19 Best Dog Breeds for City Living: Pictures, Info, & Facts

The Best Dog Breeds for City Living in 2024

As more and more people flock to urban areas, the population of city dogs continues to rise. Nearly 40% of U.S. households now include at least one dog, many of them in cities. With busy lifestyles, smaller living spaces, and plenty of concrete, choosing the right dog for city living is crucial. The ideal city dog is typically small to medium in size, has moderate exercise needs that can be met with walks and indoor play, and possesses a friendly, adaptable temperament to handle the hustle and bustle of urban environments.

While there are many wonderful dog breeds, some are better suited for the unique challenges and joys of city life than others. Here are some of the best dog breeds for living in a city apartment or home in 2024:

1. French Bulldog
   The fun-loving Frenchie has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its perfect mix of traits for city dwelling. Weighing under 28 pounds and standing 12 inches tall, the French Bulldog is small but sturdy. This breed is well-known for its adaptable, affectionate nature and minimal barking. Frenchies don‘t require extensive exercise – a couple short walks and some indoor play each day will keep them happy and healthy. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath is sufficient for grooming. French Bulldogs can be prone to breathing issues and overheating, so care must be taken in hot weather. But overall, their compact size, easy-going attitude, trainability, and low exercise needs make the Frenchie a top pick for urbanites.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
   Graceful, gentle, and affectionate, the Cavalier is a 13 to 18 pound spaniel that transitions well from long walks in the park to cuddling on the couch. These elegant spaniels are very adaptable and do well in city apartments as long as they get a moderate amount of exercise. A few short walks a day and some at-home play sessions are usually enough to meet their needs. Cavaliers have silky, medium-length coats that shed seasonally and require regular brushing and occasional trimming. These dogs are eager to please, making them easy to train, and are known for their sweet, friendly disposition towards strangers, children, and other dogs. While they can be prone to heart issues and eye disorders, Cavaliers from responsible breeders tend to be healthy dogs. These versatile spaniels can fit into many different urban lifestyles.

3. Havanese
   Hailing from Cuba, the Havanese is a small, 7 to 13 pound dog with a playful, outgoing demeanor. Havanese are very people-oriented and thrive on attention from their favorite humans. Though energetic, these dogs can adapt well to city life as long as they receive a couple good walks and play sessions each day to burn off energy. They are highly trainable and are a good fit for first-time dog owners. The Havanese‘s long, silky coat sheds minimally but requires brushing several times a week to prevent mats. Many owners opt to have the coat trimmed short for easier maintenance. With a lifespan of 14+ years, this is a long-term companion. The Havanese‘s portability, friendliness, and willingness to please puts it high on the list of best dogs for city dwellers.

4. Bichon Frise
   The powder-puff Bichon is a classic city companion dog. Topping out at 12 pounds, this merry breed is adaptable, playful, and highly affectionate. Bichons do well in apartments with a few brisk walks each day and plenty of indoor playtime. After their exercise needs are met, Bichons are content to snuggle with their owners or perch on the back of the couch to watch the city go by. These dogs are intelligent and trainable, generally quiet, and shed very minimally. The Bichon‘s plush coat isn‘t prone to odors but requires frequent brushing and regular trims. Bichons are very social and don‘t do well when left alone for long periods, so they are best suited for owners who can bring their dog to work or don‘t have long commutes. Their portability, cheerful attitude, and low-shedding coat make Bichons a great fit for many city homes.

5. Pug
   One of the oldest and most popular toy breeds, the wrinkly, good-natured Pug has been a beloved city companion for centuries. Weighing 14 to 18 pounds, Pugs are sturdy, compact dogs that are well-suited for apartment life. They require minimal exercise beyond a couple short daily strolls. After a quick walk or play session, Pugs are more than happy to lounge on the sofa for hours. Pugs shed moderately and need just weekly brushing. However, extra care must be taken to clean their wrinkles and keep them from becoming overweight. Because of their flat faces, Pugs are also prone to respiratory issues and don‘t do well in extreme heat. But if you‘re looking for a low-key cuddle buddy adaptable to city living, the Pug is hard to beat.

6. Shih Tzu
   Bred as a companion to Chinese royalty, the Shih Tzu is a natural fit for life in a palace or a studio apartment. These miniature pups typically weigh 9 to 16 pounds and have an average lifespan of over 13 years. Daily walks and indoor play are usually enough exercise to keep Shih Tzus happy and healthy. These dogs are very affectionate with family but may be a bit aloof with strangers. They do have a stubborn streak but respond well to positive training methods. Shih Tzus have gorgeous silky coats that shed minimally but need to be brushed daily. Many owners keep their dog‘s hair trimmed short for easier care. Overall, the Shih Tzu‘s small size, moderate exercise needs, and loving nature make this breed a good choice for city living.

