Is a Great Dane a Good Apartment Dog? Factors to Consider
The Great Dane is a very large and elegant breed known for their gentle nature and low energy. As a low-energy dog, many people wonder if a Great Dane will be a good fit for an apartment.
However, due to the Great Danes' large size, they aren't always the best dogs for apartment living, and you may face a few issues trying to keep such a big dog in an apartment. Read on below to find out more.
Are Great Danes Good for Apartments?
When we think of an apartment-friendly breed, we usually think of small dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, or Maltese. However, the Great Dane can weigh up to 175 pounds and reach 32 inches tall. Most Great Danes will tower over other dogs and stand taller than many humans on their hind legs.
As one of the largest dogs in the world, the Great Dane isn't usually suitable for an apartment. When it comes to fitting in the category of a good apartment dog, the Great Dane would need to meet the following requirements:
- Small size (usually no larger than 12 inches in height)
- Generally quiet
- Have low to medium energy requirements
- Easy to train
Now, the Great Dane isn't small, but they are quiet dogs with low energy requirements. Thanks to their high intelligence, they are easy to train, making it possible to keep one in a large apartment.
Why Are Great Danes Not Suited for Apartments?
Even though you can make apartment living work with a Great Dane, it isn't ideal. Not only does the Great Dane take up a lot of space, but this small space can quickly become cramped and uncomfortable for you and your dog.
Size
Great Danes can be clumsy and knock over furniture and ornaments as they walk by, causing considerable damage. Since most Great Danes stand either taller or at the same level as tables and cabinets, any items sitting on top, like vases or drinking glasses, can get knocked over by a swish of your Great Danes' tail since the cramped space gives them less room to move around.
Another space issue to consider when keeping a Great Dane in an apartment is that their large bodies take up more space in hallways and small apartment rooms. Some dogs like to follow their owners around, and they'll have more trouble navigating in narrow spaces.
Their Bark
Aside from the small size of apartments and lack of garden space, Great Danes have a very loud and deep bark that can disturb neighbors.
Since you will have neighbors above and below you (depending on the floor level you are on), your dog's bark will echo throughout the apartment. Most Great Danes bark at slight disturbances, other people, and to communicate with you.
Can You Keep a Great Dane In An Apartment?
You could make apartment living work with a Great Dane, but the apartment must have enough space to accommodate them. A first-floor apartment is ideal since neighbors below you will hear the dog bumping into furniture and running around. It's also important to have an outdoor area nearby so they can use the bathroom and exercise. Great Danes don't need as much exercise as some working breeds, but they'll become stressed and unhealthy if they're immobile for most of the day.
Another factor to consider when keeping a Great Dane in an apartment is that you will need to make sure that it is allowed, as many renters and apartment complexes limit the types of dogs you can keep. If your Great Dane's loud bark will be an irritation for the neighbors, you will deal with a few noise complaints due to your dog's barking.
Conclusion
Overall, considering the Great Dane's large size and loud bark, they are not the best apartment dog. Although you can make it work, keeping a Great Dane in an apartment will take more effort than smaller apartment-friendly dog breeds.
If you keep a Great Dane in an apartment, you must take them on daily walks or runs in a secured dog park and give them plenty of toys to keep them entertained.
You will find that Great Danes aren’t the most active dogs and prefer lounging around on the couch, but they still need to stay active to be healthy and prevent obesity from lack of exercise.
Featured Image Credit: belu gheorghe, Shutterstock
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Sarah lives in South Africa with her partner and pets. She is currently interested in veterinary science and ichthyology, which she wants to study alongside her main passion: pet content writing. Sarah has over 60 fish including: goldfish, tropicals, shrimp, and snails. She also keeps hamsters and a tarantula. Sarah wishes to provide quality content to readers and allow others to learn from her experience and knowledge. Sarah has much experience in all aspects of pet care. Providing the world with the knowledge on ethical pet ownership is her lifelong dream.
