Occasionally one hears the opinion, dog keeping and city life would not actually go together. But this is not true! Millions of four-legged friends who are on the move in the biggest cities in the world prove the opposite. The dog must simply fit to the environment, then nothing stands in the way of happiness.
City dogs live differently than dogs in the countryside
Although most cities have inviting green spaces, the life of a city dog is a bit different. It's likely to spend more time indoors. It walks in parks, manicured green spaces, or even on asphalt.
But that doesn't have to be a disadvantage for a dog! It would be a cliché to claim that dogs are only happy in woods and meadows. Many dogs love the asphalt jungle with its many smells and impressions.
If you want to get a dog for pure city living, there are a few points to consider.
- Your dog will probably need to walk on a leash more often.
- Because of the confines of the city, the nature of encounters with conspecifics and people will be different.
- Free running, romping and playing is limited in the city.
- Because of the proximity, you have to be more considerate of neighbours and other people.
Dogs that are not suitable for the city
Inveterate hunting dogs, Bernese mountain dogs, large primitive shepherd dogs and similar breeds are not really happy in the city.
Of course, you always hear of exceptions, but they are not the rule! If a puppy comes from parents who already knew city life, it can be fine. If you get a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy from a farm into city life, the dog may have problems from the genetic imprinting.
Dogs that are very well suited for city life
There have always been the small to medium sized breeds of the social dogs
- Bichon Frisé
- Havanese
- Dachshund
- Poodle
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- Maltese
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- and many breeds more.
These breeds have been used to living close to humans in urban areas and homes for centuries. The chances of you getting into trouble with such a dog in the city are small. In addition, these breeds inherently bark less than others.
Even the big ones can feel at home in the city
The perfect dog breed for an apartment doesn't have to be small! With a Great Dane or the cozy Bulldogs, you'll have a dog that's friendly in the city.
Both breeds have an even temperament and are persistent couch potatoes.
Of course, a German Shepherd, Dalmatian or Doberman is also a suitable dog for the city. However, the need for movement of these animals is higher. As an owner you should at least get out into the nature after work.
How about a very special dog for the city?
In principle, any dog that already knows city life is suitable as a city dog. Check out your local animal shelter. There are breeds of all sizes and types waiting for a new home. Many of them were already experienced city dogs with their first masters and mistresses.
If you have a lift in the house, you can give a comfortable dog senior or a dog with handicap a new happy home.