7. Boston Terrier
   Nicknamed "the American Gentleman," the Boston Terrier sports a signature black and white tuxedo coat. Bostons typically weigh 12 to 25 pounds and have an average life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. These lively, intelligent dogs can adapt well to city apartments as long as they get a few daily walks and plenty of interactive play. Bostons tend to be very people-oriented and don‘t do well if left home alone all day. While they may alert bark, Bostons aren‘t typically yappy dogs. The Boston‘s short, smooth coat sheds seasonally and requires just occasional brushing. With their portable size, sleek coat, and happy-go-lucky attitude, Boston Terriers can make wonderful urban companions.

8. Pomeranian
   Descended from working sled dogs, the foxy-faced Pomeranian is now a popular purse-sized companion. Most Pomeranians weigh just 3 to 7 pounds, making them one of the smallest breeds. Although they are active and energetic, Poms can thrive in city apartments with daily walks and indoor playtime. These clever dogs are very trainable but may develop problem barking if not given enough exercise and socialization. Poms have fluffy double coats that shed continuously and require brushing several times a week. Pomeranians can be good watchdogs and loyal companions for city dwellers who want a small, alert, but easily transportable dog.

9. Miniature Schnauzer
   Weighing 11 to 20 pounds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, compact version of its larger Schnauzer cousins. Minis are intelligent, trainable, and adaptable to many living situations. Although they are lively dogs, Mini Schnauzers can do well in city apartments with moderate exercise in the form of a couple daily walks and interactive play. Their wiry coats shed very minimally but need to be brushed a few times a week and trimmed regularly. Minis can be a bit barky and may need training to controlAlert Barking. However, this trait also makes them excellent watchdogs. Miniature Schnauzers are loyal, entertaining companions for active city dwellers.

10. Greyhound
    You may not think of the Greyhound as a typical apartment dog, but this lanky, 60-70 pounder is actually quite well-suited for city living. Retired racing Greyhounds are accustomed to spending most of the day resting and are very low-key, often sleeping up to 18 hours a day. They are gentle, even-tempered dogs that are undemanding and adaptable to their owner‘s schedule. Of course, Greyhounds still need a few daily walks and chances to run, but they don‘t require nearly as much exercise as you might expect. The Greyhound‘s short, sleek coat sheds minimally and is very easy to maintain with occasional brushing. Many Greyhounds are happy to spend most of the day napping on the couch with their favorite humans. For city owners looking for a larger, laid-back dog, the Greyhound deserves a closer look.

11. Basset Hound
    The Basset Hound may seem like an odd choice for an urban home due to its size – most weigh 40-65 pounds. However, these low-built scenthounds are actually quite adaptable and don‘t require tons of exercise despite being fairly large. Bassets can do well in city dwellings with a few moderate walks each day plus plenty of sniff time to enjoy intriguing smells. They tend to be very food-motivated, good-natured, and highly tolerant of children. Grooming is minimal beyond weekly brushing and ear cleanings. Bassets can be a bit stubborn and are prone to baying, so training is a must. But they are loyal, affectionate dogs that readily bond with their owners. If properly exercised, the Basset Hound can be a great city dog for those wanting a mellow, larger breed.

In addition to these eleven breeds, there are many other dogs that can adapt well to city living depending on their individual needs and personalities. Other breeds to consider include the Yorkshire Terrier, Poodle, Chihuahua, Maltese, Brussels Griffon, English Bulldog, and the increasingly popular Labradoodle. Some owners even make typically high-energy breeds like Shelties, Corgis, and Jack Russell Terriers work in urban settings by providing ample exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization opportunities.

When selecting any breed for city life, the most important factors to think about are the dog‘s size, exercise needs, barking level, friendliness, trainability, and grooming requirements. A dog‘s individual personality and the amount of time you can spend with your dog each day are also key considerations. Speaking with reputable breeders, veterinarians, and other knowledgeable dog owners as well as meeting adult dogs of your preferred breed can help you determine the best fit.

It‘s crucial to obtain a city dog from a responsible breeder who conducts health screenings, provides proper socialization, and breeds for stable temperaments. Avoid pet stores and online sellers, as these puppies often come from puppy mills. Adopting a dog from a shelter or breed-specific rescue in your city is another wonderful option, especially for owners wanting an adult dog whose size and personality are already known.

No matter which breed you choose, remember that all dogs need proper training, socialization, human companionship, regular veterinary care, and both physical and mental exercise to thrive. Many cities now have abundant resources for urban dogs, such as dog-friendly restaurants and bars, puppy kindergarten and obedience classes, indoor doggie gyms, dog parks, hiking trails, and professional dog walking services.
Traveling with your city dog is also easier than ever thanks to a rise in pet-friendly hotels, airlines, and transit options.

With the right preparation and care, living with a dog in the city can be immensely rewarding for both you and your canine companion. Dogs provide us with unconditional love, motivate us to exercise and socialize, alleviate loneliness and stress, and make our urban homes and neighborhoods feel more complete. By selecting one of the breeds best suited for city living and being a responsible owner, you and your dog can enjoy many happy, healthy years together in the big city.