When you think about apartment living, big dogs might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, some large breeds are surprisingly well-suited for smaller spaces. The key is finding the right match and understanding their needs. If you do that, you are good to go for the best big dogs for apartments.

What to Consider Before Bringing Large Dogs to Your Apartment?

First and foremost, think about your lifestyle and daily routine. Big dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you lead a busy life and can not commit to daily walks or playtime, a large breed might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you are active and enjoy outdoor activities, a big dog could be a great companion.

Caleb / Unsplash / When bringing large dog breeds into your apartment, think about your lifestyle and the size of your apartment first.

Next, consider your apartment’s size and layout. Ensure there is enough room for your dog to move around comfortably. Dogs need space to stretch, play, and rest without feeling cramped. Also, check if your building has any restrictions on pet sizes or breeds. Some apartments have policies that limit the size of pets allowed.

Great Danes are the Best Big Dogs For Apartments

First up: Great Danes are often called gentle giants for a reason. Despite their massive size, they are known for their calm and friendly nature. These dogs are typically low-energy indoors and enjoy lounging around.

Living with a Great Dane in an apartment requires some planning. Ensure your home has enough space for them to move comfortably. They can be quite content in smaller spaces as long as they have their cozy spot to relax. Great Danes are also very social and enjoy spending time with their owners, making them great companions.

Greyhounds

These dogs might surprise you as one of the best big dogs for apartments. Known for their speed, they are actually quite lazy when indoors. These dogs love to run. But they also enjoy lounging and taking long naps. With just a few bursts of energy a day, Greyhounds are content and relaxed.

Adopting a Greyhound means you need to provide them with short but intense exercise sessions. A couple of runs in a safe, enclosed area or a brisk walk will keep them happy.

Newfoundlands

Newfoundlands are large, lovable dogs known for their gentle and sweet nature. Despite their size, they are often described as “gentle giants” and are incredibly good with children. They are calm indoors and enjoy being close to their family members, making them ideal for apartment life.

Andy / Unsplash / Known for their calm and loving nature, Newfoundlands are the best big dogs for apartments.

However, Newfoundlands do require regular grooming due to their thick coats. They also need moderate exercise to keep them healthy, such as daily walks and occasional playtime. Their affectionate nature and low energy levels indoors make them one of the best big dogs for apartments, provided you can manage their grooming needs.

Boxers

These massive dogs are known for their playful and energetic personalities. They are medium to large-sized dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. While they do have a lot of energy, they adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise.

A Boxer’s exercise needs can be met with daily walks and interactive play sessions. They are intelligent and thrive on mental stimulation. So, incorporating games and training sessions into their routine is beneficial.

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, sturdy dogs that are known for their calm and friendly disposition. They are very affectionate and get along well with both family members and strangers. Above all, these dogs are relatively low-energy indoors and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.

Andre / Unsplash / While Bernese Mountain Dogs do need regular exercise, they are not overly demanding. You bet! They are one of the largest dog breeds.

A few walks a day and some playtime will keep them content. Their thick coat requires regular grooming. But their easy-going nature makes them one of the best big dogs for apartments. Just make sure you have enough space for them to stretch out and relax.

Mastiffs

Finally, Mastiffs are among the largest dog breeds, but they are also some of the gentlest. These majestic dogs are known for their calm demeanor and low energy levels. They enjoy short walks and prefer lounging around the house, making them suitable for apartment living.

However, living with a Mastiff requires a bit of planning due to their size. Ensure your apartment has enough room for them to move comfortably.