You might live in a city, suburb, or plain ole small apartment, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to get a small breed of dog. Many people are unaware of the large dog breeds that do well in smaller living spaces. If you’re considering getting a puppy and are curious about the best large dog breeds for city dwellers and anyone living with less space, then this article is for you!
SAINT BERNARD
Though the Saint Bernard is among the very largest dog breeds around, this docile, affectionate, and low-key dog feels quite cozy and relaxed in small living spaces. This is due in large part to their low-key energy and tendency to “lumber” rather than run. Saint Bernards will need adequate daily exercise, of course, but this can be satisfied with a long walk around the neighborhood or a trip to the local dog park where they can bound around and expel their energy. This humble and loyal dog breed comes with a few caveats, however. The first is that Saint Bernards are known to drool. Some drool more than others, but it’s still a good idea to have towels placed strategically around the home. The other caveat is that, though they do well in small living spaces, they are huge. It’s been known to happen that they accidentally knock into things simply because they’re trying to get around. The Saint Bernard has a sound temperament, and although they take longer to mature mentally and behave like a puppy for longer, they make wonderful pets.
ENGLISH MASTIFF
English Mastiffs are patient, gentle, and deeply loyal to their owners and families. They’re also surprisingly massive with a big, square skull, long legs, and a tendency to bulk up their physique. The average English Mastiff can weigh as much as 230 lbs! As a tall dog breed, the English Mastiff can easily startle unwanted intruders before it even lets out a bark! These dogs respond very well to gentle, persistent training. They are warm and welcoming to new people as long as their owners introduce them. If a friend has never met your Mastiff, it would not be a good idea to have your friend show up to your home when you aren’t there. That being said, English Mastiffs are friendly and affectionate, and have no problem living in smaller homes. The trick is to provide them with a long exercise session outside every day. This can be accomplished with a few hours at the park where your Mastiff can run around off leash.
GREAT DANE
Tall, majestic, and affectionate, the Great Dane is among the large dog breeds that does the best in small living spaces, including apartments in cities where going to a park might not be an everyday occurrence. Long walks will suffice, but a Great Dane will require 2 – 3 walks per day. At home, they are docile and sedate, but on walks they tend to move briskly. In the long run, owners of Great Danes can support the daily exercise needs of their dogs by having a friend or dog walker help meet those exercise requirements. While puppies, Great Danes benefit from puppy training and obedience classes. This can be important to ensure that your Great Dane understands commands and knows how to please you. The last thing anyone wants is to end up with an untrained dog that literally outweighs them as an adult. Great Dane puppies have gentle and loving dispositions, making them quick and easy to train. These dogs grow up to be excellent family companions.
NEWFOUNDLAND
Known as the “gentle giants” of the dog world, Newfoundlands are highly intelligent, humongous, and natural nurturers. They’re even known as “nature’s babysitters” as this dog breed has an innate instinct to “nanny” human children. We’re not saying you should leave your 5 year old home alone with your Newfoundland, but if you had to due to some emergency circumstance, you could count on your Newfoundland to keep your young one safe and sound in your absence. While Newfoundlands do well living in smaller homes, they belong to the “working group” of dog breeds and so they need both exercise outside and “jobs” around the home. Daily exercise need only be a half hour, yet if you ever want to take your Newfoundland hiking, camping, or swimming, he’s the best dog breed to accompany you!
STANDARD POODLE
The Poodle is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. He is also the only breed that comes in three size varieties. This size choice may be why the Poodle is one of the most popular breeds, according to AKC Registration Statistics. The “Standard Poodle” is the largest size of all the Poodles, and is considered a large dog breed. Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has a dignified countenance unlike any other dog breed. Though often considered to be beautiful without brains, nothing could be further from the truth. The Poodle is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. Large, intelligent, and intensely loyal to its owner, the Poodle enjoys relaxing at home and has a low-key nature in general, making this breed a great choice for people who live in small homes.
Those are our top 5 large dog breeds that you should know about! PuppyBuddy has each of these breeds in store. If you’re in the Boca Raton, FL, area and would like to meet our large dog breeds, then you’re welcome to stop by and talk to our knowledgeable pet counselors about the best large dog breeds for people who live in small homes! We hope to see you soon!
