The best dog breeds for city living tend to do well in small spaces and around other people and dogs. As a New Yorker, I’ve become intimately familiar with living in a big city with a dog, which has helped me compile this list. My own dog, an Akita, is a large dog but quiet and low-energy, which makes her a great companion for apartment living. I’ve also been a dog walker in NYC and had the chance to interact with dogs of all sizes and types. Keep in mind that there are individual personalities and variations within breeds. Generally, though, these dog breeds have a calm, adaptable temperament that can help them thrive in city life.
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For the rankings, I am including ratings based on calmness, barking level, adaptability, and exercise requirements. I realize that city life situations can vary, with some people leading active lifestyles and others wanting a more sedentary furry friend. Although most of these dogs have low to moderate energy levels, they all still require regular daily walks and socialization. Here are the top 20 best dog breeds for city living:
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small dogs with even-tempered, calm personalities. They’re popular pets for city dwellers because they generally get along well with people and other pets, and they do not need much space, so they can do well in small apartments. These highly adaptable pups make excellent companions for apartment living.
Calmness: 5/5
Barking Level: 3/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 3/5
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small-sized dog with a big personality. These fun-loving pups were bred to be companion dogs. They are happy, sociable lap dogs that tend to do well with all kinds of people and dogs and thrive with a city lifestyle.
Calmness: 4/5
Barking Level: 3/5
Adaptability: 3/5
Exercise Requirements: 3/5
3. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are small and have an outgoing personality. They are social, silly, and playful, making them an ideal companion. In fact, the Frenchie is now the most popular dog breed in America, according to the American Kennel Club. Frenchies can be great city dogs, as they are highly adaptable with a medium energy level. French Bulldogs usually love people and other dogs, making them a joy to have even in crowded areas.
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs are silly, lovable, medium-sized dogs that can also do well with city living. These outgoing pups usually love people and tend to get along well with other dogs. Although they may have some playful spurts of energy, overall bulldogs are known for being couch potatoes. They make great cuddle buddies. Regular walks and social time should keep them happy.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 2/5
Adaptability: 3/5
Exercise Requirements: 3/5
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5. Basenji
The basenji is known as the “barkless dog,” and these medium-sized pups can make great quiet apartment dogs. Basenjis sometimes make a yodeling sound but they are overall very quiet, clean, and independent pups. They have a higher energy level than many of the dogs on this list, but regular walks and playtime can keep your Basenji happy.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 1/5
Adaptability: 3/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
6. Great Dane
If you love big dogs but live in a big city, you still have options. Great Danes are giant-sized, sweet-tempered pups that can do well with apartment living. These affectionate pups love people and are highly adaptable. They need regular walks and playtime to stay healthy but indoors are usually low-energy, enjoying cuddling on the couch and relaxing.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 1/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
7. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are compact dogs that often do well living with apartment dwellers. These friendly pups love to be around people and usually get along well with other dogs. As terriers, they have plenty of energy, so they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to live a full life.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 2/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
8. Poodle
Poodles are intelligent, adaptable dogs that are popular in cities. These cosmopolitan pups are highly trainable and love people. They are high-energy dogs who do well with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Obedience training, trips to the park, and socialization will help your poodle thrive in city life. Poodles also come in different sizes, so if you live in a small apartment, you can get a toy poodle for minimal space requirements.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 4/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
9. Greyhound
Greyhounds are docile, easygoing dogs that are extremely fast runners, but these sprinters love to lounge around the house and make great apartment dogs. Greyhounds are adaptable and get along well with people. They require regular exercise outdoors, but inside, they are the perfect low-energy companions that will be content to snuggle and nap.
Calmness: 4/5
Barking Level: 4/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
10. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are social butterflies that do well with city living, provided they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. These happy-go-lucky sporting dogs love people and other dogs and are smart and easy to train. Goldens are highly adaptable and are not big barkers, making them excellent for apartment life.
Calmness: 2/5
Barking Level: 1/5
Adaptability: 5/5
Exercise Requirements: 3/5
11. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are small to medium-sized dogs that are clean, smart pups who love their humans. These loyal dogs are compact and adaptable and usually do well in city living environments. Shiba Inus have a distinct, fox-like appearance and are very fastidious with cleaning themselves. They get along well with people and usually do well with other dogs, too.
Calmness: 2/5
Barking Level: 3/5
Adaptability: 3/5
Exercise Requirements: 3/5
12. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier – often called Yorkie – is a small toy dog breed that is popular for apartment living. These pups weigh only 7 pounds on average and are perfect for small spaces. They enjoy being around people and are adaptable and energetic.
Calmness: 2/5
Barking Level: 4/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
13. Doodles
Doodles are poodle mixes that come in all shapes and sizes, depending on what breeds they are mixed with. In NYC, I often see Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. These happy, outgoing pups thrive on socializing with people and other dogs and can make great family pets. They often have high energy levels, so they require plenty of exercise.
Calmness: 2/5
Barking Level: 3/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
14. American Bully
The American Bully is a sturdy, cheerful, medium-sized dog that is popular for city life. These loyal pups are compact and can do well in apartments. Bullies are confident and people-oriented and are very protective of their people, making excellent guard dogs.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 3/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: ⅘
Related Post: Top 10 Best Guard Dog Breeds
15. Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are one of the small breeds with big personalities. These feisty, toy-sized pups usually only weigh 5 or 6 pounds. They are dedicated to their families and make great watchdogs because of their protective nature. Chihuahuas do not require a lot of space to thrive and are highly adaptable.
Calmness: 2/5
Barking Level: 5/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
16. Italian Greyhounds
Italian Greyhounds are sleek little dogs with highly adaptable personalities. These small sighthounds are playful and loving with their people and have a medium energy level. They are good with people and other dogs.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 3/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
17. Corgi
Corgis are short pups with distinct long bodies and little legs. These happy pups are smart and loyal, and they usually enjoy socializing with people and other dogs. They are natural watchdogs and can be barkers, so they would do best in a quiet apartment building without a lot of foot traffic to alarm them.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 5/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 4/5
18. Basset Hounds
Basset hounds have a lovable personality and low energy levels. These adorable, long-eared pups are easygoing and can thrive in city environments as they get along well with people and other dogs. As long as they have plenty of scents to track, basset hounds will stay happy in almost any environment.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 4/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 2/5
19. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are fluffy, cheerful little dogs that are lively and playful. Their small size and adaptability make them great companions for apartment living.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 4/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 3/5
20. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are pint-sized dogs that top out at around 9 pounds. These playful small dogs are sensitive and devoted. They make excellent companions, and their biggest demand is not space but plenty of attention to thrive.
Calmness: 3/5
Barking Level: 4/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Exercise Requirements: 3/5
Mixed Breed Dogs
In addition to these purebred dogs, consider mixed breeds, too, as they often have great qualities from different breeds. Shelters and rescues are full of mixed-breed dogs that can make excellent companions for city living.
What breeds make it on your list of the best dog breeds for city living? Comment below.
Adopting a Dog
When looking for a dog, consider your lifestyle, the dog’s energy levels and personality, and their physical needs for space and exercise. Also, consider whether you want an easygoing dog that gets along with everyone or if you want a watchdog or guard dog.
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