Apartment-Friendly Dog Breeds

America is in the midst of an urban living renaissance. Between 2010 and 2013, cities with populations above 1 million grew by 3.1%, which is pretty staggering when you consider that they expanded by 2.1% during the entire first decade of the 21st century. Factors driving the urbanization of America include more demand for walkable environments, new technologies, and a decrease in average household size from 3.33 in 1960 to 2.58 in 2010.

If the majority of Americans call a city their home, most American dogs are probably urbanites too. Dogs in the city know how to safely ride the subway, the fine art of dog park etiquette and how to make new friends at doggy daycare. Pet parents know that raising healthy and happy dogs in an urban environment requires a little bit of effort. After all, you can take the dog out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the dog.

Just about any dog can be a city dog, but not every dog is ideal for apartment living. Use the helpful guide below to determine if your Frenchie will be happy or helpless in your pied-à-terre.

Here are eight popular dog breeds – from the largest down to the littlest – and the reasons why they may be the perfect fit for your humble abode.

Bullmastiff

Gorgeous and enormous in equal measure, this mammoth hound disguises an inner softie.

• Weight: Up to 230 lbs
• Breed in a word: “Noble”
• Bark-o-meter: Minimal
• Trainability: Very trainable

Retired Greyhound

Now that these dogs’ racing days are over, they’re content to lounge in the lounge … or on your lap. But keep in mind they’ll steed need an above-average amount of exercise!

• Weight: Up to 85 lbs
• Breed in a word: “Independent”
• Bark-o-meter: Minimal
• Trainability: Moderately trainable

Dachshund

The lively dachshund can adapt to almost any living space or lifestyle. Don’t be fooled by his small size – he’s a sturdy sausage.

• Weight: Up to 32 lbs
• Breed in a word: “Confident”
• Bark-o-meter: Somewhat minimal
• Trainability: Moderately trainable

French Bulldog

This petite pup is America’s ninth most popular breed. Their calm nature and quiet sensibility makes them great neighbors.

• Weight: Up to 28 lbs
• Breed in a word: “Vivacious”
• Bark-o-meter: Minimal
• Trainability: Very trainable

Lhasa Apso

Originally bred by Buddhist monks to guard their mountaintop monasteries, the loyal and serene Lhasa stands less than a foot high at the shoulder.

• Weight: Up to 15 lbs
• Breed in a word: “Devoted”
• Bark-o-meter: Somewhat minimal
• Trainability: Moderately trainable

Toy Poodle

Poodles make the best roomies! Be sure to befriend a dog groomer to keep your poodle’s coat in its full, curly glory.

• Weight: Up to 9 lbs
• Breed in a word: “Outgoing”
• Bark-o-meter: Moderate
• Trainability: Highly trainable

Yorkshire Terrier

This sweet soul is chock-full of character and is not afraid to let you know it!

• Weight: Up to 6 lbs
• Breed in a word: “Spunky”
• Bark-o-meter: Loud
• Trainability: Moderately trainable

Chihuahua

A tiny tyke with a jumbo personality, this cheeky chap often finds himself on dog experts’ top 10 watchdog lists!

• Weight: Up to 6 lbs
• Breed in a word: “Bold”
• Bark-o-meter: Moderate
• Trainability: Moderately trainable