Before welcoming our dog, dantzigprints.co, into our lives in 2015, my partner Mike and I (Steph) dedicated significant time to researching the ideal dog breeds suited for apartment living in a bustling city. We resided in a cozy one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Brooklyn at the time, and it was crucial to find a breed that would seamlessly navigate city sidewalks, endure subway commutes in a dog-friendly carrier bag, and comfortably coexist in our compact living space.
Several essential considerations come into play when choosing a dog fit for apartment or city life. Will the dog bark excessively and disturb neighbors? Does the breed’s energy level allow them to thrive without the luxury of a spacious backyard? How well does the breed handle crowded streets, noisy subways, and lively dog parks?
For those seeking a dog that thrives in apartments and urban settings, this article offers insights into the top dog breeds ideal for compact living spaces and the vibrant atmosphere of city life.
1. BASSET HOUND Basset Hounds are sociable and easygoing canines, known for their exceptional sense of smell, second only to Bloodhounds. Originally bred for hunting, these hounds sport stout legs, floppy ears, a large head, and a perpetually forlorn expression. Despite their moderate size, weighing between 40-60 lbs, Basset Hounds are characterized by their pleasant disposition, relaxed demeanor, and amicability, making them excellent companions for city living.
2. BORDER TERRIER Border Terriers are small, happy, and energetic dogs, typically weighing no more than 12-15 lbs. They exhibit an easygoing nature, ideal for both city and country life. Their diminutive stature makes them perfect travel partners, often accommodated in dog carrier bags during subway rides. Regular exercise, such as a daily walk or a romp in the park, keeps them content within the confines of your home. These hunting dogs possess a strong instinct to chase small animals, necessitating leash usage during outdoor excursions.
3. BOSTON TERRIER Weighing a maximum of 25 lbs and measuring 15-17 inches in height, Boston Terriers are sociable, cheerful, and inquisitive dogs that thrive in city environments. They are named after the city of Boston, a clue to their aptitude for urban living. Their moderate size and friendly disposition render them exceptional companions for navigating city streets, parks, and trails.
4. BRUSSELS GRIFFON Brussels Griffons, also known as Griffon Bruxellois, are small dogs weighing between 5-15 lbs. They boast an oversized personality, self-importance, and a charming sense of humor. Their small size and affable nature make them ideal apartment dwellers, travel companions, and loving friends. However, due to their sensitivity to loneliness, they require frequent social interaction and companionship.
5. BULLDOG Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs, with weights of up to 50 lbs and an average height of 14-15 inches. Despite their muscular and imposing appearance, Bulldogs are renowned for their friendly, calm, and lovable temperament. Their composed demeanor makes them perfect apartment pets. Bulldogs do enjoy outings, so regular exercise is necessary to maintain their health and weight.
6. CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL, CAVAPOO, AND CAVASHON Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and related mixed breeds like Cavapoos and Cavashons are gentle, friendly, and easygoing dogs. They are open to both city and family life. Their smaller size, usually ranging from 13-18 lbs, and low propensity to bark excessively make them suitable for apartments and city living. These sociable dogs do well around people and other dogs, making them great companions.
7. CHIHUAHUA Chihuahuas are the tiniest dog breed, weighing no more than 6 lbs, and typically measuring 6-8 inches in height when fully grown. Their diminutive size makes them convenient apartment and city pets. They are ideal for short commutes and city explorations, although they may tire quickly compared to larger breeds. Investing in a comfortable dog carrier bag or pet purse is perfect for transporting Chihuahuas around the city.
8. DACHSHUND Dachshunds are playful, athletic, and social dogs that relish affection and enjoy outdoor activities. They are equally comfortable walking city streets or lounging in apartments. Miniature and “tweenie” Dachshunds, weighing less than 11 lbs and 11-15 lbs, respectively, are particularly well-suited for urban life. While some Dachshunds may bark more than others, they generally adapt well to small spaces and crowded areas, with the advantage of being light enough to be carried in a dog carrier bag.
9. FRENCH BULLDOG French Bulldogs are friendly, mild-mannered, and intelligent dogs perfectly matched for apartment and city living. They are renowned for their calm disposition and limited inclination to excessive barking, making them excellent companions for apartment living, especially in shared buildings. Their compact size, usually weighing no more than 25-28 lbs, ensures they don’t require extensive space and can be effortlessly transported around the city.
10. GREAT DANE Surprisingly, Great Danes are ideal for city life, even though they can weigh up to 175 lbs. Their friendly and composed nature, along with low energy levels compared to some smaller breeds, makes them excellent city pets. Great Danes are known for their patience and adaptability, particularly suitable for families who aren’t daunted by the prospect of a massive canine friend.
11. HAVANESE Havanese dogs, weighing between 7-13 lbs, are intelligent, spirited, and social dogs. Their gentle disposition and moderate exercise requirements make them a superb choice for apartments and smaller residences in the city. Havanese thrive on human companionship, so it’s essential to avoid leaving them alone for extended periods.
12. ITALIAN GREYHOUND Italian Greyhounds are slender and affectionate dogs, with a full-grown weight of no more than 13-15 lbs. Their sleek physique enables swift galloping, but they also enjoy being lap dogs. Italian Greyhounds require modest exercise and are content to curl up on your lap, making them well-suited for apartment living. Due to their sensitivity to cold weather, it’s crucial to protect them with dog coats and sweaters during chilly days.
13. MALTESE AND MALTIPOO Maltese dogs are a toy breed known for their gentle and affectionate nature, along with their long, silky fur. These petite dogs, typically weighing 2-8 lbs, are suitable for apartment living. Maltipoos, a cross between Maltese and Poodles, inherit the gentle traits of Maltese ancestors and the energy of Poodles. They thrive with modest daily exercise.
14. MINIATURE AND TOY POODLE Miniature and Toy Poodles, weighing up to 10-15 lbs, are highly intelligent and sociable dogs. Their easygoing temperament and compatibility with people and other dogs make them great for city life. Regular exercise, including walks and park runs, ensures a well-adjusted canine companion in apartment or city settings.
15. PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI Most herding dog breeds are too energetic for city living, but Pembroke Welsh Corgis are an exception. These stocky dogs, weighing 27-30 lbs, are intelligent, affectionate, and trainable. Corgis’ adaptability extends to city living, where they enjoy walks, parks, and suburban environments. However, their frequent shedding and occasional barking may need proper management to avoid disturbances.
16. PUG Pugs are affectionate, loyal, and playful dogs that make wonderful companions for both families and city dwellers. Despite their muscular build, they are rarely aggressive and easily adapt to city or suburban settings. Regular exercise is necessary to keep them healthy. Pugs, being brachycephalic, are prone to breathing difficulties and heat stroke, emphasizing the importance of temperature control.
17. SHIH TZU Shih Tzus are small, robust dogs with an outgoing and alert temperament, adorned with silky, flowing fur. Their loyalty to owners is coupled with a social disposition, making them great apartment and city dogs. Due to their inclination toward stubbornness, early training is essential to prevent disobedient behavior.
18. YORKSHIRE TERRIER Yorkshire Terriers are among the smallest dog breeds, weighing no more than 7 lbs when fully grown. Their affectionate, feisty nature may result in more frequent barking compared to other breeds. Their petite size qualifies them as “purse dogs” and excellent travel companions, requiring only light exercise to maintain their fitness. Yorkshire Terriers adapt seamlessly to various settings, and they can be comfortably transported in dog carrier bags or purses.
