There are so many wonderful breeds of dogs out there, each with their own needs. Some need lots of land to roam around in and play. Others are more chill and are happiest sitting on your lap and accompanying you to hit up the local coffee shops. Yes, they exist! In fact, we have five of the best dogs for city living listed below.
If you are a city dweller and you are looking for a dog to keep you company, you are on the right track to relieving some stress. Life in the concrete jungle isn’t for everyone, but even the common city-dweller can only handle the constant noise and fast-paced lifestyle for so long. A new survey finds that people who live in big cities last just 18 days on average before they find themselves in need of a getaway to calmer confines. This is no different for dogs, as not having enough room to run can be a deal breaker when caring for certain breeds.
That being said, the best dog breeds for city living are those that thrive in smaller spaces while maintaining their energy and adaptability. Breeds like the French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are excellent choices, as they are known for their compact size and low exercise requirements, making them well-suited for urban environments. The affectionate and sociable nature of these breeds also makes them great companions for city dwellers, providing both comfort and companionship in the bustling cityscape.
Spending time with your pet can help lower your stress levels and boost your mental health. If you live in the city, you don’t have as many choices in breeds. It’s important to find one that you can still provide a great life for amidst busy city life. Below are the top five best dogs for city living. Don’t see your pal on the list? Let us know in the comments below which breed is your number-one pick!
The List: Best Dogs for City Living, According to Canine Experts
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The King Charles is conveniently described as the “king of lapdogs.” “The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel typically creates a deep bond with their family. A smaller living space where they can keep an eye on their owner is the dream life for these dogs – in fact, they can be quite clingy,” says Highland Canine.
The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel is well-suited for apartment living. It is an especially suitable dog breed for those living a busier lifestyle who may not spend all day at home. “You will never feel lonely with this dog around. They love nothing more than to curl up on their owner’s laps and be the recipient of cuddles and belly rubs. Happy to play fetch even in a smaller space, they enjoy being at home and become very attached to their owners. You may find that house training can be a little tricky with this breed, but with patience, love, and consistency, they will get there in the end,” states PitPat.
King Charles Spaniels like a quiet lifestyle and can be entertained by even playing fetch in a small apartment. “‘King Charles are generally not barkers with things like noises in the hallway of busy buildings,’ Sally A. Morgan, PT, CST, a holistic physical therapist who specializes in pets, tells Bustle. They typically stand at about 13 inches, so they’re perfect for smaller living spaces,” offers Bustle.
2. Boston Terrier
This affectionate breed rarely grows taller than a foot and a half making them perfect for an apartment, or any environment for that matter. “They are easy to train and can become very well-behaved house pets. They do have high energy levels, but this can be easily managed with a brisk daily walk,” says PitPat.
Bostons are compactly built, making them portable. Their social, highly intelligent personality marks them out as particularly people-oriented. “A member of the non-sporting group, Boston Terriers are friendly, bright, and amusing, earning them the nickname The American Gentleman. They were originally bred as fighting dogs, but today will make an excellent urban pet,” informs Newsweek.
We thought that it was important to note that this breed may be a bit gassy at times, so you’ll want to limit the people food and treats. “These four-footers tend to be cheerful and friendly, and they often work very well for families with kids. They’re smart dogs too, but they can be stubborn during training. The Boston terrier has more energy than may be considered ideal for city life, but daily walks will help tucker out his little legs and keep him calm,” shares K9 Of Mine.
3. French Bulldog
What’s great about Frenchie’s is that they don’t bark much and are bred for cafe life. “French Bulldogs shed profusely but have short hair. As such, weekly at-home grooming — with a medium-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt, or hound glove — goes a long way in reducing the amount of hair that lands on your floors and furniture,” offers AZ Animals.
French bulldogs seem to be the city dog for many city dwellers, according to expert sites. “A French Bulldog’s mellow personality fits right in with city life. They are content, quiet, and don’t require much exercise or activity. A short daily walk or two, and they’re all set,” explains Bustle.
Another benefit to this breed is that they don’t shed a lot, so you won’t be constantly cleaning up in your small space. “French Bulldogs are loving and get along pretty well with kids and other pets. That lands them a solid number six on our list of best dog breeds for city living,” boasts Breeding Business.
4. Maltese
This small companion dog breed weighs less than 10 pounds and is only 8 to 10 inches tall, perfect for tiny spaces and apartments. “The Maltese are one of the most popular small dog breeds for a reason – they are sweet, playful, affectionate, and adaptable dogs that do well in small spaces. The breed is known for its gentle nature and loves being the center of attention,” says Highland Canine.
Their low energy levels, but Maltese are pretty vigilant thanks to their amazing sense of smell. They will sense an intruder in a jiffy and get into a position to protect you. “Maltese dogs never shed. This is great since you don’t have to worry about cleaning fur out of your furniture. Add a little daily exercise, plenty of cuddles, and ease of training and you can see why we recommend this breed to people living in cities. Their hypoallergenic coat makes the Maltese a great fit for apartment living,” informs Breeding Business.
“Easily recognizable by their luxurious silky white coat, Maltese are the perfect city dog. “They are sweet-tempered little dogs that could be well-suited for living in a smaller home. They need around half an hour of exercise a day and enjoy sharing quiet time with their owners,” suggests Country Living.
5. Bichon Frise
A simple short stroll around the city block is enough to keep your Bichon Frise healthy and satisfied. “The Bichon Frise is a small companion dog weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, and standing 9 to 12 inches tall. It is a cheerful breed that is highly adaptable and friendly, making it ideal for families with younger children,” explains Highland Canine.
A medium-energy dog, the Bichon Frise does not have high exercise requirements. They are eager to please their owners and easy to train. “Bichons are adaptable companions who get on well with other dogs and children, while their slightly cocky confidence and compact size make them ideal city dogs,” says Newsweek.
Not only are Bichons great for city living, but they are pretty close to being the best-looking dog breed in many opinions. Despite their perfection, Breeding Business educates us on some downfalls. “Looking best has its consequences. The bundle of cloud needs to be maintained or it won’t look like a cloud anymore. Grooming a Bichon Frise twice a week is more of a necessity. Fortunately, they don’t need a lot of exercise. They are playful and can be tamed if you’re good at that. Just don’t let your kids pull their legs. Bichon Frises are known to snap at kids if annoyed a little too much.”
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Sources:
- Highland Canine
- Newsweek
- Country Living
- Bustle
- Breeding Business
- Pitpat.com
- K9 Of Mine
- Wellness Pet Food
- Business Outsider
- Good Housekeeping
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.