Some people just complicate even having a dog for city living. You might have seen Instagram reels explaining how difficult it is to have a pet in a compact home. But they are all WRONG!
Having a dog isn’t a problem, but their size, temperament and personality are. Large dog breeds cannot survive in those compact apartments. They need a space to run, jump, roll and play. So why not adopt small dog breeds that do not require much space at home, but are in the heart?
These little pups have minimal exercise needs and don’t mind being couch potatoes. They are small, but that does not mean they have nothing to offer. They are perfect companions for families with kids and good watchdogs.
Some of them are calm, while others are super chaotic. So it depends on you which one you choose. We have listed the top 10 small dog breeds that enjoy living in cities and apartments. Read for better understanding or to find your crime partner.
Top Dog Breeds Ideal for Compact City Dwellings
1. Maltese
Maltese looks like a smiling cloud with floor length white coat and black eyes. This small dog breed have calm, playful and extremely affectionate nature. Their small size and non-aggressive behavior make them perfect for apartment living.
Maltese is super friendly with strangers and other pets. This small dog is active and can also spend their day lying on the floor/ couch after spending their boundless energy.
They do not ask much, but a casual walk around the block for mental stimulation. Maltese is one of the devoted and charming companions that do not leave your side. That being said, they can be stubborn without proper training.
Positive reinforcement and early socialization are good for training them. Malteses have a hypoallergenic coat that does not shed much. But it requires daily brushing and grooming every 4 weeks. You can clip them like a puli or trim them down. Maltese look good no matter what hairstyle they have.
2. Miniature Poodle
Forget the notions you have heard about Poodles so far because they are smart, inteligent and charming companions. These little pups are built differently, as you can clearly tell by looking at them.
They have curly coats, round face and button eyes that melt hearts. Miniature Poodle is super active and loves playing with you. They are always ready for outdoor walks and indoor fetching. Their small size and adaptable natures make them suitable for apartment life.
That being said, they require 30 minutes of moderate exercise for mental stimulation. A poodle is easy to train and a great companion for children. They have a double curly coat that does not shed much but requires daily brushing to prevent tangles.
Poodles have minimal grooming needs, like every 4 to 6 weeks. Pet parents usually prefer a sporting clip where the fur around the legs (excluding paws), body, and neck fur is trimmed a bit. You might have seen Poodle with fur boots; they all have this sporting clip style. Or you can go for Poodle Clip where all the fur is trimmed (until skin becomes visible) except feet, mane and tail.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahua is an example of a lot in a little. This is a dog with a playful, active and sassy nature. The Apple or deer head is the breed’s trademark.
Its small size makes it easy to carry on trips and even adjusts well in smaller living spaces. They are bright and loving companions that spread giggles wherever they go. A Chihuahua requires moderate daily exercise, which can be fulfilled with walks and indoor games, as noted by Britannica.
This dog is prone to excessive barking when not properly trained. Honestly, they act like little Nepolean at home and forget how small they are. So it’s important to train them at an early age.
This is for active owners, not couch potatoes. They are a relatively low-maintenance dog breed, but grooming needs depend on whether you choose a short-haired or long-haired Chihuahua.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a dog breed with the sweetest expressions and face. They are called crysamthemum-faced dog as per the AKC and lion dog because they ressemble to them a bit.
Shih Tzus have a royal history as they were a house pet of the Ming Dynasty. These little pups were bred to be lap dogs and furry friends. They have a calm but playful temperament that is enough to make your day.
They are perfect for apartment dwellers due to their minimal exercise needs. They enjoy daily walks and playtime at home with their favourite people. Shih Tzu is a people’s dog and develop sepration anxity when left alone.
Make sure to train them well with positive reinforcement to prevent their digging and chewing behaviours. That being said, their smooth coat requires grooming every 4/6 weeks and regular brushing. So, pet only if you are ready for the commitment.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a calm, devoted and affectionate temperament. They were developed to be a lap dog but got famous when King Charles I and his son, King Charles II, used to carry them to parliament.
These little puppies are named after their British royalty in 17 th century, as per PetMD. That being said, this dog breed thrives on love and attention. Their small size, gentle nature and medium energy make them perfect for small apartments.
Cavalier is the best dog breed for those looking for a warm, happy and healthy breed. They don’t like to live alone and also have a silky coat that requires grooming every 6 weeks. This apartment dog is happy with 15 minutes of regular exercise and lots of cuddles.
6. Havanese
Havenese is a smart, bright and loving dog breeds native to Cuba. They were known as “Havanese Silk dog” and Spanish Silk dog once due to their silky coat.
Honestly, they look like a baby having long hair but with a mustache. They do not bark much and only require 30 minutes of walk which makes them perfect for city life. Havanese form strong bonds with kids and make new friends quickly.
Their long coat requires 10 minutes of brushing daily and grooming every 6 weeks. Most dog parents opt for clipping the fur short to reduce grooming need while many others opt for Puli like style. However, they still are high mainatinace dog and not for busy bees.
7. Pug
Pugs are one of the most popular dog breeds throughout the world due to their adaptable nature and small size. They are charming and mischievous little companions that look innocent with big eyes and wrinkles on their heads.
Pugs adjust well to urban life and require only 15 to 30 minutes of daily walks. They are super cute and understand your commands. You say take a small bite, then they only bite a little bread and melt your heart.
Honestly, they are super cute but snore a lot. They experience breathing difficulties due to a narrow nose. That being said, they have a short coat but require daily cleaning under the wrinkled skin, which is quite a task.
8. Bichon Frise
It’s like a small cloud walking on little legs. Bichon Frise is a mischievous and curious puppy, so they are always on a mission to do something.
They love being around kids and meeting new people, so expect them to walk even with strangers in the park. This white little pup doesn’t mind living in small spaces until you are with them. They are perfect furry companion for someone who lives alone and has kids.
Bichon Frise requires minimal exercise and likes to play with its toys indoors. They are all good but have grooming needs, so make sure to get time for grooming and bathing sessions.
9. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has been holding the title of most popular dog breed for two to three years now. This little pup have calm temperament but a curious personality.
Their small size, less exercise requirements and easygoing nature make them perfect for city living. French Bulldogs are recognizable due to their erect ears and half-domed skulls.
They have a hypoallergenic coat, but skin folds require daily cleaning with wet wipes to prevent infection. They don’t really throw tantrums, and that’s why they are perfect for first-time owners. Plus, they cannot swim, so keep an eye on them if they act as if they can or try to jump into water.
10. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is famous for being an “American Gentleman.” It has a tuxedo white and black coat, and good manners that earn him this special name.
These little pups are active and amusing enough to make you laugh the whole day. Being good-mannered and calm, they adjust well to small apartments.
Boston does not require heavy exercise, but a few walks and indoor playtime. They experience breathing problems due to a flat muzzle and are also prone to overheating.
Conclusion
Urban living does not mean you cannot pet a pup, but you need one that adjusts to your environment. Small dog breeds with minimum exercise requirements and compact statures like to live in small apartments. Your small space is big for them as long as you are meeting their needs.
But remember, all of the above-mentioned little pups have grooming needs and demand your time. So, pet them only if you have time and are ready to properly care for them.
