a Japanese Chin, a small breed weighing just 4 to 11 lbs.
These are the pinnacle of calmness. They walk gracefully, don’t bark excessively, and are not demanding. They will not come up with a snack requirement every hour. Also, they don’t need much space to play. You can even keep a pee pad, and they won’t even need to step out of the house for any reason.
When compared to large breeds, these pups are extremely travel-friendly. They have the tendency to turn into your best travel partner and go camping with you.
Bonus: These dogs don’t have a disgusting smell coming from them, which makes them a great choice for owners with a sensitive nose!
7. Papillon
These dogs have a tiny stature! With a weight that ranges between 5–10 lbs, you won’t need to give extensive living spaces to these dogs to live comfortably.
They make great partners, especially when you move to different floors in your apartment building in an elevator. Being quiet companions and not very high-energy pets, they are extremely easy to manage in public places. You can take them on regular walks and will never regret your decision!
Oh, and it’s important to mention here that Papillons are brainy! Intelligence is a stand-out feature of these dogs that makes them highly trainable. Do you want them to learn some urban manners and comprehend the rules of an urban lifestyle?
Not a problem!
This dog picks up instructions fast and makes training a breeze!
Papillons are some of the best dogs to keep in apartments!
This perfectly content dog with minimal exercise needs is a great choice for urban living.
8. Brussels Griffon
These are intellectual dogs that make them good adapters at literally ANYWHERE! If you want a scholarly dog that understands the situations and acts accordingly, get a Brussels Griffon.
Griffons are emotionally intelligent. They will understand your emotions with a single glance at your face and will alter their behavior accordingly.
Highly attuned, these small-sized pups are surely not are not crowd-pleasers. They pick their favorite people and get attached to them. Their commitment to them is unmatched, making them some of the most loyal dogs out there.
Chewy highlights that they are ideal for small spaces, thanks to their low-energy needs.
It’s not just their sophisticated personality that sets them apart; even their appearance is refined. Rather than running after a ball in the mud and getting dirt slathered all over the body, this dog would rather opt for some puzzles and other mind games.
9. Pomeranian
Famous on Instagram, Pomeranians are aesthetically pleasing and totally gorgeous! Being small in size, they don’t need a lot of space to chill. They will curl up on one side of your couch and will still appear ravishing.
Even as they grow up, these dogs appear tiny! Unlike other dogs, they don’t expand physically when they become adults.
Living in urban areas is tough as it comes with a lot of costs and expenses. The best part about having a Pomeranian is its cost-effectiveness. They are low-cost as their food needs are minimal. Even a teaspoon of dog food is enough to make it feel full!
Poms are incredibly portable. Want to go to a cafe on an Uber? Your dog will happily accompany you!
Conclusion
Little dogs are adorable! Their needs are low, and carrying them around is super easy. No matter whether you’re planning to have the low-key Japanese Chin or the super gorgeous Pomeranian, these mini dogs will easily adjust to your small urban apartment.
In the fast-paced lifestyle that is typical of urban areas, a loyal companion adds pleasure and love to the otherwise hectic living. Without demanding a massive backyard, they will curl up with you in your warm bed, happily!
With relatively low exercise requirements and low demands, these puppies will definitely turn your cozy apartment into a lovely home!
