Although their presence can be intimidating, Great Danes are the gentle giants of the dog world. They're goofy and loving and they're a favorite dog breed of many dog lovers, so it makes sense why so many people are interested in owning one.
But anytime you bring a new dog home, you have to consider your living situation. And if you live in an apartment but want a Great Dane, you have to consider if a Great Dane is a good choice for apartment living. The answer is that it depends. The Great Dane's large size may not make them a good candidate for some apartments, but their laziness also means that they don't need a lot of space.
Here's everything you need to consider when bringing a Great Dane into an apartment, so you can decide if they're a good choice.
Why Great Danes May Be Good for Apartment Living
Calm Temperament
Great Danes are known for having a very calm temperament, which means you won't have a lot of barking in your apartment like you might with a smaller dog breed. This is good when living so closely to other people, as they won't be disturbed by your Great Dane's crazy antics.
Moderate Energy and Exercise Needs
Although large dogs tend to need a lot more exercise, Great Danes are pretty low maintenance in terms of their exercise needs. They are content with a couple of walks per day, or playing fetch in the park across the street.
Great Danes are also very playful as puppies, but as they turn into adults, their playfulness and energy levels slow down. As adults, they have a very moderate energy level, so they are content to just lay on the couch all day while you're away. As long as you leave them with a toy to play with or something to do, they will be fine by themselves.
They Don't Always Need Another "Friend"
While dogs can often benefit from having another dog around to play with, and some dogs do best with another companion, Great Danes can also do well as the only dog in the apartment. This is a good thing because having a large dog like a Great Dane doesn't leave a lot of room for other pets.
Why Great Danes May Not Be Good for Apartment Living
Large Size
Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds. They can weigh up to 175 pounds and stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Their size alone may make them too big for smaller living spaces, especially studio apartments. If you live in a larger apartment, it might not matter, provided that your apartment doesn't have size restrictions.
Some apartments may have restrictions on the size of pet you can have. If your apartment complex has weight restrictions, a Great Dane's size may exceed them.
Apartment Location
The location of your apartment may also make a difference as to whether a Great Dane will be a good pet. If you live anywhere besides the bottom floor, your neighbors below you may hear your dog traipsing and bumping around, which can cause conflicts.
An apartment on the bottom floor is best with a Great Dane, especially when you consider that you'll need to take them outside to use the bathroom a lot. Great Danes aren't exactly a dog you can pick up and carry down the stairs, so you want to have easier access to outdoor areas with a large dog like a Great Dane. A balcony just won't cut it if you have a Great Dane.
Loud Bark
Although Great Danes are pretty chill and aren't known to be excessive barkers, when they do bark, it's LOUD. This can cause a disturbance with your neighbors if your Great Dane is barking, especially in the middle of the night.
So, although Great Danes can make great apartment dogs provided that you have the space and can provide them with exercise, there are several reasons why they may not be the best choice. Ultimately, you have to consider your apartment complex's rules and your own living situation and lifestyle to determine if a Great Dane is right for your apartment.