3 weeks ago
17
Shutterstock
When people think of apartment-friendly dogs, small breeds usually come to mind. But not all big dogs need a massive backyard or endless space to roam. Some large breeds are surprisingly low-energy, well-mannered, and adaptable to small living spaces. While their size may seem like a deal-breaker, their calm nature and ability to adjust make them perfect for apartment life. Many of these gentle giants prefer lounging around to sprinting in a yard and are content with daily walks instead of endless exercise.
Great Dane
Shutterstock
Despite their towering size, Great Danes are often called “gentle giants” for a reason. They are incredibly calm and love nothing more than lounging around the house like oversized lapdogs. While they require regular walks, they don’t have excessive energy needs and are surprisingly content in smaller spaces. As long as they have a comfy couch or a soft bed to stretch out on, a Great Dane will happily adapt to apartment living.
Greyhound
Shutterstock
Greyhounds may be built for speed, but when they’re not sprinting, they’re professional couch potatoes. Known for their laid-back nature, they are perfectly content to nap the day away after a short daily walk. They are incredibly quiet and rarely bark, making them excellent neighbors in apartment complexes. Their sleek, short coats also mean minimal shedding and grooming, making them a low-maintenance option for city dwellers.
Akita
Shutterstock
Akitas are large, powerful dogs known for their loyalty and calm demeanor. While they are naturally protective, they are surprisingly low-energy indoors and prefer lounging with their family over constant activity. They are quiet, rarely bark without reason, and are content with moderate exercise, making them well-suited for apartment living. Their thick coats require some grooming, but their independent and dignified nature makes them a great choice for those looking for a large, devoted companion in a smaller space.
Newfoundland
Shutterstock
Newfoundlands are giant, fluffy teddy bears that love their humans more than anything. Despite their size, they are incredibly mellow and affectionate, preferring to be close to their family rather than running around outside. Their gentle temperament and easygoing nature make them surprisingly well-suited for apartment living. As long as they get a daily walk and plenty of love, they’re more than happy to relax indoors.
Irish Wolfhound
Shutterstock
Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest dog breeds, but they are known for their calm and dignified demeanor. These dogs are not high-energy and are more likely to be found curled up in a cozy spot than bouncing off the walls. They don’t require much exercise beyond regular walks, and their quiet, easygoing nature makes them excellent apartment companions. Just be prepared to rearrange your furniture to accommodate their long legs!
Bernese Mountain Dog
Shutterstock
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, affectionate, and incredibly gentle, making them great for apartment life. They are not hyperactive and prefer lounging with their family over constant activity. Their thick coats require some grooming, but their calm personalities and loving nature make them well worth the effort. As long as they get daily walks and plenty of attention, they can thrive in smaller living spaces.
Mastiff
Shutterstock
Mastiffs may be massive, but they are also among the laziest dog breeds. They have a calm, low-energy demeanor and are perfectly content lounging for most of the day. While they require space to stretch out, they don’t need excessive exercise and are happy with short, leisurely walks. Their quiet nature and deep loyalty make them excellent companions for apartment living.
Saint Bernard
Shutterstock
Saint Bernards are famous for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a surprisingly great choice for apartment life. While they are large, they are incredibly laid-back and don’t require much exercise beyond regular walks. Their loving personality makes them great indoor companions, and they are known to be calm and well-mannered. Just be prepared for a little drool—okay, maybe a lot.
Leonberger
Shutterstock
Leonbergers may be big and fluffy but also incredibly adaptable and gentle. They are calm and patient and love being close to their family, making them great for smaller living spaces. While they need some grooming due to their thick coats, they are relatively low-energy and don’t require excessive exercise. As long as they get daily walks and plenty of affection, they can be happy in an apartment.
Bullmastiff
Shutterstock
Bullmastiffs are large but incredibly low-energy, making them well-suited for apartment living. They are affectionate and quiet and prefer lounging over running marathons. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and they don’t bark excessively, making them great neighbors. Their calm demeanor and devotion to their family make them fantastic companions for city dwellers.
Borzoi
Shutterstock
Borzoi dogs are elegant, independent, and surprisingly chill for a breed built for speed. While they love the occasional sprint, they are more than happy to spend most of their time relaxing at home. They are incredibly quiet, well-mannered, and don’t require intense exercise, making them perfect for apartment life. Their sleek, low-maintenance coats make them easy to groom and keep clean indoors.
Clumber Spaniel
Shutterstock
Clumber Spaniels are large, stocky dogs known for their relaxed and easygoing personalities. They are not high-energy and prefer lounging to intense physical activity, making them a great choice for apartments. They don’t require excessive exercise beyond daily walks, and their calm demeanor makes them wonderful indoor companions. Plus, their goofy and affectionate nature makes them a joy.
Anatolian Shepherd
Shutterstock
Anatolian Shepherds are known for their strong guarding instincts, but they are also incredibly calm and low-energy indoors. They are highly independent and don’t require constant attention or excessive exercise. While they need proper training to ensure they don’t become overly protective, they can be fantastic apartment dogs due to their relaxed nature. They are perfectly content in smaller spaces as long as they have a comfy resting spot.
Tibetan Mastiff
Shutterstock
Tibetan Mastiffs are giant, fluffy guardians with a surprisingly chill attitude. They are independent, low-energy indoors, and prefer lounging around over constant activity. While they need regular walks, they don’t require excessive exercise, making them well-suited for apartment life. Their thick coats require some grooming, but their calm and affectionate nature makes them a great choice for those looking for a big but laid-back companion.
American Bulldog
Shutterstock
American Bulldogs are strong and muscular, but they are also incredibly affectionate and easygoing. They don’t require as much exercise as some might think and are happy to spend most of their time relaxing with their owners. Their short coats are easy to maintain, and their quiet, loyal nature makes them great for apartment living. With proper training and socialization, they make fantastic, low-maintenance indoor companions.
The Large Breeds That Prove Size Is Just a Number
Shutterstock
Who says you need a mansion to own a large dog? These gentle giants prove that big size doesn’t always mean high energy. Whether it’s a laid-back Mastiff, a relaxed Greyhound, or a snuggly Saint Bernard, these dogs can thrive in apartments with daily walks and plenty of love. Their calm nature and easygoing attitude make them fantastic indoor companions—even if they take up most of the couch. With the right care, these big pups can perfectly fit small-space living.
English (US) · 