Do you live in an apartment? If you’re like many people, you probably believe that you will be limited to having a small sized dog as a companion as long as you’re living in an apartment. However, this simply isn’t the case. In fact, it’s a myth that size is the only and most important factor to consider when choosing a dog suitable for apartment living. In this blog, we discuss what to consider when choosing a furry companion when living in a multi-family residence. We also provide a list of what we believe are the best big dogs for apartments.

Factors to Consider When Getting Big Apartment Dogs

If you have dogs on the larger side and are considering having one as a companion but live in an apartment, the following are some factors to consider to ensure you can coexist happily in your limited space.

How much room will your pet need? – It’s important to consider the space that you have available and the needs of your pet. Your pet should have enough space to stretch, play and relax. It shouldn’t feel confined.
How much exercise does your pet need? – Large dogs often have a lot of energy and therefore require a lot of mental stimulation and physical exercise. You should look for opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation such as going for walks or runs, visiting the local park or going for training sessions.
What is the breed’s temperament? – It is important to choose a breed with a generally calm or laid back temperament. For example, you may want to avoid breeds that are known for barking a lot or have high energy levels as these may be a menace to the neighbors.

Best Large Dogs for Apartments

Considering the factors outlined above, we believe the following are good big dogs for apartments.

Great Dane

These large beasts may seem intimidating because of the size but are actually gentle, calm and affectionate making them the best large apartment dogs. They do require more space to be comfortable such as a bed or a couch. They are great companions for walks and don’t require a lot of exercise to be happy. You should however, be prepared to clean up drool every so often.

Greyhound

These dogs were bred for racing. Despite this, they are quite low-key when at home making them a great choice for large dogs for apartments. These quiet and gentle giants have a short coat that is easy to maintain.

Mastiff

This is another breed that is often misunderstood. While they may seem intimidating these incredibly loyal pets are actually quite laid back. They prefer to spend most of their time lounging. They have a short coat that is low maintenance. However, like Great Danes, you will need to clean up quite a good amount of drool.

Bernese Mountain Dog

These large pets are known for being friendly. They are great for families with kids. While they love to be active, they also enjoy spending time relaxing at home. Their long coat means that they require regular grooming. This is especially the case when living in a warmer climate.

Labrador Retriever

This is another great dog for families with children. They are friendly and can be comfortable in just about any setting including an apartment building. They do require regular exercise and tend to shed quite a bit. They can be great companions on walks, runs or outdoor playtime.

If you’re thinking of getting a larger dog for your apartment, consider choosing a breed from this list of big dogs for apartments. When you’ve identified your furry companion, contact us, Anchor Up K9 Academy for private dog training in Chesapeake, VA. We’d be glad to help you set a good foundation for a more successful relationship with your furry companion.

Best Large Dogs for Your Apartment