Dog in apartment?

Question

I live by myself in a one-bedroom apartment in Queens, NY. It is actually a multi-family house, and there is a large backyard. I would LOVE to get a small puppy, one that would grow into a big dog, but family and friends say it is unfair to have a large dog in a small house. I say with all the access to the outdoors, the dog wouldn't feel cramped. What are the best dogs to have in my situation? Thanks.

Good answers so far. I would certainly spend alot of time outdoors with the dog, keeping him/her active. Are Great Danes active puppies?

Answer 1

The size of the yard actually means nothing as dogs do not self-exercise. i.e. if you put a dog is massive back yard they're not goign to run around the entire backyard and wear themselves out.

You need to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Great Danes are well known in the USA for being apartment dogs because they have short bursts of energy and are massive couch potatoes.

Answer 2

First of all you will have to check with your landlord to see if they ALLOW dogs. If not then you'll either have to move or not get one. Second, big dogs need more than just a back yard to run around in (been there done that) I suggest a smaller dog. Choose one that fits YOUR lifestyle as it is now, it's great to SAY that you'll exercise the dog and give the dog what it needs but only if you're going to follow through EVERY day of the year...that includes in the winter snows, (when the city plows go on strike) and during those hot humid summers when you need to take a shower every ten minutes.

Answer 3

Here Is a List Of Some Kind Of Big Dog You Will Like..
1.Border Collie.2.Boxer.3.Doberman Pinscher.
4.Flat-Coated Retriever.5.Chow Chow.6.Anatolian
Shepherd Dog.7. Collie .8.Alaskan Malamute.9. Akita.10. Welsh Springer Spaniel



Here Is a List Of Some Kind Small Dog You Will Like.
1.Bulldog.2.Beagle.3.Boston Terrier.4.Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel.5.Cocker Spaniel.6.Chihuahua.7.Dachshund.8.Airedale Terrier.9.Basset Hound.10.Scottish Terrier

Answer 4

It will be important to consider the energy levels and exercise needs of each breed in advance. There can be some pretty active toys and lazy big dogs. Go to the library and get a dog breed book to look over.

In general, I think you should avoid the hound group. They will howl when you leave home and that's not ideal for an apartment setting. Also, choose non aggressive breeds.

It is your choice of course how big your dog is, either way you'll need to crate it when you are gone. I don't think it's more unfair to a big dog than a little one.

Consider..
yorkies
cocker spaniel
pug
terriers

Answer 5

Believe it or not, a retired Greyhound racing dog would make an excellent apartment dweller. They are very docile dogs and major couch potatoes. But, you will have to walk it every day to get it it's exercise. Having a big backyard is wonderful, but you will have to at least go out with the dog and throw a frisbee or ball around to give it something to do. But the suggestion to get an older dog is a good one, no puppy stage to go through. That's why I suggested the Greyhound.

Answer 6

Would your neighbors be okay with having a dog in the yard?

A lot of large breed puppies are very high energy and require space, time, energy, and toys, otherwise, they'll tear up your apartment.

Have you considered adopting an older dog from a shelter? By about two or three years of age, they've usually settled down enough to be a mostly indoor dog.

Answer 7

EVERYONE IS GOING TO TELL YOU THE BREED THEY THINK IS BEST BUT WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IS RESEARCH ON WHAT BREED OF DOG IS RIGHT FOR YOU. IF YOU CAN FIND PLENTY OF TIME TO EXERCISE THE DOG SPACE SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM BUT YOU SHOULD HONESTLY DECIDE HOW MUCH TIME YOU WILL REALLY BE ABLE TO GIVE BEFORE DECIDING ON A LARGE DOG. LARGE BREED DOGS NEED MORE THEN JUST A ROMP IN THE BACKYARD.
MY FAVORITE LARGE BREED IS THE GERMAN SHEPHERD AND AS LONG AS THEY GET PLENTY OF EXERCISE THEY ARE CALM IN THE HOUSE.

Answer 8

I lived in an apartment and own a pit bull. He loved it there just a much as he loves his home now. Take it to a park 2 or 3 days a week and walk it everyday it should be fine.

Answer 9

the person that suggested all those various breeds that you may like? I wouldn't listen to him/her. You need a dog that has a layed back personality- certainly NOT border collies, collies, etc. Thats just stupid. Retired greyhounds are good loungers- I sugggest checking out a rescue for greyhounds.

Answer 10

IS IT OKAY TO HAVE PETS INYOUR APARTMENT 1ST OF ALL. WITH HAVE A SAME APT. YOU SO GET A DOG THAT IS SMALL TO MED SIZE.