>

I can just never get rid of that situation and I have been there.
People who live in the apartment directly above me shouldn't own large dogs. >

I agree, also shouldn't own kids >

Man really said "own" kids >

If you created them you basically own them until someone says you are unfit to or they turn 18 lmao >

Large dogs, like Great Danes etc, are actually excellent apartment dogs. They are very low energy and are quite happy sitting on their dog bed most of the day. Danes are actually very popular in Japan for this reason. >

They are loud as fuck to the people living in the apartment below.... >

They generally don't bark much either >

Btw dog ownership in Japan pales in comparison to US dog ownership. It's like 14% vs 38% of households. You have to register your dog there too. >

How is this relevant? >

You mentioned Japan. My whole position on this subject is much like OP's. I think apartment dogs are annoying as fuck and the more restrictions the better. >

This isn’t an unpopular opinion, it’s a lack of understanding about the topic. >

Very true, most posts on here lately doing this. >

They belong on /r/NotUnpopularJustDumb >

I think these posts are good. I don't have a dog and don't plan on having a dog. But I have formed and opinion "Who the hell would get a big dog in an apartment? Isn't that bad for them?". I have never judged the dog owners, just wondered why out of all the discussions I don't see this one being discussed.
But thanks to the replies here I learned that my opinion was in fact really dumb. I am a couch potato and I weigh 90kg. Dogs can be fine in an apartment. >

Some dogs are abused and neglected and living in an apartment is a much better alternative than a cage or chained to a tree.
People who adopt have no reason to feel bad.
People who purchase dogs should feel bad regardless the size of their house. >

i see this argument alot and it makes me realise the "adopt dont shop" crowd down know much about down dogs. my families helped train and "rehab"  guess dobermans for rescue groups to make them "adoptable" rescues are NOT for everyone. every dog is different and ALOT of them need a fuck ton of training and special accommodations alot of people dont have the time or skill for, stuff that buying a dog from a reputable breeder simply doesnt.
our 2 dobies for example. our female we were told if didnt work out with us shed be put down cause it was her fourth rehome attempt. her issue? the place she was rescued/surrendered from used to throw dolls and pushies at her to play with. and as such was agressive towards small kids and small animals (dont ask me how these muppets didnt catch onto that after the 2nd failed attempt of rehoming her with young kids when i realised that 5 seconds after i knelt down around her and she out of nowhere wanted to play alot rougher, but whatever) . our male on the other hand we know literally nothing about. he was literally dumped on a vets doorstep one night and they didnt have room for him. all we know is he was scared and aggressive from whatever he had to go through before us.  rescue mob we work with basically gave us first dibs on him and said if we couldnt go get him within a couple days of they dont know whatd happen. he took ALOT of work, and even now a few years on hes not 100%.
so while its all hunky dory saying "adopt dont shop" its not for everyone. misleading people into thinking its no different than buying like way way too many of the "adopt dont shop" crowd do is why so many shelter dogs and more so rescues (cause rescues often tend to be alot more "raw") get put down or multi rehomed.
it should be "adopt if you have the time and skill, shop RESPONSIBLY if you have to" cause shopping responsibly means that the dogs will often already be partially trained and settle in alot quicker. youll also know their temperment alot easier cause they have no real reason to fear people or act out. not to mention unlike puppy farms reputable breeders actually care about the dogs and will be more than happy to educate you about the breed and help you with the dogs way more than shelters and rescues can. not to mention outside of pets, working dogs are alot better or atleast easier bought cause depending on their age will come partially or fully trained in thier breeds specialist field and and ready to work.
in conclusion adopting isnt all sunshine and rainbows like tiktok and social media portrays. yes some rescues are amazing as they are as they were simply surrendered for whatever reason but ALOT arent. if you dont have ALOT of time to settle them in and make them comfortable or the skills (or money) to train them and work with them dont bother. abused and traumatised dogs are like humans in that regard. sometimes all ya need is a little bit of love to unlock the shell, but alot of the time its a long slow road to hell and back. reputable breeders may be expensive but are def better for first time owners when it comes to "specialist" breeds like dobies. especially when abused and neglected for these breeds can very often mean "highly aggressive and territorial" >

Okay yes I was reductive there are times to shop.
Eg: new baby. Need appropriate pet.
But overall shopping has plenty risks notably purebred dogs tend to have mote health problems. Plus you have no guarantee your purchased dog will not have behavioral issues. Especially if you don't know anything about training.
I know plenty about dogs by the way. I would be happy if purchasing of pets was illegal and all pets required a licence with qualification. But that's just my opinion and most people hate me for it. >

This isn’t unpopular, you’re just misinformed. High energy dogs don’t belong cooped up, that has nothing to do with size. >

Best example, Great Danes are notorious couch potatoes. >

Still.  I dunno.  I lived next door to someone who owned two of 'em, and I never saw them walk their dogs, ever.  YEARS.  I don't think they left the house, but they did have a tiny backyard to go poop in, so they had that... but are they really that lazy?  I just thought it strange, such large dogs I figured they'd be more active. >

