It’s easy to fall for cute dog videos online that make every breed seem apartment-friendly, but the reality is a bit different. If you’re considering getting a dog for your apartment, it’s important to choose wisely. Here are 14 breeds that might not be the best fit, no matter what the internet says.
1. Border Collie – The Energy Hurricane
If you think a daily walk is enough for a Border Collie, think again. These dogs are like furry athletes with an endless energy supply. Originally bred for herding sheep and other small livestock, they need persistent mental and physical stimulation. Without space to run or a job to do, they can become anxious, destructive, and even depressed. Expect chewed-up furniture and excessive barking if they don’t get enough exercise. Apartment living just doesn’t give them the room they need to thrive.
2. Saint Bernard – The Gentle Giant
Saint Bernards are sweet, affectionate, and love lounging around, but their size alone makes them a questionable choice for an apartment. These massive dogs can weigh up to 180 pounds, and squeezing them into a small living space is like trying to fit a sumo wrestler into a studio apartment. They also shed heavily and drool a lot, which can be a nightmare in a small space. Plus, their slow, lumbering movements mean they’ll take up most of your floor space.
3. Siberian Husky – The Escape Artist
Huskies are beautiful, intelligent, and full of energy—but they are also famous for their stubborn streak and escape artist tendencies. They need tons of exercise, and if they don’t get it, they can become destructive and extremely vocal. Imagine your neighbors complaining about howling at all hours. Plus, their thick coats mean they overheat easily in warm, confined spaces. If you don’t have a big yard or access to frequent outdoor adventures, a Husky isn’t the best fit.
4. Dalmatian – The Endless Runner
Made famous by Disney movies, Dalmatians are incredibly active dogs bred to run alongside carriages. They have energy to burn and need a lot of exercise. Without enough space to run freely, they can become hyperactive, restless, and even aggressive. They also tend to be highly sensitive and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone in a small space for too long. Apartment living just doesn’t suit their high-energy lifestyle.
5. Australian Shepherd – The Workaholic
Another herding breed, the Australian Shepherd is incredibly smart and needs constant engagement. They thrive on having a job to do, and without one, they can develop destructive behaviors. These dogs are known for their boundless energy, and if they don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation, they may resort to chewing, barking, or herding anything in sight—including your furniture.
6. Alaskan Malamute – The Independent Thinker
Alaskan Malamutes are powerful working dogs that were bred to pull heavy sleds. They are independent, strong-willed, and require a lot of exercise. They also have thick double coats, which means they shed heavily and can overheat in confined spaces. Without a large yard and plenty of room to roam, they can become frustrated and develop behavioral issues.
7. Great Dane – The Apartment-Sized Horse
Great Danes or you may say “gentle giants” are one of the largest dog breeds on planet Earth. But, remember their sheer size alone makes them impractical for apartment living. These dogs can weigh over 150 pounds and stand taller than most coffee tables. They need room to stretch out, and their long tails often knock things over. While they aren’t the most energetic breed, they do need daily exercise, and a small living space can make them feel cramped and restless.
8. Belgian Malinois – The Ultimate Working Dog
The Belgian Malinois is often used in police and military work because of its intelligence, drive, and energy levels. These dogs need a job to stay happy. Without daily training, exercise, and challenges, they can become anxious and destructive. They also have an intense protective instinct, which can make them wary of neighbors or frequent visitors. Unless you live an incredibly active lifestyle, a Malinois is not a good choice for apartment living.
9. Akita – The Strong and Stubborn Guardian
Akitas are large, powerful dogs with a strong-willed personality. They can be territorial and independent, which means they need consistent training and socialization. Their thick coats shed heavily, making a small apartment feel even smaller with fur everywhere. Because of their dominant nature, they also don’t always get along with other pets or strangers, making apartment life a bit challenging. They also have a strong prey drive, meaning smaller animals may not be safe around them. Their need for a structured environment and firm leadership makes them better suited for experienced owners.
10. Weimaraner – The Velcro Dog with a Need for Speed
Weimaraners are known for being “Velcro dogs” because they love sticking close to their owners. While that sounds adorable, it also means they suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. These dogs have high energy levels and need space to run and play. Without enough exercise, they can become destructive, barking excessively and chewing up anything they can find. They also have an intense prey drive, which can make living with smaller pets challenging. Their strong personalities require firm training, and they aren’t the best choice for first-time dog owners.
11. Irish Wolfhound – The Oversized Companion
Irish Wolfhounds are calm and friendly, but their size makes them a tough fit for apartment life. These dogs can stand up to 32 inches tall and weigh up to 180 pounds, meaning they take up a lot of space. While they aren’t high-energy, they still need room to stretch out. Small spaces can make them feel cramped and uncomfortable. Their short lifespans also mean they require extra care, as their size contributes to various health issues. Despite their gentle nature, their sheer size can unintentionally knock over furniture—or even people.
12. Boxer – The Playful Tornado
Boxers are playful, energetic dogs that love to bounce around. They are incredibly affectionate but require a lot of exercise. If they don’t get enough physical activity, they can become hyperactive and hard to manage. Their excitable nature makes them a handful in tight spaces, and their strong personalities require consistent training. Boxers are also known for their stubborn streak, which means training can sometimes be a challenge. Additionally, their short snouts make them prone to overheating, so they need a well-ventilated space to stay comfortable.
13. Bloodhound – The Nose That Never Rests
Bloodhounds are scent hounds, which means they are constantly following their noses. They need a lot of space to explore, and being confined in an apartment can lead to frustration. They also have a distinctive, loud baying howl, which might not sit well with your neighbors. Without enough stimulation, they can become stubborn and hard to control. Their drool can also be excessive, which isn’t ideal in a small living space. On top of that, their independent nature means they may not always listen to commands, especially if they catch an interesting scent.
14. German Shepherd – The Working Machine
German Shepherds need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Without enough space to run and explore, they can develop anxiety and destructive behaviors. These dogs thrive in active households with plenty of room to move, making apartments less than ideal for them. Their protective nature also means they may be wary of strangers, leading to excessive barking in an apartment setting. Without a job to do, they can develop unwanted habits like chewing, digging, or pacing.
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