New to New York City? Are you ready to search for the most popular dog for apartment living?
The City of New York has become pet-central for all kinds of doggie owners. Whether you're from Manhattan, New Jersey, or Brooklyn, dogs are everywhere. Choosing a pooch for your apartment and lifestyle can be quite hard. But don't worry, because today we will talk about the best dogs for New York City apartments.
If you've just moved into your first NYC apartment and are now ready to commit to your first canine friend, then this article is just for you. Here we'll cover:
Apartment dwelling dogs, traits to consider
Top 5 tiny pups suited for small apartments
Top 5 medium sized pooches for apartments
Apartment Dwelling Dogs, Traits to Consider
Before you start your search for the ultimate city pooch, you'll first need to break down the most important traits that make dogs good in small apartments, and whether or not that pooch fits your lifestyle.
Here we'll cover five key traits every soon-to-be dog owner needs to look at before they decide to bring a furrever friend into their NYC home.
Size Says It All
One of the most important traits pet owners need to consider when bringing a new dog into their home is the size of the dog, and the potential space available to that dog. Now, while some people do prefer big dogs, say over small dogs, it's crucial to keep your animal's welfare in mind, and not your personal preference.
So, how do you choose the right pooch for your home? It's quite simple actually. If you've got a cramped studio apartment or a condo style home in a large building, then you might want to consider a small breed dog who would be quite content with a small space. However, if you've got a townhouse, then you can potentially consider a bigger dog.
A Pooch That's Laid Back Vs A Pooch Who Loves To Run
One of the biggest considerations to keep in mind is your new dog's activity and energy needs. For instance, if you decide to go with a hound type dog (these are active pups), then you'd need to make sure you're able to meet their energy requirements adequately.
One of the biggest factors here is to not only consider the dog's activity level, but also the owner's personal lifestyle, and the willingness to fulfill their pet's needs.
You Don't Want A Howler or Barker
When it comes to living in the city, one of the most important factors to account for is your new dog's inclination to howl or bark. When living in an apartment, dogs who bark or howl a lot may disturb neighbors or landlords. This can pose to be quite a big problem for many pet owners, so be sure you choose a breed that only barks or howls on occasion.
Easy To Train and Adaptable
Apartment living is sometimes a lot easier for people than it is for pets. Dogs who have not been properly socialized and desensitized to the loud noises of the city may develop anxiety when around large crowds of people. This is why it's important to consider a breed that is not only easy to train but also a breed that's able to adapt to a different environment.
Top 5 Tiny Pups Suited For Small Apartments
Sassy, energetic, and easy to travel with. Who doesn't love those cute little small dogs? While there are many little dogs who'd make great apartment pets, we've decided to narrow it down to the top five best dogs for apartments.
1. Chihuahua
Pros
Well suited to small apartments, moderate energy, low-maintenance
Cons
Prone to separation anxiety
Best suited to
First-time dog owners who may live in small studio-style apartments.
The spunky little Chihuahua, yes, this breed has become quite well known in New York for his ability to adapt to an apartment. Chihuahuas are fairly easy to maintain dogs that can make great companions to any NY apartment dweller. The only downfall to this pooch is that he can get quite anxious when away from his pet-parent for too long.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
Friendly pup, well suited to small apartments, moderate energy, low-shedding, very affectionate towards people and other pets
Cons
Cautious around strangers, stubborn at times
Best suited to
People looking for a small, easy going, active dog.
Known for his playful, fun-loving demeanor, the Yorkshire terrier has truly captivated the hearts of pet owners across NY. These little pups are not only very playful, but they are also quite people oriented. If you're looking for a pooch who's easy to travel with, then the Yorkie is perfect for you.
3. Shih Tzu
Pros
Does not shed, playful, adapts to any type of apartment
Cons
Requires frequent grooming, hard to housebreak at times
Best suited to
First-time pet owners seeking a playful dog.
Allergy friendly, low-shedding, and playful. How could you not love the little Shih Tzu. These daring pups are great for first-time owners seeking a pooch that does not shed a lot. But be warned. These dogs do require a lot of grooming, which can be costly.
4. French Bulldog
Pros
Laid back, friendly to all, moderate energy
Cons
Hard to housebreak, stubborn, frequent shedding, cannot tolerate extreme weather
Best suited to
Any pet owner.
Without a doubt, the French Bulldog can easily be considered the most popular pooch in New York City, and why not. These little dogs are really easy to care for, making them great pets for first-time dog owners. The French Bulldog is a very playful pup that will thrive in his owner's company. They can be stubborn at times and will not be able to tolerate hot summers or those cold winters.
5. Maltese
Pros
Playful pooch, friendly to all, hypoallergenic
Cons
High-grooming needs, separation anxiety, sensitive to new places
Best suited to
Pet owners who can provide plenty of quality time with their pooch.
Sweet-natured at heart, the Maltese can truly be quite a loyal companion. These dogs can be very playful with their owners or family pets. However, they can be shy when meeting a new person or pet. The biggest con to the Maltese is that they can be quite sensitive to new places, so be sure you desensitize your pooch to loud city noise.
Top 5 Medium Sized Pooches for Apartments
Looking for something a little bigger than a toy breed? Here are some top-notch medium-sized pups that can adapt well to apartments.
1. Shiba Inu
Pros
Independent nature, high-energy, quiet
Cons
Often not friendly to other pets, requires plenty of socialization, frequent exercise
Best suited to
Pet owners seeking an active dog.
An internet sensation. The Shiba Inu is what we love to call the cat of the dog world. This is because these doggos prefer to keep to themselves. Shibas can be considered a one-person dog, which means they will bond quite closely to a single owner. Because of their high energy needs, we recommend the Shiba Inu to any pet owner who can exercise this pooch for a minimum of 60 to 75 minutes daily.
2. English Bulldog
Pros
Very laid back, family friendly pooch
Cons
Drools a lot, frequent shedding, weather sensitivity
Best suited to
Pet owners seeking a low maintenance dog that will not require much exercise.
New York City's most popular dog breed. Like the French Bulldog, the English Bulldog seems to have captured the hearts of many city dwellers. These dogs are easy to maintain as they require moderate exercise. This makes them great for anyone who has a busy life hustling and bustling to work.
3. Beagle
Pros
High energy, easy to train, adapts well to apartments
Cons
Destructive when bored, requires frequent exercise
Best suited to
Experienced pet owners who are seeking an energetic dog.
Outgoing and easy to train, the Beagle is a wonderful companion for the active NYC dog owner. These pups have high energy and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and out of trouble. A bored Beagle can be a destructive Beagle, so be sure you can meet their daily activity needs before bringing one home.
4. Pug
Pros
Laid back, friendly, low energy, great with kids
Cons
Breathing issues, prone to obesity, sheds surprisingly
Best suited to
Pet owners seeking a calm, low-exercise companion.
The Pug is a charming, easygoing breed that has won over many NYC apartment dwellers. These little dogs are perfectly content with short walks and lots of couch time, making them ideal for busy city owners. Just be mindful of their breathing in hot weather and keep an eye on their weight. Pugs love their treats.
5. Cocker Spaniel
Pros
Gentle, affectionate, adaptable, good with families
Cons
Requires regular grooming, prone to ear infections
Best suited to
Families and owners who can provide regular grooming.
The Cocker Spaniel is a sweet, gentle breed that adapts beautifully to apartment living. These dogs are affectionate and people-oriented, happy to curl up at your feet after a good walk. Their beautiful coats do require regular grooming, but their calm temperament and moderate exercise needs make them a wonderful NYC companion. Found your breed? We'll give them the daily walks they deserve.
MORE PAWESOME STORIES
View all
