Most Popular Dog Breeds for Urban Dwellers

If you live in a big city, then you know that some additional challenges come with having a dog in the apartment. Especially if your pup is large and has tons of energy, finding time to take your dog to local dog parks, fields, and trails is a must. For many pups, a short walk around the block or even a good playtime session in the house can be enough exercise for a day. While there are all kinds of preferences for types of dogs, smaller dogs are usually the preferred choice in an urban environment. In this article, we will go through the most popular dog breeds for urban dwellers!

Yorkshire Terrier

One of the most recognizable breeds in the world, the Yorkshire Terrier stands at an intimidating 6 inches tall and 7 pounds large. Due to their small size, they can burn off a lot of their energy within the house, but they will also love going on walks around the neighborhood. These pups are the breed of choice for many urban dwellers.

Dachshund

These pups make great family dogs and are nothing short of entertaining. They are very playful, and their fun mood is contagious. In addition, these small, sausage-shaped dogs are adaptable to apartment living and have low exercise needs.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is an unbelievably adorable dog. They stand under a foot tall and usually only weigh between 7-12 pounds. These beautiful pups can be identified by their fluffy white coats, black eyes, and nose. These dogs do not require too much exercise and are also hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for city people with allergies.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This dog breed is one of the largest of the toy breeds, weighing between 13-18 pounds. They have extremely sweet personalities and thrive as house dogs. This dog adores being with its people and will follow them from room to room in the house. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very sporty dog. They love hiking and going for runs, however, their small size makes them very manageable in an apartment.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed that has been known best throughout its long history for being a great companion dog. This breed is known for its long, flowing hair and affectionate nature. They are adaptable to smaller living spaces and have low exercise needs.

Boston Terrier

These 10-25 pound pups are known to be one of the most gentle and affectionate breeds and love being in the company of people. Unlike many of the dog breeds on this list, these pups are highly energetic. These small dogs are easier to manage in a smaller living environment; however, they also cater to people who enjoy playing outdoors with their pups. These dogs will love to go on runs and play fetch in the park.

Chihuahua

Weighing between 3-6 pounds, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Their small size, however, does not tell the whole story; these little pups have big personalities. They have a bold and confident attitude that is often humorous to see, considering their tiny appearance. These pups are loved by many, and they have been one of the most popular breeds since the 1960s. They are also low-maintenance and adaptable to smaller living spaces.

Poodle

Poodles are a versatile and adaptable breed that make excellent companions for urban dwellers. There are several reasons why they are well-suited for city living: Firstly, poodles are highly intelligent and trainable, making them easy to teach and well-behaved in various situations. Secondly, poodles come in various sizes, from toy to standard, making them a great option for those who live in smaller apartments or homes. Thirdly, poodles have hypoallergenic coats that produce less dander and shed less, making them a good choice for people with allergies. 

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs, also known as "Frenchies," are popular with urban dwellers due to their adaptability and low-maintenance needs. Firstly, Frenchies are a small breed, which means they don't require a lot of space and can do well in smaller apartments or homes. They are also known for their low exercise needs, which makes them an excellent choice for city-dwellers who may not have a lot of outdoor space or time for long walks. Besides being a popular dog breed for city dwellers, the French Bulldog is currently the most popular dog breed in 2023!