You are living in a city for months alone, and it is boring. That is why you decided to adopt a large dog breed like St Bernard, English Mastiff, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, Labrador, or Golden Retriever.
Then, one of your neighbors filed a complaint against you because of your noisy pets. So, you did not have a choice but to take your dog to your parents for good.
You are alone again, and you miss the time seeing your Labrador wag its tails when you go home after office. You long for its cuddle and its affectionate personality for sure.
It is time to have a dog once again. Instead of a Labrador, Siberian Husky, or Golden Retriever, adopt a small dog instead.
But what are the best choices to consider? Here are some of them:
1. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a fantastic breed for owners with nearby neighbors. It is a small breed that only grows up to 12 inches.
Although it has curly and thick furs, Bichon Frise does not shed much, making it a perfect choice for those pet owners with allergies. Frequent brushing is not required. You can brush your Bichon Frise once or twice a week to keep its coat in excellent condition.
Bichon Frise may be energetic, but a strenuous exercise routine is not advisable. One or two walks every day are more than enough. If you are a new pet owner and do not know suitable exercise for your mini Bichon Frise, ask someone for help.
Bichon Frise is relatively easy to train. You may start from basic commands. Once retention or mastery is achieved, move to another training routine. Browse YouTube for some dog training tutorials.
2. Boston Terrier
If you already have Bichon Frise and are looking for alternatives, Boston Terrier is highly recommended.
It is usually 18 inches tall. But a male Boston Terrier is taller.
What makes Boston Terrier a second popular choice for city living is its small size. It is ideal for those who live in apartments. But it requires regular grooming and maintenance.
Although it is small, a Boston Terrier has a big and affectionate personality. It is loving and faithful, too.
Similar to a Bichon Frise, a Boston Terrier sheds lightly. So, you can avoid cleaning fur on the couch, carpet, and other pieces of furniture, helping you save some cash over time.
Boston Terrier is intelligent and easy to train. But vary your routines to incite your dog’s level of excitement and mastery. Hire a trainer if possible
3. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon may look aggressive, but it has an affectionate temperament. Yes, it is gentle, calm, and loving. Looks can indeed be deceiving.
Recognized as a wonderful house pet, Brussels Griffon loves human companionship. It quickly develops affection and cares for its pet owners.
Brussels Griffon enjoys your company more than anything else. So, always find time to play with it. Take it when you go for a walk to keep you both healthy while improving your connection.
Brussels Griffon does not bark excessively. But when it sees a stranger, it tends to be more aggressive. Proper training is something you cannot ignore. While some pet owners handle the training themselves, you can hire a certified and experienced trainer instead. It is worth it.
4. Bulldog
Bulldog is another breed that does well in a small space and city living. Like other dogs, a Bulldog does not require strenuous exercise. A short daily walk is salient.
However, Bulldog is lazy. Therefore, train your puppy well. You also have to be consistent to increase mastery and retention.
Generally, Bulldogs get 18 inches tall. Sometimes, they get taller.
Bulldogs may look aggressive. But they are gentle, sweet, and caring. They can also be attention-seeker and clingy, which you may love as a pet owner.
Bulldogs are a guard dog, too. They can ward off any trespasser because of their look. They are protective as well.
Another benefit of having a bulldog at home is that it is a minimal shedder. It does not shed like a Golden Retriever, Alaskan Malamute, or German Shepherds.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known as a top breed for the Royals before.
More than that, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beautiful dog with an affectionate and kind personality. It is gentle and ideal for those who have kids.
As a lap dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an attention seeker sometimes. So, cuddle your puppy once in a while. Also, rub its belly.
It quickly bonds with pet owners and does not mind living in apartments and other small spaces. Your time or cuddle is what matters to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
If you have been searching for a good family pet, this breed is an excellent choice you deserve.
However, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sheds its coats moderately. Regular brushing can be a lifesaver.
Also, it is challenging to train, requiring a lot of patience, consistency, commitment, and resilience.
6. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are available in different sizes. Instead of teacups, adopt a standard Chihuahua.
With its small size, Chihuahua is a wonderful companion for apartments and other small houses.
Aside from the size, Chihuahua comes in two variations such as short-haired and long-haired.
A short-haired Chihuahua sheds minimally. A long-haired one is different as it requires more maintenance. Regular brushing is needed to keep its shedding under control.
Chihuahua does not trust a stranger easily. So, if you live in a small space or an apartment, keep it on a leash, especially when you take it for a long walk.
Because of its size, Chihuahua does not require a lot of exercise. But they need some.
When Chihuahuas are around strangers, they tend to bark excessively. You can put them on a leash for your peace of mind.
7. Chinese Crested
Elegant? Laidback? Calm? Name it! A Chinese Crested is what you are looking for.
It is a low-energy dog that lies around the house all day long. If you have a busy schedule, a Chinese Crested should be on top of your list.
But do not forget to take it out for a walk. You can also play with a Chinese Crested while staying indoors and outdoors with balls, rope toys, stuffed toys, chew toys, treat-dispensing toys, and puzzle toys.
A Chinese Crested is usually a quiet and calm puppy. It is not an excessive barking dog and an excellent choice for an apartment or city living.
A Chinese Crested is low maintenance with minimal shedding. Whether you have been spending hundreds of dollars on grooming or a lot of time removing fur on the carpet, a Chinese Crested is a great option.
8. Coton de Tulear
It is stressful to have a pile of paper works to finish in the office every day. The pressure from your colleagues and superiors may also be overwhelming.
This is where a Coton de Tulear can come into play. It has a cheerful disposition that is contagious. No matter how hard and daunting your job is, a Coton de Tulear can make you smile and laugh as well. Every time it wags its tail and cuddles you, you will forget your problem as if nothing happens.
A Coton de Tulear is always happy, making it a good therapy dog for many. If you have friends who are having a hard time with their lives, a Coton de Tulear can make a big difference.
A Coton de Tulear is adaptable, loving, and protective sometimes.
9. Dachshund
Another best small dog for city living is the Dachshund. Considered hound dogs, Dachshunds are the smallest ones. Commonly referred to as weiner dogs, Dachshunds are super friendly. But they may be aggressive somehow, and early socialization is necessary.
Like a Coton de Tulear, Dachshunds are cheerful and happy. That is why they love to play and always want to become the center of attraction in a pack.
If you prefer a small buddy with a big personality and character, Dachshund is expert-recommended.
That’s not all! Dachshunds are very smart, and they love to learn various tricks. But because of their intelligence, differentiate and vary your training routines. Once they perfect some basic commands, level up the difficulty and excitement of every trick.
10. French Bulldog
Bred in the UK, the French Bulldog is the miniature version of the standard bulldogs.
With its small size, the French Bulldog does not need too much exercise and other physical activities.
Although you are tempted to take this breed on a daily leash walk, it is not advisable. It is also affectionate and faithful. Plus, it can be a good watchdog for your home in the city.
What’s Your Choice?
Any of this breed is an incredible choice. If you do not like a long-haired pooch, Basenji or Chihuahua is worth the cost.
If you love brushing or tying up hair, Chinese Crested or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is suitable. So, what’s your choice? Adopt now and take your city living experience to the next level.
