Top 5 Sport and Small Dog Breeds Suitable for Urban Living

Everyone loves puppies and dogs. Those cute, adorable canine creatures are very delightful companions that could bring so much joy to each and every day. For some of us, dogs are part of the family.

Dogs, in fact, are the most popular pets in the world. Wherever there are puppies on display, you’re sure to find a group of people gathering around them. Is it because of their lovable eyes that always seem to beg for some attention?

Or is it because of their intelligent behavior that makes them faithful and useful company? Or perhaps, it’s because of their generally pleasant demeanor that could bring out a smile in all of us.

Sadly, not all households and not all lifestyles are conducive to adopting just any kind of dog. This is especially true for those who live in the cities, where life is faster paced and space is usually limited.

For examples, a large dog is certainly not suitable for a family without much space on their house. Certain breeds also require a playing field to exercise and keep healthy.

This shouldn’t be taken to mean that city dwellers are completely deprived of the opportunity to own a dog, however. There are just some breeds that are more perfect for urban living.

Normally, a dog has to own certain characteristics such as small in size, not hyper-active, and mild mannered to be able to live within the city. Although 4 out of 5 of the list are considered toy dogs or small dog breeds, don't worry though -- if you want to get your dog involved in sport activities, there is an excellent breed below.

So without further ado, here are 5 popular dog breeds that are suitable for urban living. They are by no mean complete. If you have another breed in mind, please ask the breeder or kennel for further information before you take the puppy/ dog home.

1. Shih Tzu
Long a favorite breed of most toy dog lovers, Shih Tzus are amazingly resilient canines, considering the diminutive size. Their long hair, which can reach the floor because of their short legs, need constant brushing. But aside from this, Shih Tzus are perfect for city life. They are not gregarious dogs. Their aristocratic history actually gives them a regal bearing. Often, this is mistaken for arrogance, especially with their flat noses that make them look like adorable snobs.

Shih Tzu are very well-behaved. They are portable too -- thanks to their size -- you can take them as companies. You won’t have to worry about ruined household effects, at least, not as much as when you care for a sports breed.

2. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are a fascinating breed. Their attitude belies their small stature. They’re one of the smallest dogs known to man, yet in their minds, they’re the biggest bullies in town. They’d bark at canines and humans much, much, much bigger than them, and they won’t back down an inch. Chihuahuas may be gregarious little creatures, but they are very receptive to their masters’ commands. They’re too small to reduce your home into ruins, and this makes them perfect household pets.

3. Pugs
This small dog breed is still considered as members of the toy breed. They are closely related to American and British Bulldogs, albeit, smaller in size. They are not as ferocious as their cousins, however. On the contrary, they’re quite lazy, and would rather spend the whole afternoon in deep slumber. This makes them great household companions who don’t require demanding care.

4. Lhasa Apso
A close kind of the Shih Tzu, Lhasas are also popular dogs for city dwellers. They possess the same regal temperaments of their cousins, are not hyper active, and they generally need little housetraining. Lhasa Apsos, however, need the same grooming requisites as Shih Tzus.

5. Labradors
This breed is being included in this list for those who would want a sports dog. Labradors are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They learn fast, and are very mild mannered. They are not as gregarious as other dogs of the sports breed. They respond well to a little show of affection, but they’re smart enough not to be giddy about it to the point of jeopardizing household effects. Labradors need regular exercise, however, so a daily walk would be necessary to keep this canine companion in good health.

City dwellers don’t have to sacrifice the joys of owning a dog. It’s just a matter of choosing the right breed to suit their lifestyle and living conditions. A dog can bring so much happiness into anyone’s life, and with the right breed, city dwellers could experience urban living with these affectionate and faithful pets.