Eight dog breeds that make great city pets

Cheerful and loyal, poodles demand constant attention from the people around them, so they are a good choice if there are small children in the house. They can be barkers if they are left alone or in the presence of strangers.

Tiny as the Yorkie is, it is known to be protective towards its owners. It gets on well with other dogs or even cats. It does tend to bark a lot, and has delicate digestion.

The Boston Terrier, nicknamed the American Cavalier, is a perfect choice for a family with children as they are good-tempered but also playful and active. Their short hair doesn’t need a lot of maintenance.

These dogs, which don’t usually weigh more than 4 kilos, have fun personalities - they’ve been called canine comedians - and are easy to train. Their abundant white and curly coat needs frequent care.

With its cute, bat-eared face, this creature has a head start on charm. The Frenchie’s character is equally hard to resist. A real home lover, it adapts easily to life with singles, couples or families, and is alert and amusing but not given to barking.

The Coton de Tuléar is an energetic breed, so your pet will need enough space to move around at home as well as regular walks. These dogs are especially longlived, with a lifespan of up to 15 years.

Dubbed the sausage dog, because of its short legs and elongated body, this is among the most affectionate breeds, although it can sometimes be stubborn. Dachshunds make great watchdogs. It is important to pay attention to their diet, as they put on weight easily.

Chinese in origin, pugs are known for their calm attitude, intelligence and playfulness. Note though that they don’t cope well with loneliness, so are not a good choice if you need to leave them home alone for hours at a time.