Pooches for Small Spaces
So you’ve found the ultimate city condo. You can walk to your job, to the grocery store; you’ve got a killer view of the Olympics; your neighbors are friendly, your building beautiful (and pet friendly). To complete your settled-in self, you’re bent on getting a canine companion.
Reality check: you live in a condo. You don’t have a whole lot of outdoor space — or indoor space, for that matter. Can you and that doggie coexist without driving each other bonkers? Yes, says Apartment Therapy, who offers up a list of the best small space dog breeds. From the teensy to the towering, it turns out that some breeds are better suited to tight quarters. Here’s the rundown, “chosen based on each breed’s relaxed energy levels, their tolerance to small homes and their enjoyment of indoor spaces”:
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- Pug
- Bichon Frise
- Pekingese
- Bassett Hound
- Whippet
- Mastiff
- Great Dane
- St. Bernard
St. Bernard? Who woulda thought?
The true test, of course, is whether the folks out there in condo land have survived with any of these breeds. Any recommendations, readers? Caveats? Encouragement?
badoodie said:
I’ve been living with a St. Bernard for almost two years in a 780 sq. ft. apartment with no problems. The giant breeds tend to be couch potatoes so they tend to work in any type of living situation. I did end up getting a sectional sofa (as much as I hate these!) and I have to be mindful of where I place furniture. I’m even thinking about getting a second giant breed!
September 28, 2008 1:58 PM
Sarah said:
Greyhounds also make excellent condo/small space companions. They are clean, quiet and are happy to be forever couch potatoes.
September 29, 2008 4:36 PM
Allison Arth said:
Great to hear that St. Bernards do work! And thanks for the tip on Greyhounds, too.
September 30, 2008 1:48 PM
Toddzilla said:
I bet you guys prefer your kids sit at home and play video games all day too!
Sad.
February 28, 2009 4:52 AM
Sarah Smith said:
I have a pug and a mini dachshund and both are great in my 1bedroom apartment. However Dachshunds are prone to barking so if not properly trained they could pose a problem.
March 22, 2009 10:25 AM
paula said:
Hey- yup, our friends also have a St. Bernard in a small condo – he is GREAT – they do, however, take her out EVERY day for two half to 45 minute walks, and take him to the dog park twice a week or so – but, yeah – she does great in the condo.
May 13, 2009 8:38 AM
bigdoglover said:
i had a rottwiler 120 pounds he was awesome in this tiny apartment i walked him every day nobody likes fat dogs or people great personality or not fat is UGLY and a sighn of LAZY so walk your dog so you both look and feel good..
May 14, 2009 3:36 AM
dana said:
i have ABPT’s and they’re great in the apartment, i run them twice a day though.
May 15, 2009 7:01 AM
awesome 24756 said:
ok what the hell that is one huge dog that could rip your arm off.
June 26, 2009 12:38 PM
DogLoverbut SadlynotOWNER.......D: said:
i think that pic is foto shopped but if its not what breed of dog is that?
June 28, 2009 5:13 AM
Ashleyy said:
Thats a Mastiff, and yes they get that big. I wouldn’t recommend them in apartments, only because they’d take up a majority of it
June 28, 2009 5:59 AM
Geoff said:
I’ve got a Rottie/Rhodesian for the fact that both breeds are very active outdoors (I run/hike/camp with her), but are relaxed and comfortable in a one bedroom apartment in the city.
Best of both worlds.
July 16, 2009 8:59 PM