I was wondering how everyone felt about keeping larger dogs in their apartments? I feel it is unfair to accept dogs over 30lbs. to stay in my 1 bedroom apartment.
What are your opinions?
I would think it depends more on the indoor activity level (and the amount of dog-level breakables in your apt) than the size/weight of the dog. Most giant-breed dogs are couch potatoes. Lots of small dogs bounce off the walls. Most of my dogs have been large, at times I have lived in an apt, and so far haven't had any problems.
I feel in would depend on the size of your apartment and how many dogs you would be willing to accept at one time where your space wouldn't be too crowded.
My apartment complex allows dogs up to 100lbs to live here. I honestly think it's more about the dogs energy level and it's owners capabilities to satisfy it's exercise needs. I've healthy, happy, and well behaved Great Pyranese living in apartments before. But their owners gave them the exercise and training that was needed. Some smaller dogs like terriers need more exercise than many of the larger breeds anyway.
I only accept small to medium dogs in my 1 bedroom apartment, but it is a dog friendly apartment and a lot of my neighbors actually own larger dogs. I just rather take care of 2-3 smaller dogs rather than 1 or 2 larger dogs due to the amount of space. Also I let clients know that I do not have a yard for their dog to roam around in since larger dogs usually require more exercise. I only take larger dogs if I have done a meet and greet and it isn't too hyper.
It's up to the owner to decide if they want to board a dog in an apartment. I would never board my dog in an apartment, my dog needs a house and a yard. But many people dont care, and apartment boarding is cheaper. So if they are ok with it, you should be too.
It definitely depends on how often you are able to walk the pup, as well as how active he is. If, at the meet-and-greet, you see that he is really active, it is fine to decline and say there is just not enough room for him to be normal in your home.
I'm less concerned about the size of the dog than their energy level, and more importantly, whether or not I'll be able to meet their exercise needs. No dog, no matter the size, will be running at top speed in my apartment, but even huge dogs have happily played in my tiny place. Inside is for more mellow activities. Like Shannon said, a lot of the bigger breeds are much more mellow than some of their smaller counterparts. Some of my easiest to house in a small place guests have been my biggest.
I would say it depends on the duration of the stay and how much exercise you're willing to give the dog. If you take say, a husky or something, and you plan on taking it for walks or to the park etc then I don't see the issue. If it gets its wiggles out it'll probably just want to chill anyways (: