Best Dog Breeds for Living in the City

If we learned anything from the story of the city mouse and the country mouse, it’s that these two living environments are as vastly different for animals as they are for humans. And, just like with humans, some dog breeds are much more adaptable for city life than their country-loving counterparts. By understanding what city conditions are like for dogs, you can determine which dog breed is best for your bright lights, city life.

What is City Life Like for Dogs?

To begin, city life for dogs often means that you’ve got smaller living accommodations. While dogs of all sizes can do well in apartments and more generally confined living quarters, not all large nor all small breeds can be happy and healthy in a smaller dwelling.

A big variable is the dog’s energy level. Dogs that are lower-maintenance and that don’t need to race around in large spaces tend to do better in cities. These are dog breeds that enjoy hanging out and cuddling on the couch and that don’t need a lot of big space to exercise.

Finally, dogs that live in cities will do a lot of walking on concrete and in the company of other dogs, humans, and lots of dirt and allergens. It’s important that dogs not have fur that drags dirty city streets. Further, it’s also important that dogs are not too nervous around people or animals and that they are trainable. Trainable dogs can learn how to socialize and have good temperaments in large, unpredictable spaces such as city streets, parks, bistros, etc.

What to Look for in a Dog if You Live in the City

Thus, when looking for a dog if you’re living in the city, consider the following vital variables:

• The dog’s energy level; does this breed need to run around outside a lot, or can they get their exercise indoors?
• Is the dog easy to groom and to maintain? Allergens and dirt in city spaces can adhere to your dog’s coat. These can come back into your home and not only make your space unclean but can also make you or your dog sick.
• Is the breed easy to train? Dogs need to be trained to walk on a lead, to obey basic commands, and to remain calm when in the company of other people and dogs.
• Is the dog social? Dogs that are highly anxious or that don’t do well with other people or pets would not do well in cities.
• Is the dog breed generally quiet, or can they be trained to be quiet? Most city dwellers live in condos or apartments that are in close proximity to others, which means that a rowdy or noisy dog doesn’t make for a good city pet.

To summarize, social, calm, quiet, trainable dogs that aren’t overly active and that don’t need a lot of complicated grooming are the best types of dogs for living in the city.

Best Dog Breeds for Living in the City

Thus, in no particular order, the best dog breeds for living in the city based on their ability to fit the above criteria:

• Maltese
• Bichon Frise
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Cocker Spaniel
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Shih Tzu (if kept groomed)
• Boston Terrier
• Border Terrier
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Biewer Terrier
• Cairn Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Cesky Terrier
• Basenji
• Chihuahua
• Whippet
• Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Greyhound
• Chinese Crested
• Havanese
• Dachshund
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Pug

What Makes These Dogs Great at Big City Life

These breeds are all great for big city life for the above-listed reasons in terms of energy, trainability, and grooming, but these are also excellent city dogs because they are loyal. They are generally easy-going, and most of them can easily get the exercise they need to remain healthy and fit indoors or out, which is a benefit especially to those who live in cities prone to snow and freezing, which generally make it difficult to get outdoor exercise.

Living in a city shouldn’t restrict anyone from being a dog parent; however, the nature of the dwelling space does play a role in the type of dog breed you should search for. Because the list of dog breeds that do well in the city is so comprehensive, everyone who resides in a city should be able to find a dog with the personality traits and activity levels that best fit their lifestyle.

There are lots of dog breeds that are great for living in the city. These are dogs that generally don’t need a lot of exercise. Of course, while different breeds have different activity levels, all dogs benefit from a delicious, healthy, natural diet such as those made by Wellness Pet Food. Find the perfect tasty dog food for your four-legged city roommate to guarantee your dog stays happy and healthy.