Deciding on the perfect dog breed for city life, especially in a bustling metropolis like London, can be a challenging process. With over 450 breeds to choose from, the selection can feel overwhelming. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps I’m taking to choose the right dog for my lifestyle, with a particular focus on health, temperament, and suitability for urban living.
Health Matters: Choosing a Dog for Longevity
Health has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. Many of the breeds I’m naturally drawn to tend to have health complications. It’s crucial to avoid selecting a dog based solely on appearance. I want to make a mindful decision, especially when it comes to the dog’s temperament and energy levels. Choosing a breed that matches my energy and lifestyle is more important than going with a breed I find aesthetically pleasing.
In my quest, I’ve been looking closely at genetic predispositions for common health issues like heart disease, breathing problems, and skeletal issues. A key resource has been a comprehensive breed guide, which helps me identify potential problems early on. This way, I can ask breeders the right questions and ensure that genetic testing has been done to prevent future complications.
Eliminating Large Dogs: A Sizeable Decision
I’ve also had to reconsider my preference for larger dogs. In the past, I thought I would enjoy having a giant breed like a Great Dane, but after more reflection, I realized that dogs weighing over 25 kg are not ideal for my current lifestyle. In a city like London, managing a large dog can be difficult, especially when navigating busy streets and public transportation. Additionally, there’s the concern of controlling a large dog in potentially stressful situations.
This realization was an eye-opener, especially since I used to have a bias against smaller dogs. Coming from Brazil, where we have more space and bigger dogs are the norm, it took some adjusting to see the benefits of having a smaller companion in a big city.
The Importance of Temperament Over Looks
One of the key factors in my decision-making process is temperament. I’m looking for a dog that is trainable, enjoys engaging with me, and can handle the everyday noises and commotion of city life, such as cars, public transport, and construction. It’s essential that the dog I choose is food-motivated and enjoys training sessions, as these qualities will help with bonding and obedience.
It’s important to note that while we often talk about dog breeds as having specific traits, every dog is an individual. Generalizations about breed tendencies—such as herding dogs liking to herd, or retrievers loving to fetch—don’t apply universally. This is why breed-specific bans don’t always make sense. For example, breeds like Pit Bulls or XL Bullies are often criminalized based on misconceptions, yet they are not inherently aggressive.
Grouping Breeds by Suitability for City Life
To make the process easier, I’ve grouped breeds based on their suitability for city living, and I’ll walk you through the key categories I’ve considered.
- Sighthounds: Breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets are beautiful dogs with sleek, long noses. While they have a calm, cat-like nature indoors, their high prey drive and need for large open spaces to run makes them less suitable for city living. I’ve ruled out these breeds because I won’t be able to provide the outlets they need for their energy.
- Herding Breeds: These dogs, like Border Collies and Bearded Collies, are highly intelligent and energetic. They often try to herd people and other dogs, which can be problematic in a city setting. Herding dogs require a lot of mental stimulation and exercise, and since I work long hours, I don’t believe I can provide the consistent engagement these breeds need.
- Scent Hounds: Breeds like Beagles and Pointers have an incredible sense of smell and love tracking scents. While they are fascinating dogs, their high energy levels and tendency to wander off following a scent make them less suited for an urban environment where control is crucial.
- Guard Dogs: German Shepherds and similar breeds are bred for guarding and protection. While they make excellent companions, their tendency to bark at new stimuli and their guarding instincts may not be ideal in a city full of constant novelty. I also prefer a dog that is more relaxed and less likely to be on high alert all the time.
- Spitz Breeds: This group includes dogs like Samoyeds and Pomeranians. They are generally well-suited for city life, but they can be vocal, which is a concern for me. However, their long fur and fluffy appearance appeal to me, as I enjoy grooming, which is a bonding activity we can share.
- Sporting Breeds: Retrievers, including Labradors and Golden Retrievers, are highly trainable and motivated by food. These qualities make them a great fit for my needs, but their high energy levels may still pose a challenge. Spaniels also fall into this category, and while they are similarly energetic, their love of training and engagement makes them a breed I’m still considering.
- Terriers: While I love their small size and bold personalities, terriers tend to be very active and need a lot of stimulation, which I may not be able to provide. Their instinct to chase and dig also makes them more challenging to manage in a city environment filled with distractions like squirrels.
- Companion Breeds: This is the group I’m most drawn to. Companion breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, have been bred for their friendly, laid-back nature. These dogs are perfect for city living, and they tend to be couch potatoes indoors, which suits my lifestyle. However, many companion breeds are brachycephalic (flat-faced), which can lead to health problems like breathing difficulties. With careful selection and by choosing a responsible breeder, I hope to avoid these issues.
Final Thoughts: A Balanced Choice
After careful consideration, I’ve narrowed my list to the following breeds:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Griffon Bruxellois
- Retriever
In the next phase of my journey, I’ll decide whether I want to adopt a rescue or bring a puppy into my life. Stay tuned for the next post of this journey, and let me know in the comments if there’s a breed you think I should consider!
This blog post not only outlines my thought process but also serves as a guide for anyone in a similar situation, trying to find the right dog breed for urban living.
