Life in the big city can really be the best if you have a trusty four-legged friend by your side. Of course, some breeds are a better fit for urban life than others. You probably don’t want a guard dog who barks so much that the neighbors who reside next to your thin-walled apartment complain to your landlord. And it’s not the best idea to have a breed who requires a lot of exercise if you don’t have a yard or much living space. Instead, you may want to look for a laid-back and quiet dog who can adapt to tight quarters.
That being said, keep this in mind: All dogs are individuals, so you may come across a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who barks like there’s no tomorrow, or you could live with a Great Dane who isn’t a fan of snuggling on the couch. If you’re a renter, it’s also important to talk to your landlord before bringing home a dog to make sure you’re allowed to have one.
Check out our photo gallery below to find out which dogs are likely best for city life and which breed characteristics might be well suited for your lifestyle.
Look for a Dog Who Can Be Comfortable in Small Living Spaces
If you live in an urban area, you probably live in an
apartment or condo with limited square footage. To share your small space with
a dog, your best bet is to find a pup who won't bark too much, doesn't require a lot of
exercise and is pretty laid back. You're probably thinking that the dog needs
to be small, too, but that's not always the case. Though size is a factor, there are some large and giant dogs who can be well suited for
apartment living. From French Bulldogs to Greyhounds, here are 13 dog breeds that can be good
candidates for apartment living.
No one wants to live next to or below a noisy neighbor. Be
considerate of the people in your building who don't want to hear yipping and
yapping at all hours by searching for a dog who doesn't bark a lot. We asked 218 veterinary professionals for
their takes on the quietest breeds, and though you probably won't be surprised that the
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Whippet make the list, some of the other
13 breeds are somewhat unexpected.
Unless you want to be the bane of everyone on your co-op
board (or risk getting evicted), you probably shouldn't get a
Dachshund, Beagle or any of these noisy breeds.
Look for a Dog Who Is Easygoing and Avoid High-Energy Breeds
As a city person, you'll want a dog with a laid-back
temperament who likes to veg out. This doesn’t mean that Basset Hounds, Great
Danes and other easygoing breeds don't require some exercise and stimulation; it's just
that they're often content to go on a casual stroll around the block instead
of playing fetch at the dog park for an hour. We asked veterinary professionals
to weigh in on the most laid-back breeds, and here's how they responded.
Want a Small Dog Who Likes to Snuggle? These Breeds Are Your Best Bet
Many lap dogs are easily portable, quiet and
like to cuddle — big pluses for urban dwellers who may live in a fifth-floor
walk-up with no yard, lots of neighbors and hardly any living space. Our list of lap-loving breeds includes Shih Tzus,
Havaneses and more. Check out our gallery to see all our picks.
Want a Large Dog? Consider Getting a Giant Breed
As we mentioned before, just because you live in the city
doesn't mean you have to get a small dog. You might be surprised to know that some giant breeds are
great candidates for small living spaces, since they often don't need huge amounts of exercise and tend to be pretty quiet. Just keep in mind that some big dogs are so
large that they can clear a coffee table with the swipe of a tail, plus, they also
can be droolers. From the Great Dane to the Mastiff, get to know 10 large dog
breeds that can be gentle giants.
