8 Best Small Dog Breeds for City Dwellers

Photo by Matthew Henry

Did you know that there are over 600,000 dogs living in New York City? Despite the traffic, noise, and elevators, thousands of dogs are thriving in the big apple.

If you live in a big city and want a pooch, go for it!

But, keep in mind that some dogs breeds are perfect for condo living while others excel in suburbia. Small dog breeds make excellent pets for urban living due to their low exercise demands and high capacity for cuddles. They also take up less space in the notoriously quaint homes in any downtown core.

To know which small dog breed is right for you, keep reading. Here are eight breeds that are perfect for city-dwellers.

1. Bichon Frise

A great breed for first-time dog owners, the Bichon Frise is sweet, playful, and affectionate. Their traditional white coat is puffy and curly. It requires regular combing and grooming.

These happy-go-lucky pups are perfect for cities because their exercise needs are low. A daily walk and some fetch in the house are usually enough. You may notice their sporadic bursts of energy in which they race wildly around the room.

The Bichon is great with children and can adapt to a home with other pets. They tend to bark when they hear the doorbell or sounds outside, so some training will be needed.

2. Shih Tzu

This long-haired small dog breed is gentle, loving, and loyal. Shih Tzus are natural watchdogs; they want to alert their master to any guests. Then, they welcome the guest with affection and excitement.

Compared to other small dogs, Shit Tzus are quiet and less yappy. But, they have long spurts of energy that needs releasing. They love racing around a yard or living room as well as a daily walk.

Plus, they’re good with other pets and children. Although they do require more grooming, they shed very little.

3. Boston Terrier

If you’re looking for a spunky companion to join you on your city adventures, the Boston Terrier is your dog. This small breed is full of personality and is quite intelligent. Training is easy and their exercise requirements are low.

They do, however, crave attention and affection. If you’re out of the house most of the day, your Boston Terrier could get lonely and depressed.

These fun-loving pups are great with children and other pets. They’re adaptable; if you show them, love, they’re happy wherever you are.

4. Pug

Some dogs have inherent traits you cannot change. Pugs are not one of those breeds; they’re so adaptable you can fit them into whatever lifestyle you choose.

Some are extreme couch potatoes while others love active adventures. The only thing all pugs want is affection and toys. Their exercise needs are low so you can get by with one walk a day.

Their flat face makes them loud breathers who often snore and grunt. Besides that, they aren’t very yappy. They make a perfect apartment or condo pet.

5. Coton de Tulear

If you’re looking for a stress-free companion, the Coton de Tulear is for you. These laid-back pups are easy to train, good with kids, and great with other dogs. They love to play with toys and cuddle on the couch.

Their long, fluffy coat does require regular grooming. But, they aren’t known to shed excessively which means less vacuuming for you. Also, they need more exercise than other small dogs, so plan on at least two walks per day.

They’re extremely friendly and good-natured. Perhaps too friendly, they don’t make the best guard dogs!

6. Bolognese

A distant relative of the Bishon Frise, the Bolognese possesses the positive traits of that breed and more. Bolos are low energy pups that don’t need much exercise. They do well in apartments, condos, and city homes.

Despite their grooming needs, they shed very little. They’re easy to train, eager to please, and very playful. They make excellent family pets and love being part of families with multiple dogs.

Bolos are known to be calm, quiet, and affectionate. They’re popular with seniors as well as families. They may bark at the doorbell, but otherwise, they’re quite quiet.

7. French Bulldog

There’s nothing sweeter than the head tilt of an inquisitive Frenchie. French Bulldogs are notorious for having giant bat ears, face wrinkles, and a tiny body compared to their head.

Their personalities are as adorable as their faces. Frenchies are extra playful, curious, and comical. They’re traditional companion dogs, which means they’ll be happy to sit near you whenever you’re home.

And, they have very little grooming needs. Their short, straight fur does shed quite a bit, though.

French Bulldogs are often calm and happy-go-lucky dogs. They rarely bark, but do have an array of other sounds they make. As long as they get moderate exercise and lots of cuddles, they’re happy dogs.

8. Papillon

This sweet pup gets its name from the French who noticed their ears make their face look like a butterfly. Their erect ears sit high on their head and have long fringes of hair hanging down from them.

Papillons are outgoing, fun, and loyal. They love being with their owner as much as they can, either on your lap or by your feet.

If you enjoy staying active in your city-dwelling life, the Papillon is for you. They enjoy strolls down the street and playing fetch at the dog park. They’re extremely intelligent and thus, easy to train.

Although they aren’t suitable for families with young children, older children do well with Papillons. Without adequate training early on, you might notice your Papillon barks more than you’d like. Luckily, it’s never too late to learn.

Interested in Small Dog Breeds for Your City-Dwelling Lifestyle?

The lifestyle of a city-dweller is different than that of a suburban or rural lifestyle. You’re on the go, living in tight quarters, and might have limited lawn space.

That’s what makes small dog breeds perfect for you.

Use the list above to decide which breed suits you best. Although they’re small, their personalities and capacity for love are huge.

Once you’re ready to pick up your new fur-baby, read this post on the eight key steps to taking care of your pup.

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