People often assume that if you live in an apartment, you shouldn’t have a dog. And that if you do decide to get a dog, you shouldn’t get a large one. Neither is true.
When considering what it means to live in a DC apartment, some breeds definitely fair better than others. However, there are several large dogs that do well living in apartments, as long as you’re good to them. In no particular order, here are a few of the best large dogs:
Greyhound
Size: Males are usually 28-30 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 70-100 pounds. Females are a bit smaller at 27-28 inches tall, weighing 60-75 pounds.
Grooming: The coat is short and smooth and easy to maintain as a result.
Greyhounds are athletic dogs, but when they’re not racing, are fairly low energy, gentle dogs. They are great with children because they’re non-aggressive. They make awesome apartment dogs because of their quiet disposition. They bark very little.
Malamute
Size: Between 23-25 inches tall at the shoulders, weighing 75-85 pounds.
Grooming: These dogs have 2 coats, a plush, wooly undercoat and longer course guard hair on top. They don’t shed much and require fairly little grooming except twice a year, when they shed profusely.
Often mistaken for a Siberian Husky, Malamutes are generally quiet dogs that don’t really bark, a favorable characteristic for apartment living. Once a sledding breed known for its strength, these dogs need to be exercised daily.
Mastiff
Size: Greater then 30 inches tall at the shoulders and weighing anywhere from 100 to 200+ pounds.
Grooming: With a straight outer coat straight, of short, coarse length, Mastiffs shed an average amount. Their undercoat is dense, short and close lying.
This dog is powerful, the biggest breed of dogs by weight, and third largest by height. They make wonderful guard dogs because of their protective nature, but are very calm animals otherwise. With daily walks they can do well and are fairly undemanding, happy to lounge at their owner’s feet.
Greyhound
Size: Males can be more than 32 inches at the shoulder, weighing at least 120 pounds.
Grooming: Great Dane coats are short, smooth and easily groomed. They shed an average amount.
The Great Dane is a gentle giant that loves to be around people. It’s fairly inactive indoors and doesn’t bark a lot so apartment living is feasible for responsible pet parents. They should however, be thoroughly obedience trained while young and will do well when exercised daily.
St. Bernard
Size: 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulders and from 100 to 200 pounds.
Grooming: They have very dense, short-hair that sheds seasonally.
A strong, muscular dog that is gentle and tolerant of children, St. Bernards are good watchdogs and easily trained if started early. They are obedient dogs that will do fine in an apartment if sufficiently exercised daily.
Apartment Pet Policy Restrictions
Breed – Many apartment complexes that do allow apartment dogs, have restrictions on the breeds they accept. Breeds with menacing reputations, whether warranted or not, will not be allowed: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans and Chows. Most apartment managers err on the side of caution. So, if you have a mixed breed dog that looks like a German Shepard, it will be considered one, for all intents and purposes.
Number – Apartment complexes that allow dogs usually allow two at most. You’ll need to look into renting a single-family house or townhouse if you have more than 2 dogs.
Weight – Dog-friendly complexes also have weight limits. Some as little as 15 lbs, excluding all large dog breeds. Be sure to inquire about weight restrictions during your apartment search.
When choosing a dog to adopt or buy from a reputable breeder, it’s not enough to consider the breeds, you also must take into account the type of lifestyle you lead. If you’re an extremely active person, a large dog requiring a lot of exercise is not out of the question for you. Make an informed decision when choosing your big apartment dog and most importantly, give it all the love and attention it deserves!
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