13 Dog Breeds That Just Aren’t Made for Apartment Living

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

shih tzu
Helena lopes/pexels

If you’re dreaming of a dog but live in an apartment, the reality is that not every breed is built for tight quarters. Some dogs are born adventurers, herders, and roamers who thrive with wide-open spaces, boundless yards, and plenty of freedom to zoom around. This isn’t to say they aren’t lovable or adaptable, but these 13 dog breeds usually aren’t suited to small living spaces. Let’s dive into the list of furballs who need a bit more than a balcony for their exercise breaks!

1. Border Collie

Border Collie at a dog park
Elina Volkova/Pexels

Border Collies are workaholics by nature, bred to herd sheep for hours on end, which means they need loads of exercise and mental stimulation. Apartment living just doesn’t do it for these ultra-smart, high-energy dogs. Even with plenty of daily walks, they’ll crave more space to stretch those long legs and use their brains. Without a yard to sprint in or a “job” to do, Border Collies can get restless, and trust us, a bored Border Collie is a mischievous one! Apartments may be cozy, but they’re simply too limiting for these relentless, adventure-loving pups.

2. Great Dane

Great Dane
Mtajmr/Pixabay

Despite their nickname as “gentle giants,” Great Danes are, well, giant! While they can be surprisingly calm indoors, their sheer size means they’ll struggle to navigate tight hallways or cramped living spaces. Even if they don’t need to run around, their long legs and heavy bodies make apartment life a bit of a squeeze. They also need regular exercise to stay healthy, and apartments often limit their ability to stretch and stroll. Great Danes love to lounge, but they’re much happier when they’ve got enough space to settle without knocking over the furniture!

3. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky
Tranmautritam/pexels

Huskies are famous for their stamina, boundless energy, and high prey drive. Bred for pulling sleds across long distances, these dogs aren’t content with just a quick daily walk around the block. Huskies are curious, vocal, and independent-minded dogs who need extensive outdoor time to stay satisfied. Apartment living can feel restrictive to a breed that loves to run and explore, and if left without enough exercise, they’re likely to become vocal or start redecorating your apartment in “chewed furniture chic”.

4. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard in snow
Katerina/Pexels

Saint Bernards are lovable giants known for their loyalty and calm demeanor, but they’re not ideal for small spaces. Their size alone can fill up a whole room, and they’re not exactly agile! They’re also known for their tendency to drool, which can be a lot to manage in close quarters. Plus, this breed does best in cooler climates, so a hot, stuffy apartment may not be comfortable for them. While they don’t need intense exercise, Saint Bernards need space to stretch out and would be happiest with a bit of outdoor room to call their own.

5. Dalmatian

dalmatian
jozef Fehér/pexels

Dalmatians are famous for their athleticism and were historically bred as carriage dogs, meaning they have high stamina and energy levels. They need ample exercise to stay happy, and an apartment can feel restricting for these high-energy spotted friends. Dalmatians are known to get stir-crazy without enough physical and mental activity, often leading to anxious behaviors like barking or chewing. They need consistent exercise and stimulation, and apartments don’t usually offer the space or outdoor access these energetic dogs crave.

6. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd
Rebecca Scholz/Pixabay

Australian Shepherds are another herding breed with an insatiable need for physical and mental stimulation. They thrive on having tasks to complete and will happily spend hours playing, working, or learning new tricks. Without room to roam, Australian Shepherds can become bored and even destructive. Apartment living doesn’t offer the space these enthusiastic workers need to stay satisfied. They’re happiest in a home where they have ample room to move and engage in activities that challenge both their minds and bodies.

7. Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound: The Gentle Giant
Andreas Schnabl/Pexels

Irish Wolfhounds may have a calm disposition, but their size alone makes them unsuitable for apartment life. These enormous dogs need plenty of room just to turn around without bumping into something! While they don’t require excessive exercise, their size means they’ll take up a lot of space, making a smaller home feel cramped quickly. Irish Wolfhounds enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, but they’ll still need enough room to stretch those long legs and move comfortably without feeling restricted.

8. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois – 195 PSI
TC_Perch/pixabay

Belgian Malinois dogs are incredibly alert, athletic, and intelligent. Known for their work with law enforcement, they have a strong desire to stay active and busy. An apartment lifestyle is usually too confining for their intense personalities and high energy levels. Malinois dogs need frequent physical and mental stimulation, and without it, they can become anxious or destructive. They thrive in environments where they have room to run and tasks to complete, making a yard or regular access to wide-open spaces ideal for their well-being.

9. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog
pexels/pixabay

Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, fluffy companions who need plenty of room to roam and relax. While they’re friendly and relatively easy-going, their size alone can make apartment life challenging. They also have thick coats designed for colder weather, so they can feel uncomfortable in stuffy indoor spaces. This breed enjoys being outdoors and having room to move around, and without enough space, they may feel confined. Bernese Mountain Dogs love lounging, but they’ll be much happier with a yard to call their own.

10. Akita

akita
FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫/Pexels

Akitas are known for their independence and strength, as well as their need for personal space. These powerful dogs tend to be territorial, and a small apartment may feel too close for comfort. They’re also relatively active and can become frustrated without enough exercise, especially if they don’t have space to roam. Akitas enjoy being outdoors and benefit from having their area to patrol, making them better suited to homes with a yard where they can relax and feel in control.

11. Weimaraner

Weimaraner
Kaboompics.com/pexels

Weimaraners are athletic and playful dogs that are nicknamed “Velcro dogs” because of their need to stay close to their owners. They’re high-energy, highly intelligent, and need daily exercise to stay balanced. Apartments can feel too tight for this breed, as they require ample physical and mental engagement to be happy. Without room to stretch and play, Weimaraners can get anxious or become vocal, so they do best in environments where they have regular access to large outdoor areas.

12. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute
mnannapaneni/Pexels

Alaskan Malamutes are large, active dogs that love the outdoors and are built for cold weather. They have thick coats and boundless energy, making them best suited for homes with large, secure yards. Malamutes are natural diggers, climbers, and explorers, which doesn’t always mesh well with apartment life. Their high energy and adventurous nature require lots of space to roam, and without it, they can become restless and bored. These dogs are happiest when they have plenty of room to unleash their inner adventurer.

13. German Shepherd

German Shepherd
Couleur/Pixabay

German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and strong dogs with a high need for activity. Known for their work ethic, they thrive when given tasks and require plenty of exercise. In apartments, their high energy can quickly lead to restlessness, and their protective instincts may heighten in close quarters. German Shepherds do best in homes where they have space to roam and regular outlets for physical and mental challenges. While they’re fantastic companions, they need more room than most apartments can provide to truly be their best selves.

Related Posts

Discover 20 loyal dog breeds that will love you unconditionally and always stick by your side, from Golden Retrievers to Huskies.
Discover why dogs are the perfect companions for introverts, offering love, comfort, routine, and support in ways that make them truly special.
Discover 10 dog & 10 cat breeds needing expert grooming care—learn top tips to keep your pet stylish, healthy, and truly charming!
Discover 12 expressive dog breeds that show emotions through their faces and 5 that communicate through body language.
Discover 10 apartment-friendly dog breeds for 2025 and learn how proper training helps even 5 wild breeds adapt to urban living.!!!!
Discover the best hiking dogs and the ones that prefer lounging at home. Find the perfect companion for your outdoor adventures!
Looking for a dog that loves to cuddle or one that prefers active outings? Here are 10 small dog breeds that love to curl up in your lap and 5 breeds that enjoy an adventure.
Dogs bring joy, comfort, and companionship, turning even the hardest days around with their calming presence and unconditional love.
"Discover 10 dog breeds that are natural swimmers and 10 that are incredible runners. Find the perfect athletic companion for your lifestyle!"

Leave a Comment