New York City is one of the largest and most populous cities in the world. It’s an urban sprawl that spans over 300 square miles, and it’s split into several boroughs. While it’s an urban sprawl, you’ll find that there is a giant dog-friendly park in the center, Central Park, and there may be other locations to bring your dog for a walk.
Unless you live in a house in Queens or a larger apartment in Manhattan, you’ll find that some dog breeds are incompatible with NYC’s lifestyle. For these reasons, you need to find the best dogs for NYC if you want to enjoy your time with a dog and if you want that dog to be happy.
Thankfully, this guide is here to help. Read on to learn more about the best dogs for New York City. We also cover how to find them.
The 5 Best Dogs for NYC
It’s hard to say that one dog is better than another, but when you live in a city like NYC, you’ll find that some dogs are a better fit. That said, it can be hard to determine which breeds are better than others, which is why we help you narrow down your options below.
1. French Bulldog
The French bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds in NYC, and this breed is popular for good reason. This is due to the fact that French bulldogs are compact dogs that are only 16 to 28 pounds, and you’ll also find that they’re lazy, relaxed, and sedentary.
You’ll also find that they don’t need a ton of playtime, so a few walks or indoor play sessions are enough to keep your French bulldog happy and healthy.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Another great dog for apartments in New York City is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs only weigh around 13 to 18 pounds. This makes them compact enough for most apartments, and while they do bark, you can always train away that behavior.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also calm dogs that don’t need a lot of training or playtime. This makes them a good fit, even if you have to leave them alone for a few hours daily. Just don’t forget to play with and walk them.
3. Pug
One of the most low-maintenance dog breeds on the planet, pugs are a great choice for NYC. These dogs are small, lazy, and easy to care for because they only need a short walk or a play session or two. You’ll also find that they’re social and affectionate, even if you already have a cat or another dog.
While pugs are a great choice, they can get a little chunky if you don’t play with them or walk them enough. They also shed a lot, so make sure you brush them as well.
4. Dachshund
These little hot dogs make excellent canine companions in New York City. This is due to their small size and affectionate nature. As long as you have some time to spend with them, they make good canine companions, even if you have limited space. Still, they need a walk or two daily and some playtime.
Dachshunds are also a good fit for NYC because they’re good watchdogs. They’ll alert you to any danger or strangers that arrive at your door, although they will bark at anything without proper training.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Finally, you have the Yorkshire terrier. These dogs are very small, only weighing four to seven pounds, and you’ll find that they don’t need a lot of space to run. Sure, they have a lot of energy, but due to their small size, most apartments will have enough space for them to play.
Yorkshire terriers are also friendly, affectionate, and easy to care for. Just focus on socialization for the best results.
Find the Best Dogs for NYC Today!
Finding the best dogs for NYC apartments is not always easy. This is because animal shelters, rescues, and other organizations have a strict adoption process. These organizations won’t allow you to adopt if your home doesn’t meet specific requirements, and if you have a busy lifestyle and job, you’ll find that your chances are even lower.
On the other hand, if you can meet those requirements, it’s worth it to check these organizations for the best dogs in NYC. However, you may not always find them.
If you don’t want to go the shelter route, plenty of puppies for sale are available in NYC. Just make sure you locate a reputable breeder and ensure that they’re licensed, or check out curated lists, like this one, to see multiple puppies available at once.
