People frequently inquire as to what large dog breeds are suitable for apartment living.
In addition to renting versus buying a dog, there are a few other crucial considerations when picking the right breed for you.
Many shelters mandate that you have a yard available, and some even demand that you own a house rather than just rent an apartment, which is, in my opinion, an incredibly constrained viewpoint.
But just because you live in a house with a yard doesn’t mean you can bring any large dog into your apartment. Instead, it just means that you shouldn’t bring large dog breeds home.
It’s about quality not quantity of exercise.
Many dogs reside in large homes in the suburbs, where their families spend very little time with them and leave them alone for extended periods of time. These dogs live in lower-quality environments than dogs, even large dogs, who have caring owners and live in small apartments.
I’ve discovered that having dogs in an apartment usually results in better dog guardians. You have to be deliberate about the time you spend together because you live in close quarters. Instead of just opening a sliding door into the backyard, apartment dogs have to go potty while actually walking together. Depending on your dog’s temperament, having access to parks, dog runs, training sessions, and daycare facilities is a great way to help your dog burn off excess energy outside of your apartment.
Only the type of exercise has changed for my large dog; she is no more physically active now that she has a home than she was when she lived in an apartment. We no longer have to go for daily walks, so I must be much more deliberate about continuing her training and socialization.
Big dog owners should go above and beyond to be considerate of their neighbors in apartment buildings, even though it is unfair. Avoid letting your dog bark for extended periods of time, prevent him from using the restroom in the building’s common areas, and always clean up after your dog.
Many individuals mistakenly believe that large dogs are more dangerous or destructive than small dogs. Even the most well-behaved canine neighbors may make some people uncomfortable, especially if the dog is large and appears to be physically intimidating. When I lived in apartment buildings, I was conscious of my neighbors’ comfort levels, learning which neighbors disliked dogs and making sure my dogs were on short leashes in the hallways. The “high five” trick was one of my favorites. I also discovered that teaching cute tricks can go a long way to break the ice with neighbors who aren’t thrilled to share an elevator with a big dog.
When it comes to good dogs for apartments, consider these factors instead of size.
Not all dogs are suitable for apartment living, but this depends more on the temperament of the specific dog than on his size. There are large dogs that are content to sit quietly on the couch and there are small dogs that need a lot of exercise or bark a lot. If you’re considering getting a big dog for your apartment-dwelling family, think about the dog’s energy level, age, propensity to bark, and friendliness to strangers since you’ll be residing in close quarters with other people.
Do Large Dog Breeds For Apartments Exist?
There are large breeds that can live in apartments, but only if you meet certain requirements and can give your dog the exercise and mental stimulation he requires.
Before purchasing a large dog for an apartment, take into account the following:
You should never get any large dog breed if you live in a busy city with little to no nearby green space.
Generally speaking, every large dog needs long walks, and most dogs aren’t made to handle the busy lives of humans. Some dog breeds, however, have a tendency to do very poorly around many distractions, noises, and people.
Similar to that, you shouldn’t get any of these dog breeds if you have all that available but need to climb endless flights of stairs and there is no elevator because joint issues will almost certainly develop if you intend to stay there for a long time.
This affects the Mastiff breeds the most, of course.
Another eliminating criteria is the actual living space. Don’t get a large dog in the first place if you simply lack the space (or meters for our metric friends) to support doing so.
Large dogs don’t require as much space as some people might believe, but they do require enough room to turn around without having something in their face.
Additionally, they require a safe haven, though some dog breeds more so than others (my Rottie hardly ever leaves the room).
If your neighbors simply detest Pit Bull breed dogs (I know, it’s sad we still need to talk about this), avoid getting one if your landlord doesn’t give the go-ahead.
While most people will happily accept a Golden Retriever, there will undoubtedly be conflicts if the neighbors are afraid of your friendly giant (although even that can cause issues).
You’ll probably have to do with this doormat instead for the time being (kidding, it might rile up the old grumpy man who just hates dogs in your complex).
After reviewing the breeds here, if you’re looking for the ideal guard dog for your apartment, check out the linked article.
Here is a list of the top big dogs for apartment living.
Photo by Fedor Selivanov on Shutterstock
Despite their reputation as cuddly giants, these dogs can be quite fit. Keep in mind that these dogs spend endless hours searching through the snow for and rescuing humans.
These dogs don’t require a lot of space, but they do require a special area, and you might have to make due with owning only one-third of the couch.
Although not all of them drool as much, you should be ready in case you need to follow them in order to clean up their drool due to their massive jowls.
Because the English Mastiff is one of the heaviest dog breeds available, their exercise requirements are reasonable.
However, you still need to give them exercise by taking them on long walks, along with mental stimulation.
They make excellent family pets and, if you have the room, can live in an apartment.
Photo by Inna Astakhova on Shutterstock
The Bullmastiff is an incredible-looking dog breed that is also very loving and gentle.
Similar to other Mastiffs, these dogs are best suited for people who enjoy taking leisurely, peaceful walks twice or three times a day rather than sports enthusiasts.
If you reside in a high-rise building without an elevator, you shouldn’t own a Dogue de Bordeaux because it is one of the breeds of dog that is prone to joint issues.
When properly socialized, they are calm and devoted to their owners.
The Great Dane, known for being one of the biggest dogs, can definitely reside in an apartment.
