If you are looking to share your home with a dog, and your home happens to be in a large metropolitan city, you would be wise to do a little research before you bring any old pup home. Some dogs are not suitable for city life, either because they have a strong need for outdoor activities like running and playing, they are prone to barking, or because they are simply too big to be comfortable in a small apartment or condo.

So what dogs are good for city life? Below is a list of top dogs for the city, but be sure to look into any breed you want to take home to make sure you can provide them with a happy and healthy home.

Dachshunds are great small dogs. They are usually well tempered, and even though they are energetic, their small size doesn’t require a large space to run. Just be sure to give this dog some exercise and watch the liver snacks, because they can easily become overweight. This dog is commonly referred to as a wiener dog or a sausage dog.

Pugs are very popular today, and are perfect for even a family living in the city. They are very affectionate, well-behaved, and they generally don’t demand much exercise. Another one to go along with the pug is the French Bulldog, a smaller breed than the better-known English Bulldog. Both the French Bulldog and the pug are pretty sedentary dogs, but they are loving and fun to watch and interact with.

The Basenji is a less common dog, but because it does not have a bark, it is growing in popularity among city dwellers. Originally trained for hunting this hound will compliment any family by providing some lively energy to the home. They can be trained easily, hence the reason they’ve been used for hunting. They are very passionate and loving dogs and we highly recommend these young pups.

The Whippet is a shy dog that looks like a miniature Greyhound. They are smart, affectionate, very playful, and with regular walks they could be a great asset to city life. They average anywhere from 25 to 40 lbs depending on age and gender. These dogs are quick so if you’re out of shape and can’t keep up, I’d stay away from this breed (laugh).

If you have your mind set on a larger dog, there are a few large breeds that are not very active, but they do come with their share of challenges. For example, the Newfoundland and the Mastiff are great big, friendly dogs that don’t require much exercise. However, you should expect these dogs to weigh over 100 pounds, they both tend to drool, and the Newfoundland will need regular grooming because of its long coat.

In addition to those listed above, there are a few more breeds that are worth mentioning. These breeds are great all-around dogs, but can be especially good for city life. These dogs are generally very smart and easy to train, and while they might require daily walking, they won’t run circles around your apartment: Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, West Highland Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Below are some sample pictures of the small dog breeds mentioned above:

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For dog lovers there is no list more revered than the American Kennel club’s Most Popular Breeds of the year.  And while there are some pooches who seem to top the list decade after decade, each edition of the list always manages to deliver a few surprises.

1. Retrievers (Labrador) – The classic American dog.  Labrador retrievers are smart, lovable and great with kids.  They are the most popular “family” dog according to several breeder surveys.  Although they technically hail from the “Working Group” of dogs as classified by the AKC, Labs love to have fun and will knock you over in pursuit a good tennis ball.

2. Retrievers (Golden) – Golden Retrievers sit next to Labradors atop the “American Family Dog” pyramid of popularity.  Goldens are big, active dogs that love to play in the water with their favorite dog toys.  Males and females can grow as large as 90 pounds, so clear out an extra room in the house if you’re thinking about bringing one home.

3. Yorkshire Terriers – The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie” as it is commonly called, is the smallest breed of terrier in the world.  These little pocket rockets are actually some of the bravest dogs you will ever meet, and are fiercely loyal when it comes to their home and family.  Knock on the door of someone with a Yorkie, hold your ears and you’ll see what we mean!

4. German Shepherd Dogs – One of the most loyal breeds in the world, German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and temperament.   The most popular police dog breed, Shepherds can sniff out a bomb, a criminal or a shipment of drugs with equal ease.  Overbreeding and genetic issues have caused a large percentage of these dogs to develop hip problems, specifically dysplasia, over the past several years.

5. Beagles – Ever since Snoopy became a national icon (and MetLife pitch-dog) the Beagle has been a staple in American households.  A medium-sized dog that was originally bred to hunt game such as rabbits and fox, the Beagle is a deceptively strong animal.  Don’t look for any beagle to be finding work as guard dogs any time soon – their kind, gentle demeanor just wouldn’t be suited for the job.

6. Dachshunds – Dachshunds or “Weiner Dogs” have always remained a fascination with dog owners because of their unique appearance.  But don’t let their odd look fool you, these dogs will run and play with the best of them, and can really get a head of steam going when in pursuit of a ball or another dog.  The Dachshund is one of the most aggressive dogs on this list, and has been known to nip or bite at strangers or other dogs with some regularity.

7. Boxers – This dog always seems to be wearing a serious expression, but in actuality it is one of the most fun-loving, energetic breeds on this list.  AKC reports extol the virtues of the boxer, stating that they have a great rapport with children, are relatively low maintenance and are “honest and loyal”.  Sounds more like a good husband than a great dog breed, but so it goes.  Boxers are extremely headstrong animals and as such require obedience training at a very young age.

8. Poodles – Standard and miniature poodles were the rich person’s dog of choice long before Paris Hilton ever stuffed a Chihuahua into a Fendi purse.  Now, these incredible animals are popular with all socio-economic groups because of the beauty and loyalty.

9. Shih Tzu - A dog everyone loves, with a name that only a fifth grade boy could love.  The Shih Tzu has been growing in popularity for years, and has finally cracked the “most popular breeds” list of the American Kennel Club.  This little wonder has even found a home in Hollywood, in both the mansions of the ultra-wealthy, and on the silver screen in Christopher Guest’s mockumentary Best in Show.

10. Miniature Schnauzers - Another miniature dog breed that is relatively new to the list of most popular breeds, having just cracked the top ten in 2008.  Miniature Schnauzers are obedient and rarely too-aggressive.  The generally engage in gentle play, which makes them ideal companions for children and chew toys alike.    The breed originated in Germany where they were originally raised as farming dogs used to chase mice and other vermin out of the area.

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