Worst Dogs For Apartment Dwellers

Pets/Animals - Dogs/Dog Breeds

By: mwilcox86 06-Jul-2011

Introduction:

Living in an apartment and/or an apartment community can be an economical choice, especially for singles and those without enough credit to obtain a loan for a house. Utilities are typically lower, maintenance is often included, and there's usually a pool and fitness center so you skip the cost of joining a gym. While some pets do just fine in the small space, others are simply not meant to live in such close quarters. These are the top 5 dogs to avoid adopting if you live in an apartment.

Great Dane

This is the obvious first choice because this gentle giant simply takes up too much space to be comfortable in an apartment. Great Danes need lots of space and most apartments - especially apartment communities - simply don't have it. If you live above ground level, it can also be quite a hassle getting these dogs up and down stairs without a fuss. And don't even think about getting one as a puppy since an "accident" from this giant breed could be disastrous to your deposit. Even though these dogs are mild-mannered, many people only see their large size, so your neighbors might not be too happy.

Pit Bull

I love pit bulls, but the unfortunate fact of the matter is that many people are afraid of them. If there is ever an accident in which your pit bull DOES attack another dog in the apartment community, the consequences will be dire. The dog will be ordered to be put down, and it will give the breed a worse image than it already has. Any dog can be provoked, but when a pit bull is provoked, people simply blame it on the breed. With so many people and animals in such close proximity, its best to steer clear of a pit bull for the dog's sake and yours. Not to mention these breeds are typically restricted in communities due to liabilities.

Jack Russell Terrier

But they look so cute on TV! So many people tell me that in defense of why they want a Jack Russell, and it's absolutely ridiculous. TV has made this breed incredibly popular, but most people don't do the research before going out and getting one. I've had this breed since I was eight, and they are great dogs. But they just don't do well in apartments. They are loud, energetic, need tons of attention, and can be anti-social to other animals. Jacks bark at anything and everything...loudly. You won't be making any neighbor friends with this breed in your apartment. They also have a ton of energy and will run through your apartment at all hours of the night, especially if they don't get enough exercise. Another problem is that they are typically fond of only one or two people and not many other animals, so they often snap at dogs and people with whom they are unfamiliar. It makes walking your dog terribly tricky in an apartment complex.

Weimaraner

Sometimes banned from apartment communities, this breed wins a lot of people over with its beautiful coloring and seemingly sweet disposition as a puppy. Although they can be wonderful pets, they need a strict owner who has experience training dogs from a very young age. Weimaraner dogs can be very skittish and easily excitable. As a hunting breed, they have endless energy that is rarely fulfilled by a quick walk through the apartment complex. Their predatory nature makes them a potential threat in an apartment community if any of the neighbors' small pets get loose.

Beagle

The small size often convinces people that beagles would make good apartment dogs, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Although they are rarely on the restricted list, their loud bark can drive everyone in the community crazy. They are also very energetic dogs, in need of lots of exercise, and their activity level will be limited within an apartment community. There are plenty of other small to medium dogs that would make much quieter apartment pets than beagles.

Final Thoughts

Although every dog is different, this is a good start as to what to avoid when picking out your next furry friend while living in an apartment. Also remember to check with your landlord or apartment community since their list of restricted dogs is probably much longer than this. Typical restricted breeds include: Akitas, German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, Rottweilers, Saint Bernard, among others.

Give this list a high five!

Comments

Post a Comment

PajamaMommy 12/30/2012
Flag This Comment

I think a Great Dane would need his own apartment, lol.
tiffanyharris976 1/20/2012
Flag This Comment

Thanks for this list - I can't imagine having a great dane in an apartment.
I actually just read a great book that inspired me to get a dog even though I like in 600 square feet. It's called "Rex and the City" by Lee Harrington (http://www.rexandthecity.net) and it's about the author's decision to get a dog and how it affected her relationship with her boyfriend. It's touching and makes you fall in love with rescue dogs even more. I'll certainly keep this list of breeds in mind when I go to my local shelter! H5
mwilcox86 7/7/2011
Flag This Comment

Thank you! I worked in a shelter and I've seen all of these breeds dropped off or relinquished control of them to us because they just don't do well in apartments.
litetender 7/7/2011
Flag This Comment

You did a REALLY good job with this list! High five!
pamperedpen 7/7/2011
Flag This Comment

Thanks for this list. It would be especially hard to have a Great Dane in an apartment. H5