City life is quite demanding as it is. The bigger the city, the bigger the chaos. The busier the city, the lonelier the life, often. In such a case, it is healthy to have a pet that can provide companionship. Someone you can chill out with, someone who doesn’t expect much and gives without keeping scores. Someone who is just happy to be with you.
But getting a dog isn’t an overnight decision to make either; it is quite the commitment. Especially depending upon the dog you’re getting. AVMA notes that 2023 saw a surge in pets, especially puppies and purebred, being abandoned at shelters due to various situations such as financial issues, housing problems, time management, etc. 250,000 more animals than the previous year were reportedly left at the shelter that year.
There are some breeds that aren’t for beginners nor for those who are busy with city life and demands. But there are a few breeds that have been bred for decades to just serve with their company, provide companionship.
Hence, it is important to do your research before making this life-altering decision, so you can stick by it moving forward. Here’s a list of some of the most laid-back dogs that will fit your city living.
Most Laid Back Dog Breeds Ideal For City Life
1. Basset Hound
A Basset Hound, despite having a history of being used as a hunting dog, does surprisingly really well for apartment living.
Your neighbors won’t be complaining; they’re super laid back and have minimal exercise needs, according to PetMD. Also, they love snoozing, are known to notoriously love napping, an exercise that an apartment can easily accommodate.
A daily walk around the block is enough to satisfy them and make them happy, too. However, as time goes on, especially make sure your apartment has an elevator if you live higher up. These short dog breeds are not good with walking up the stairs and would need assistance.
They are also easy to groom and maintain. With a short coat, some regular brushing and cleaning go a long way.
2. Bulldog
These dogs are already sensitive to high temperatures, so indoor playing in a moderately cooled apartment is all they need.
Bulldogs make some of the best apartment pets because they are “characteristically low-key”, meaning lazy. Their compact build and calm demeanor are perfect for urban life.
They are calm indoors and may enjoy a little dog walking. However, just because they’re lazy and slow does not mean they do not need any sort of physical or mental stimulation. They don’t mind living in close quarters as long as they have their space and their minute exercise needs are met.
3. Pug
A Pug is not too demanding. It is a social dog that likes some light, daily exercise and enjoys living in apartments. It is even kind to strangers.
They have high energy that small spaces are enough to expend. It isn’t that they are just well-suited to apartment living, but it is actually better for them to do so.
They have a flat face with narrow nostrils and airways. This can give rise to a number of breathing issues, which is why it is important to keep them indoors for most of the activity and keep an eye on them even while they’re venturing outside.
Also, they are sensitive to hot climates, which further lessens the need for extensive exercises or longer playtimes in hotter areas.
4. Shih Tzu
They were bred to spend most of their time indoors in royal palaces as lap dogs for Chinese emperors, being small dogs. So if you live in an apartment or a relatively smaller space, these are ideal pets to have due to this.
Some pets like to dig holes and create chaos while they’re up to lower their energy levels. A Shih Tzu is happy to just lay in your lap and watch TV with you, as per AKC.
However, they still need regular exercise to maintain their weight and stay healthy. But still, their small size prevents any need for excessive exercise.
If exposed enough prior to life to other people and dogs, they are very social and will welcome other people and also other dogs, and be hospitable guests with them.
5. Havanese
A Havanese is a small, active dog that does not require a huge backyard. Just some frequent walks and a game of fetch here and there, Hill’s Pet says.
They are loving, calm, and low-energy dogs. They get along well with families as well as individuals, and are well-suited to live in apartments as well.
When they’re worn out, they will simply lay down. They are, at times, highly active and also extremely intelligent dogs. Whatever your lifestyle looks like, the Havanese will adapt and thrive regardless.
Even with low exercise and high energy, they will find a way to exert it without causing havoc in your apartment. They are eager to please you and quick learners, great with kids, and adaptable to social situations, too. What more do you need?
6. Clumber Spaniel
Spaniels are energetic and highly intelligent dogs. Clumber Spaniel, in particular, is known to “let her fur down” every now and then and have some fun.
They are laid back, eager to please, and use their intelligence wisely to achieve these goals! Orvis notes this makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners.
They focus on important and dignified aspects and aim to make their owners happy. Anything to make their owners and families happy!
They enjoy the company of other dogs and tolerate cats, as long as they’re respectful, making them a good option if you’re considering getting a dog and already have other pets. They’re also good with strangers.
7. French Bulldog
PDSA notes that the French Bulldog is known to be laid-back and happy to fit into family life. They can be stubborn and strong-willed, but nothing a little positive reinforcement can’t help get through to them. They respond well to reward-based training.
They develop separation anxiety if they’re away from their owners for too long and remain calm indoors. This is one of the best dog breeds to have in an apartment, as long as their minimum exercise needs are being met.
They’re also very people-oriented. However, they also have a diva side, reportedly. So make sure you establish clear boundaries since day one.
Conclusion
In addition to the breeds on the list, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Great Dane are also very laid-back breeds that are great for an urban environment.
But like every dog breed is different, similarly, every dog is also significantly different. In an urban setting, especially, things are very unpredictable, and dogs react differently on the basis of their upbringing, resources, and environment.
Keeping their high intelligence and exercise needs in mind, a little daily exercise and mental stimulation can make almost any dog fit for urban life, but these breeds? They’re almost made for it if you’re willing to meet them halfway.
