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Our Top 12 Dog Breeds for Pet Owners in the City

We’re often asked for recommendations on dog breeds that thrive in bustling city life, especially for those living in apartments. While there are countless breeds to choose from, we've narrowed down our suggestions based on weight categories and our personal experiences with these breeds.


Important Note:
Every breed has potential health issues they may be prone to, so it’s crucial to select a breeder who conducts proper health tests. For detailed guidance on health testing and how to choose a responsible breeder, check out this blog post.

Here are our top recommendations and why we love them:


< 6 kilos

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are small, lively and affectionate dogs. Unfortunately, they often get a bad reputation for nervous aggression. This behaviour is usually due to poor genetics or insufficient training. Melissa from Pawsaminute and Liam from LM-K9 are experts in the breed and can offer valuable advice if you’re considering a Chihuahua.


Havanese & Coton de Tulear

Both the Havanese and the Coton de Tulear are hypoallergenic, low-drive dogs, making them excellent companions for most owners. However, they require regular grooming, so it’s a good idea to budget for professional groomers. Socialising them at the groomer’s can also be beneficial. In Copenhagen, we recommend Hundens Univers and Frydensberg Hundefrisør.


< 15 kilos

Cairn Terrier & Westie

Terriers like the Cairn and Westie are energetic, fun and highly trainable. However, they are also vocal by nature. With proper training and structure, their barking can be managed. Remember, almost all dogs bark (except for breeds like the Basenji), so don’t be misled by claims of a "silent" breed.


Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you’ve grown up with active spaniels but need a lower-energy option, the Cavalier could be a great fit. However, this breed is known for serious health issues, which led to breeding restrictions in Norway in 2023. Make sure to research breeders thoroughly to avoid health and genetic problems.


Alix's late dog, Simba.
Alix's late dog, Simba.

< 30 kilos

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is Alix’s childhood dog and the inspiration behind her journey into dog training. Labradors are a highly driven breed that are incredibly fun to train with, yet at the same time, they are exceptionally forgiving. You may have heard the saying, "Malinois are really easy to train," but that’s only true if the handler is experienced and skilled at managing an intense dog. Improperly training a Malinois can result in a dangerously reactive dog. On the other hand, if a Labrador with good genetics is trained poorly, the chances of ending up in a dangerous situation are slim. Labradors are inherently social and make the perfect family dog.





Golden Retriever

Similar to the Labrador, Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. Just be prepared for a home full of dog hair!


English Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffies are affectionate and extremely human-oriented. However, as terriers, they can have a natural predisposition toward dog aggression, which needs careful management through proper training and socialisation. We've noticed that the gene pool for Staffies in Denmark tends to produce dogs with allergies and nervous temperaments, so selecting a good breeder is essential. Early training with a professional is highly recommended.


> 30 kilos

Important note: when owning a large dog breed, it is crucial to understand that your responsibility as an owner significantly increases. Larger dogs have the potential to cause more harm simply due to their size and strength, even if unintentionally. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure not only your own safety but also the safety of your dog and the public.

This means that having a well-trained and controlled dog is not optional; it is your duty as a dog owner. Large dogs must be consistently under control in public spaces, whether on a leash, in a designated off-leash area, or interacting with other people and animals. Proper training, socialisation and management are essential to ensure that your dog is a safe and well-mannered companion.

Another important consideration for large dog breeds is whether you live in an apartment without an elevator. If so, you need to plan for the physical effort of carrying your growing puppy up and down the stairs multiple times a day. Consult your veterinarian to determine how long you should carry your puppy and when it will be safe for them to use the stairs independently.

Greyhound

The Greyhound, often called the "fastest couch potato," is an incredibly underrated breed. Known for their history in dog racing, Greyhounds are goofy, social and driven companions. Despite their sleek, muscular build, they are low-energy indoors and make excellent apartment dogs. However, it’s important to understand that Greyhounds are sighthounds, meaning they have a strong prey drive. If they see a squirrel, rabbit, or similar small animal, they will take off after it in an instant. This instinct is deeply ingrained in their genetics.


To safely manage a Greyhound, you need to invest in training exquisite recall and always keep them on a leash unless they are in a securely fenced area. It’s also essential to know your surroundings—ensure the area is free of wildlife or potential triggers if you’re letting them off-leash, as their chase instinct can be difficult to manage once triggered.


Broholmer

The Broholmer, known as the Danish Mastiff, is a unique and docile breed. Many countries have their own mastiffs, such as the Boerboel in South Africa or the Fila Brasileiro in Brazil. While some of these mastiffs are banned in Denmark due to their size and potential danger, the Broholmer is more laid-back and social by nature. However, it’s important to remember that the Broholmer is still a mastiff and retains many of the instincts and tendencies common to guardian breeds.


They are relatively low-drive and low-energy, which makes them well-suited for apartment living, as they are content to lounge around during the day. That said, responsible ownership is key, as these large dogs still require structure, proper training, and socialisation to ensure they remain well-behaved and manageable.


Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful breed known for being social, easygoing and driven to train. However, their thick, double coat requires regular grooming and will shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes. Owners need to account for the extra maintenance and cleaning that comes with this breed.


Additionally, their heavy coat makes them prone to overheating in warm weather, so it’s crucial to be mindful of this during the summer months. Ensure they have access to shade, fresh water and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day to prevent heatstroke. With proper care and attention, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a loving and loyal companion.




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