Dog lovers are not only found in the countryside, people who live in the city love animals as well. Although city-dogs usually are acquired to fulfill companionship only, sometimes they are required to guard your home too. For a dog, it is more natural to be around his pack, since dogs are very social and do not tolerate being locked outside well. That is why it is probably much better for a dog in an apartment being around other people than to be a backyard pup, who is left outside and forgotten, bored and without human contact most of the time. So keeping a dog in an apartment should not be an issue for most of the breeds. But which are the ones that will adapt better to urban lifestyle? Let’s take a look.
Which aspects are important when choosing a dog for downtown?
City life tends to be more hectic, crowded and people have less time. The dog breed you choose therefore needs to be friendly, intelligent, easily trainable and should not be a hassle to walk with on busy streets crowded with people, kids and other pets. Nobody wants Fido to run back to you with a hand or a piece of chihuahua in his mouth instead of his tennis ball, or have you fly down the street at the end of the leash, right? Although socialization is vital for every single puppy, no matter what breed, there are dogs which tolerate other living creatures more by default. Dogs with great urban-capacities have to be comfortable living in even small apartments, should not like to hear their own voice too much and their fur doesn’t necessarily have to cover all your furniture. That means you better favor breeds with short hair, and prefer those dogs which do not function as a living alarm system for your neighbor’s sake.
All dogs need daily exercise, no matter where they live, city-dogs require sufficient walks 3-4 times a day just as well. Therefore your breed of choice does not have to be a lazy-type, if he is an active breed still can live happily downtown.
Here are the top five nominees:
- French bulldog
Small sized with short, straight coat which requires low maintenance and does not shed much. As they are not very active they do not need a big area to run around. Great choice for lazy people. Their training has to be consistent as they can get a bit stubborn. Get along with people and other animals, unless they were not socialized well as a puppy. Socialization is a must in every dog’s case. Frenchies are not loud but will let you know if a burglar shows up at your door. Their size also make them perfect for urban-style living. - Beagle
One of the most popular breeds, but because of over-breeding these great animals, you have to be careful and buy your puppy from a reliable breeder. They are available in a lot of size variations from small and middle size. The coat of a beagle is short, straight and does not need much maintenance, though they are a bit of a shedder. As they have the potential to be very hard headed, you should never let your beagle to take the control, since it will cost you lots of hard work to get it back. Beagles are great with children and other animals, live long, and are quite active and affectionate. - Hungarian Vizsla
This breed is middle sized but despite the myth, they are much happier living indoors than outside. Affectionate dogs with very short, straight hair and with no undercoat, therefore they are moderate shedders. Lovely animals, adoring everyone and everything, one of their skills are awarding as many kisses as possible. Their only desire is to be the center of attention and they are capable of doing anything to achieve it. Vizslas cannot tolerate harsh training, they are kind of sensitive in this way. Active breed, they need a good amount of daily exercise and are also capable of guarding. Their life expectancy is longer than breeds of the same size. - English Setter
Also a medium/large sized breed like Vizslas, with longer, silky coat, not shedding much. They need regular grooming although still not high maintenance. They are affectionate as well and love to play. As a hunting breed they are very intelligent and easy to train. Friendly with animals and people, love kids. Setters are also sensitive, they love to be next to their “master”, preferably on the couch and not the floor. Adorable animals although not as popular as the ones above. - Whippet
Small sized, very short, straight hair, very low maintenance. Very easy to train and not as active as Vizslas, Beagles or Setters. Excellent choice for lazy people. Great with other pets, people, Whippets are kid-lovers. Their life expectancy is longer than same size breeds. Very quiet dogs, incapable of guarding of any kind. Ideal pick for fashion lovers, who will love to clothe these dogs, as they do not tolerate cold very well.
+1. Mixes
Never forget mixes, as some lucky combinations can be healthier, smarter and more beautiful than any other existing dog breeds.