7 Best Dogs For City Living
Living with a dog in a city apartment might not seem ideal, especially if you don’t have unlimited access to a yard. But you can definitely make it work if you have the right kind of canine companion. After all, many people live quite happily in close quarters with their pets once their landland gives the thumbs up.
There is a myriad of dog breeds out there, and there are no hard and fast rules about which type make the best city dogs. As long as you and your dog get on well it’s a match made in heaven. In saying that, if you’re looking to buy a dog, you may want to consider the following breeds which are well suited to apartment living due to their temperament and energy needs.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are loyal, friendly and gentle, and make one of the best apartment dogs because they aren’t barkers. They don’t need copious amounts of exercise, a stroll around the block or a game of fetch inside will do. After that, they’re happy to lounge on the sofa next to you and chill. They stand around 13 inches tall, so they won’t take up too much space in a smaller apartment.
- French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are eminently suited to city life and are happy trotting around town with you while you do your errands or meet with friends at the local cafe. Affectionate and mellow, nothing fazes the Frenchie, and their calm disposition is just what the doctor ordered if you tend to stress out. At 11 to 12 inches tall on average, this small dog breed only needs a short daily walk or two.
- Dachshund
Dachshunds are great small apartment dogs and because they have little legs they don’t need much of a daily workout. If you want a dog that loves attention and snuggling, then the Dachshund is perfect in that respect. They’re also small, around 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder, and tend to be quiet. You may need to groom them from time to time as they shed, but it’s not excessive.
- Pug
Pugs are personable little dogs that get on well with other dogs and people. They don’t mind apartment life and are happy to trot around the city with you on outings. Their energy needs are low to medium, but even the more energetic ones are easy to tire out with a daily walk. They stand 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder and are of a compact size.
- Poodle
Toy and Miniature Poodles make good small apartment dogs, at 10 inches and 12 inches tall on average. While Standard Poodles are also one of the best city dogs, it’s best if they have more room to move around as they’re taller at 15 inches. Poodles are intelligent, very easy to train and highly obedient. Barking can be an issue if they’re bored but can be curtailed with firm commands, daily exercise, and playtime.
- Schnauzer
If you’re looking for the best medium-sized dog breeds for apartment living, then the Standard Schnauzer makes a great companion if you have a larger space. This sturdy practical dog is around 17 to 20 inches tall and does like a good amount of exercise. He is liable to become a couch potato if not given a daily walk or run. But if you lead an active lifestyle, and live close to a dog-friendly park, then you’ll be well suited. It does come in a smaller version too, the Miniature Schnauzer is 12 inches tall.
- Newfoundland
If you’re considering large dog breeds, then Newfoundlands, or ‘Newfies’ can do well if you have a generous-sized apartment. Although these are a large dog breed, they aren’t incredibly active and like to take naps more than romp around the park, though they still need some exercise each day. They can be a trip hazard as they like to lie on the floor, but they don’t tend to fuss or make a noise which will keep you in the neighbors’ good books.
Final thoughts
As long as you give your dog plenty of care and attention, plus the right food and exercise for their bodies, there’s no reason why they can’t be happy. Dog-friendly cities tend to have lots of walking, pet sitting and grooming services, so living in an apartment with a dog can actually be quite easy if you have the right help at hand.
If you are in need of a pet sitter and you live in the South Charlotte area, call Love and Kisses Pet Sitting for all your pet sitting needs. 704-763-9857
Author’s Bio
Angela Pearse is a blogger for Zumper who frequently combines travel with freelance writing. She’s passionate about Art Deco hotels, historical novels, Netflix, hiking and healthy living.