You should give them a lot of mental stimulation and a healthy diet to increase their lifespan.
Photo by Utekhina Anna on Shutterstock
The Newfoundland is a gentle giant who is trained to work as a therapy dog with children.
It’s a great choice for families looking to get a well-balanced dog because it’s known as one of the more trainable breeds among the larger dogs.
One of the four Sennenhund breeds that the Romans introduced to the Swiss Alps over 2,000 years ago was the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be the ideal choice for families looking for a large guard dog for their apartment without giving up an affectionate dog, as they are bred from Mastiff and guard-type dog crosses.
If someone has some familiarity with the Shar Pei, they tend to focus on its deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue.
Your Shar-Pei may end up being from a quite independent and reserved line due to the lack of a wide variety of breeding programs, so you shouldn’t necessarily own one if you live in a city or have a lot of neighbors.
Breed enthusiasts support them and help, hopefully, direct future matings in the right direction.
These days, this dog breed is frequently bred for appearance rather than cultivating their loving nature.
People frequently believed incorrectly that the term “lion hunter” meant that these dogs were actually hunting lions when all they did was track them as a pack and, if possible, capture them.
But this shows how tenacious and fearless this breed can be.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback just adores movement and exploration, so if you intend to keep one in an apartment, make sure there are enough opportunities for exercise nearby.
These dogs enjoy exercising in large parks, forests, or even just the beach.
A fantastic chance for those looking for a hiking partner who is content to live in an apartment for the foreseeable future.
Photo by Emre Ceylan on Shutterstock
The Amstaff dog breed, which is renowned for being incredibly devoted and loving, is ideal for apartment living. They’re not huge but do need lots of exercise.
Fortunately, they are well-suited to a variety of sports, and if you take care of their needs for mental exercise as well, you will have a wonderful companion who is happy to live in small spaces.
The Boxer can be both calm and spirited depending on the situation, but if you’re looking for a short-coated pet that strikes a good balance between size and weight, you might be satisfied with the Boxer.
They are a fairly intelligent breed of dog, but they occasionally have trouble adjusting to new environments.
Photo by Maria Bell on Shutterstock
A very popular choice for families in the U. S. and all around the world. Do not misunderstand, a Golden Retriever needs exercise too and shouldn’t be left inside an apartment all day.
However, if you live in one of the busier areas and are prepared to train and exercise your dog, the Goldie is a very wise choice.
The breed standard describes the Irish Wolfhound as “dignified, thoughtful, and generous,” and it has been employed for a number of things over time.
If you want to get a dog like this for your apartment, you should be prepared to handle them in daily life because they were sighthounds and used to chase after the game at high speeds.
Photo by Liliya Kulianionak on Shutterstock
A racing dog for apartment living?
In fact, there are lots of ex-racing dogs looking for new homes in peaceful areas.
You can choose the Greyhound if you have room for them to run and you are familiar with the procedures for proper recall training.
A preferred option for those attracted to their silky coat and fashionable appearance
When considering the best dog for your apartment, keep in mind that this breed is notorious for being rather aloof.
The Poodle comes in a variety of sizes (and hairstyles), and is a very popular option for owners all over the world.
The Poodle is undoubtedly one of the lighter dogs on this list, and it almost never drools, making it a good fit for an apartment with people who are willing to put in the time but aren’t quite ready for a truly large boy.
They are ideal for sports that make use of their intelligence, like dog dancing.
Photo by Radomir Rezny on Shutterstock
The largest Spaniel-type dog is the Clumber Spaniel. For their relatively short height (20 inches and up to 85 lbs for males), they are stockier than you might expect.
Clumber Spaniels are among the rare dog breeds on this list as there are only 175 dogs registered for 2019 in their home country, the UK. The AKC reports about 200 new registered puppies every year.
Livestock guardian dogs, which include the canine breeds listed below, are the worst large dogs for apartments:
When protecting livestock, these dog breeds are trained to be very independent and capable of making their own decisions.
The main issue with these dogs is that they are not only working dogs but also extremely territorial and accustomed to patrolling their perimeter.
Other common choices for medium-sized apartment dogs are the following:
Only when the proper form of stimulation is offered will these options be effective.
Don’t bother getting any of these dogs if you live in a crowded city without great places in nature to exercise your dog because they have extremely high levels of energy and intelligence.
FAQ
Can a 50 lb dog live in an apartment?
Yes, as long as you give the dog more than what it needs. However, this applies to any size dog. Even if your dog weighs 3 pounds dripping wet, you still need to give him or her the training, attention, and exercise they may require to prevent them from damaging your furniture.
How do I deal with a large dog in my apartment?
- Get some supplies from a local Cerritos pet store. …
- Exercise your dog every day. …
- Create a comfy space for your dog. …
- If necessary, hire someone to walk and/or look after your dog.
- Maximize your apartment space as much as possible. …
- Keep your dog out of danger.
Is it bad for dogs to live in apartments?
Whether large or small, many dogs are at home in apartments, but their owners should still take daily precautions to keep them content and healthy. Although a dog’s size and energy level can be an issue for owners who live in small spaces, it is still possible to raise a dog there.
What breed of dog can live in apartment?
In general, small dog breeds like the Shih Tzu, Pug, and Bichon Frise make wonderful companion animals for homes with apartments or condos. They do well in small spaces, and a quick walk around the block usually provides them with enough exercise to stay happy and healthy.