I live in Wichita, and finding apartments for large dogs here is practically an excercise in futility...the weight limits for dogs were always 25-30 lbs. and one was even 15! WTF!! So, if you must have an apartment, this would be something to at least consider. However, it isn't like they are going to weigh the dog, so you could probably get away with a little here, but not alot! I am sure it also would help to have one of the "friendly" looking breeds to keep the staff from asking too many questions!

Another thing about smaller breeds is that they have shorter legs...sometimes by as much as 50%. So, that means you can tire your dog out much easier with less effort. I think this is often overlooked, as people tend to select their dog based on looks or a certain preconcieved notion of what kind of dog they want, rather than really assesing their lifestyle to figure out what kind of dog is the best fit.

In my situation, I usually have to work quite a bit of the day on the weekends. So, when those days roll around, I have to rush home in between shifts, and excersise the dog. It is quite a pain that I didn't anticipate when getting her, and without an outside run I have to just deal with it! But, if you have a schedule that would keep you away from the dog during the day, I would suggest looking into a small house. That way, you could set up a run in the back for the dog to at least be able to walk around in.

You said you want an apartment because you don't need extra room, but when you get your dog, you will have a kennel to put somewhere, as well as all of the equipment you have for the dog. The kennel takes up quite a bit of space here in my living room, and with only that and one bedroom, you may feel a bit confined. I live here in a two bedroom, about 900 sq. ft. with my Gf, cat, dog and four bikes inside. It is okay, but I would like more space for sure. The second bedroom is a room for storage for the bikes and camping gear, and eventually I want a desk and a sewing machine in there; at that point, it will be cramped for sure. If I had a third bedroom or a garage, I think we would be fine.

Added:

I think the idea of a weighted vest is great! I will have to get one of these...

A few of my cats are over 15 lbs! That's ridiculous.

I also agree with weighted vests! I've considered getting one for our (field type) Lab, who could swim for hours and not be tired at all.

I think the hardest part of apt living with dogs isn't the exercise portion it's the living with neighbors portion. I had a microscopic dog, paid pet rent, paid my deposit, took my dog with me to work, and took great efforts to keep the dog friendly and quiet. The dog was always on a leash when out of the apt for morning and evening walks.

So I get a knock on my door from one of the building maint guys one morning that a dog has been seen off leash near the apt and there is waste not cleaned up after. I assure them it's not my dog that's been offlead and it couldn't possibly be my dog because he was litterbox trained and never used "the grass." He gruffed up and said Well your dog is the only one in this building. I laughed and said "hold on" and stepped outside my door shutting it behind me. I then knocked very loudly on my door and you could hear a chorus of muffled barking behind just about every door in the vicinity. The guy just said "oh" and left.

 Quote: melissa thom

So I get a knock on my door from one of the building maint guys one morning that a dog has been seen off leash near the apt and there is waste not cleaned up after. I assure them it's not my dog that's been offlead and it couldn't possibly be my dog because he was litterbox trained and never used "the grass." He gruffed up and said Well your dog is the only one in this building. I laughed and said "hold on" and stepped outside my door shutting it behind me. I then knocked very loudly on my door and you could hear a chorus of muffled barking behind just about every door in the vicinity. The guy just said "oh" and left.

LOL...that's a great story!

Since you don't care about the breed or size, why don't you go to local shelters and see what they have? You never know what will catch your heart. And you will want a dog that match your lifestyle. Ask yourself some hard questions such as how often do I walk/jog? What is my work schedule gonna be like? How often will I be home? Is this pooch housebroken? Does it need to enroll OB class? ETC.

We live in just over 1000 sq feet with nearly 300 lbs worth of dog, 2 and half cats (one is mostly outside and has a dont touch me or look at me rule) a 7 yr old and my husband and I.
not to mention a home based business that requires supplies and inventory.

It can be a little cramped but its not bad, and I do have the luxury of sending dogs and kids and sometimes husbands out to the yard when they are driving me nutso.

I had Nico in a small apartment when she was a pup and she did just fine, I just had to make sure she wasnt too barky with the neighbors.

Hello,

I live in NYC with a high energy Jack Russell Terrier in an apt that is probably about 400 square feet. I'm pretty active so we go jogging, but she is the type of dog that absolutely needs about 2 hours a day of good exercise. I wouldn't focus on the size so much of the dog as the activity level and be honest with yourself about how much you will be able to give it the activity it needs to be happy.

I found my apt through craigslist, and you can find a great pet here: http://www.petfinder.com//index.html

Type in your zip code and size, breed, age etc and you'll get tons of doggies to look at. Good Luck:-)

I have a high energy GSD and have lived in two different apartments. I am currently living in an apartment. I have him crate trained because he is a terror...he was when I had my house, and he still continues to be! I just make sure I exercise him as much as I can. Now that the weather is better, I am more apt to take him on a run with the bike, rollerblades, or next to me, running. They get used to the ambient noises and he doesn't bark too much. The important thing is how much time you have to walk the dog. Just because you have a yard, doesn't mean you could send them out there and everything is fine either! I agree with everyone who says they need mental stimulus as well a physical exercise. I have used an apartment search company rent.com because I can put preferences for what I am looking for in the search bar and it gives me a lot of choices.

You can get a Dr. note saying the dog is a companion dog. The apartment can not deny you unless your dog disturbs neighbors.

I just skimmed this thread so I do not know you details. If you have a strong bond with your dog I would recommend this. If you just want a dog to have a dog you should find a pet friendly apartment.
Many people would not like to live close to a dog. Apartments share ventilation and noise is always an issue.

Jeff!!
And this goes for *everyone*

Please, suggesting that someone gets a Dr's. note just so they can get a dog into an apartment is *UNETHICAL* and really weakens the real assistance dogs reputation.

No where in the thread did the original poster indicate that they had a medical or psych condition that would indicate that they needed their dog for treatment - and that is why a Dr. gives a note, not just so that you can get your dog into an apartment.

I'm saying this as a Moderator - I don't want to see this suggestion again *unless* it's for a medical/psych condition!!

Will Rambeau
Moderator