When people think of apartment dogs, they often think of something small and compact, like a Yorkshire terrier or pug. But did you know that there are a few large breed dogs that can also thrive in the limited space of an apartment? In fact, one of the biggest dog breeds also happens to be a pretty good apartment dog, the Great Dane. So if you are thinking of getting a Great Dane and you live in an apartment, here are some considerations to make as you decide.

Calm Temperament

One of the things Great Danes are known best for is their calm, laid-back temperament. Despite being huge dogs, they prefer lounging around, making them perfect as indoor dogs. You won’t have to worry about an overly anxious or hyper Great Dane running around your house creating chaos.

Exercise Needs

Even as big couch potatoes, Great Danes will need some exercise every day. Given their huge size and the stress this puts on their joints, Great Danes are not supposed to get a lot of exercise. They will benefit from a medium-length daily walk, to stretch their legs and give them some mental stimulation, but much more than that is optional. And even potentially dangerous without proper support for their huge bodies.

Companionship

While Great Danes may have calm personalities and fairly low exercise needs, they do need daily regular human interaction to really thrive in an apartment setting. You should not leave a Great Dane alone for too long, as they can develop behavior issues like anxiety separation, destructiveness, or extreme boredom. Be sure that if you plan on getting a dog, you intend on spending quality time with them every day, giving them the love and attention they need to live happy lives.

Apartment Space

Logistically, a Great Dane is more difficult to have in an apartment due to the sheer size of it. While they may have easy temperaments and low exercise needs, they are still huge dogs that need space just to lie down and walk and play without worrying about getting hurt or breaking anything. Ideally, you want an apartment with a lot of floor space, or you want to limit your furniture so that there is more room for your dog. Another thing to take into consideration with Great Danes is that they are not great with stairs. If you live on the upper floor of an apartment, you will want to opt for the elevator so that your Great Dane doesn’t damage its joints trying to walk up and down lots of stairs.

Conclusion

For apartment dwellers in Santa Fe considering getting a Great Dane, finding a place that is pet-friendly is essential. Luckily, there are a lot of great pet-friendly apartments in Santa Fe that cater to residents with furry companions. From pet spas, washing stations, green spaces, and more, you will be able to take care of your Great Dane with more ease. While they might not be the first breed of dog that comes to mind when thinking of apartment dogs, the Great Dane makes a great apartment dog when the proper considerations are made for its size, personality, and exercise needs.