Epic dogs tales
Many assume that large dogs require sprawling yards and expansive spaces to feel at home, but surprisingly, certain big breeds adapt remarkably well to apartment living. With the right balance of exercise, training, and companionship, these gentle giants can be just as happy in an urban setting as they can in a rural one. Here are 11 large dog breeds that defy the stereotype and show that size isn’t everything when it comes to finding the perfect apartment companion.
Great Dane
Despite their towering stature, Great Danes are known for their gentle and laid-back nature. They often enjoy lounging around more than running laps, making them surprisingly suitable for apartment life. Two daily walks are usually enough to keep them content.
Their affectionate demeanor means they often consider themselves lap dogs, much to the amusement of their owners. These gentle giants are also relatively low maintenance in terms of grooming, with their short coats requiring minimal upkeep.
Training a Great Dane early on is essential, given their size, to ensure good behavior indoors.
Greyhound
Greyhounds may be built for speed, but they’re famously lazy off the track. Their favorite pastime is napping, making them perfect for smaller living spaces. A couple of brisk walks or short runs daily will keep them happy.
Thanks to their short coat, they are easy to groom and keep clean. Greyhounds are gentle with kids and other pets, adapting well to various family dynamics.
Adopting a retired racing Greyhound can provide them with a loving home and offer you a calm and affectionate companion.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known for their calm and patient temperament, making them a good fit for apartment dwellers. Although they are large, they aren’t particularly active indoors and prefer lounging around.
Regular walks and swimming sessions, when possible, keep them in good shape. Their thick, water-resistant coats require regular grooming to manage shedding.
Newfoundlands are known for their gentle nature with children, often earning the nickname “nanny dogs.” They thrive on companionship and do best in homes where they aren’t left alone for long periods.
Mastiff
Mastiffs are gentle giants who, despite their size, are quite content with apartment living. They are calm and enjoy a relaxed pace, often napping or lounging throughout the day.
Daily walks and minimal playtime suffice for their exercise needs. Mastiffs have a short coat, making grooming relatively straightforward, though they do drool quite a bit.
Training is crucial to manage their size and ensure they are well-mannered in tighter spaces. Their loyal and protective nature makes them wonderful companions for families.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are gentle and calm, matching well with apartment life despite their towering height. They are typically quiet indoors and enjoy lounging more than excessive play.
Regular walks are necessary to maintain their health, but they don’t require intense physical activity. Their wiry coat needs regular grooming to prevent tangles.
These gentle giants are excellent with children and strangers alike, displaying a friendly disposition. Providing them with a comfortable resting spot can keep them content in a smaller living space.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards, despite their size, are famously gentle and easygoing. They adapt well to apartment living as they are not particularly high-energy indoors. Regular daily walks are enough for their exercise needs.
Their thick coat requires consistent grooming, especially during shedding seasons. Saint Bernards are known for their affectionate nature and patience with children.
Early socialization and training are key to managing their size and ensuring they are well-mannered companions. They thrive in homes where they receive plenty of love and attention.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are loving and gentle, making them surprisingly suitable for apartment life. While they are large, they are not overly energetic indoors and enjoy spending time with their families.
Regular walks and outdoor playtime keep them healthy and happy. Their beautiful tri-colored coat requires regular grooming to stay in top condition.
These dogs are known for their friendly and calm demeanor, making them great companions for families with children. Providing them with plenty of attention and mental stimulation is essential for their well-being.
Leonberger
Leonbergers, with their majestic appearance, are surprisingly adaptable to apartment living. They are calm indoors and enjoy being part of family activities without needing excessive space.
Daily walks and mental stimulation through games or training sessions keep them content. Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty and manage shedding.
These dogs are known for their gentle nature and loyalty, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on companionship and do best in environments where they are included in family life.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers, often misunderstood due to their size and strength, are actually quite suited to apartment life when exercised and trained properly. They are calm indoors and enjoy the company of their family.
Regular walks and interactive play sessions are important to keep them healthy and happy. Their short coat is easy to maintain, requiring minimal grooming.
Rottweilers are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them excellent watchdogs. Proper training and socialization are key to ensuring they are well-behaved companions in any living environment.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are known for their quiet and laid-back demeanor, making them surprisingly compatible with apartment living. They are calm indoors and enjoy lounging with their families.
While they do need regular exercise, a couple of daily walks are usually sufficient. Their short coat is easy to groom, though they may drool occasionally.
Bullmastiffs are protective and loyal, making them excellent companions for families. Early training and socialization help them adapt well to various environments and ensure good behavior in smaller spaces.
Boxer
Boxers are energetic and playful but surprisingly adaptable to apartment living when given adequate exercise and mental stimulation. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their families.
Regular walks and play sessions are essential to keep them fit and happy. Their short coat is easy to manage, needing minimal grooming.
Boxers are known for their affectionate nature and suitability with children, often displaying a protective demeanor. Consistent training from a young age helps them channel their energy positively and thrive in smaller living spaces.