Can large dogs live in apartments if they get large amounts of outside exercise?

Size of the apartment or living space (be it a small home, condo whatever) has absolutely no bearing on dog ownership.

Dogs don't care about the size of the apartment. The big question is will YOU be a committed enough owner to make sure the dog gets plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and socialization.

Are you ready to have a dogwalker available for the middle of the day or those days when you can't get the dog out yourself. Are you ready to take the dog for good exercise before going to work and when you come home from work? That dog will have to get out for exercise, no matter what the weather or how sick you are.

Where I live, there are all kinds of breeds and mixes. There are a boatload of Shepherds, goldens, labs, pits, GSP's and mixes of all kinds. I'm not including lots of JRT's, beagles, dachshunds etc. No making it work is NOT an option.

Provided that the dog has enough space to move around and they're getting enough exercise, then a large or giant breed can indeed live in a flat. The home doesn't even need to be an apartment - as long as both the owner or owners and dog or dogs are happy it's fine. I work in the dogs trust and I've worked with one dog who loved going for his walks and he went to a home in a little camper van. Something even as small as a tiny trailer can be fine!

Hope this helps.

I truly believe that as long as a dog is provided with enough exercise, it doesn't matter how large your home is.

I had an Afghan Hound about 30 years ago and we lived in a small condo. We exercised her a lot and played with her a lot, and she was perfectly fine.

Think about all of the people who say that they keep their dogs in crates all day or all night. That is a horribly confined space. My dog has never seen a crate.

I live in a larger condo now, it's no bigger than an apartment, my dog is perfectly happy. He gets long walks, 2 miles in the evenings and a shorter one before work. He is now 16 and is still very happy and healthy.

You can have a large dog in an apartment if you do as you said above and exercise the dog properly.

Yes, if you can give your dog the energy burning exercise it needs daily then I see no reason why a large breed dog can't live in an apartment.

Apartment life is not ideal for "high energy' breeds though because these animals are usually breeds of a working nature and need to constantly be on the go to stay stable mentally and physically as well. Exercise on a constant basis means about 6 hours of rigorous exercise or the ability to run around and stretch their legs as they please.

If you can offer the energy burning exercise the dog requires I see no reason why the animal can't live in an apartment. The reality is, most people can't give these breeds the exercise they need and the dog's become destructive as a result.

Personality also has a lot to do with how well a dog copes to apartment life, more calm/laid-back dogs and breeds are better suited for apartment life then high energy dogs with high strung natures.

Yes. Your dog doesn't exercise in your home, so whether it is 600 square feet or 3000 square feet, it won't matter. As long as the dog can get around the home easily, there is not issue. Granted, the dog is getting plenty of exercise daily. Mental stimulation (training, chew sticks, puzzle toys, etc.) inside and outside are also important.

But I see no problem, just because you have a big house doesn't mean your dog will be any more exercised versus someone who lives in a small apartment with their dog.

Good job planning ahead. When you plan and think ahead, you make good decisions.

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Depends on how tight the apartment is. I have a smallish house and I'd never try to cram a large dog in there. He'd be knocking things over constantly.

I did it because I HAD to, but, I will not do it again. Depending on what you have in mind, what kind of lines, temperament etc, it will most likely not work out, plus, your dog does not need a companion, it needs you.

in a year or two?????????????? you could win the loto by then and be in a house....ask again in 2 years

Give us some more information.