Ok, but anyone can be a shitty dog owner. You don't have to own large dogs in order to be shitty and never take them outside. Actually I've more commonly seen owners of small and extra small dogs not taking their dogs out enough. Too many people think like OP, they think that a big dog can't do well in an apartment because it's a small cramped space compared to the dog; but for a small dog, they don't need to be exercised outside since their so tiny they have tons of space relative to their size.
So, to answer your question: great danes are couch potatoes, they would probably much rather sleep then go outside other than to poop and piss. But a responsible dog owner will still make sure their dane gets exercise and gets to go outside and smell things and interact with other dogs and people because that stuff enriches a dog's life and keeps them healthier for longer. But proper exercise for a great dane isn't the same as proper exercise for say a husky or a lab. >

Exactly this. Great Danes are better apartment dogs than jack Russells, actually. >

Which large dog? Yeah don't keep a Belgian Malinois or a Caucasian Shepard in an apartment. But an English Mastiff that just wants to sleep all day? Yeah that's fine. >

This post is a bit like saying you can't have humans in apartments because they're too big >

Yeah! We used to be hunter gatherers who'd walk miles in days, the fact we aren't doing so anymore means something is clearly wrong! It's not like most mammals seek comfort and will not need to over-exert energy if it is not necessary for survival! We aren't suited for this lifestyle! SMH. >

I get what you are saying, but there are whole continents of people dying right now because they aren't getting exercise or nutrients needs met. Fat as a house but technically starving. So, yah, bit more range for folk might help. >

I lived in an apartment with a black lab for over a year. He has lots of toys, we walk for an hour a day and go out for short breaks 3-4 other times, and when he's awake it doesn't matter how big the space is because he sits where ever I am. 
I think you're confusing large dogs with energetic dogs that will run and play alone. Many large dogs are couch potatoes. >

Correct. My 50kg/110lb Bernese mountain dog has an enormous amount of space. Our house is very large. She barely moves from her spot under the air con most days, she gets a good walk and then she’s a total slug. 
The temperament and needs of the breed matter more than the size of the dog. >

And personality too. My husky goes to daycare, but honestly… he’s so so damn lazy. A pure bed potato who more often then Not rejects my walk attempts in favor of running back into bed and glaring at me instead… 
A yard would be wasted on this dude. I’m still eventually going to get him one. But he so so lazy. >

We DO have a yard and our husky sleeps in 2 spots. Under a tree for shade and the patio for sun naps. the other 2 dogs don't really stay out there. They all sleep the majority of the day. >

My mom and I have sibling huskies and ours is high energy spaz zooming back and forth with our son. Hers is lazy as fuck. Laziest husky I've ever seen. Dude will stay lying down and howl at you if you pet one of her other dogs, he demands you don't pet them but come to him and pet him lol. >

Love me! LOVE ME!! NOT FROM THERE! >

I think it depends more on breed than size - some medium and smaller dogs are working breeds, which need constant stimulation eg. Jack russels, border collies, kelpies, but some larger dogs are lazy af - greyhounds for example are excellent apartment dogs, they want to do zoomies for 10 minutes at the dog park otherwise they sleep all day (basically big cats). I’ve got a greyhound x deerhound and he’d be fine in an apartment, and he’s huge (taller than me when he stands up on his back legs). He sleeps 23 hours a day and huffs at me if I make a noise that wakes him, and he’s only 2 and a half years old. But I’d never own a working breed especially the herding kinds, even in a regular house or on a rural property unless I had a job for them - that’s cruel imo. >

Most big dogs are equal parts lazy and affectionate so they make surprisingly good apartment dogs. They still need to get out for multiple walks a day but they just sleep next to you otherwise so they don’t take up much space. 
Anything that’s a working breed (collies, kelpies or cattle dogs etc.) should definitely not be apartment dogs, but even a huge backyard isn’t enough for them in ideal circumstances. They need an acreage. >

My brothers dog is a kelpie and is the laziest dog I’ve ever met. lol. Aside from him though I agree. Some big dogs are great in apartments. Others, not so much. >

Honestly, lots of dogs out there need homes. At some point they can live wherever they're taken care of at anywere >

I guess you and most people on here hate me >

Don’t listen to the whiny gatekeepers on Reddit. If it was up to them, every pet would live on a six acre fenced in farm with organic premium diets and receive 8 hour long walks a day. 
You’re likely giving your babies better lives than they would have had at a shelter. Love them, feed them, stimulate them, don’t abuse them, and treat them when they’re sick. Boom, you’re a good, responsible pet owner. Regardless of square footage. >

Hahaha thanks. I was being sarcastic. I like to get a rise from Reddit gatekeepers. Thanks for the reassurance. >

Most people shouldn’t own pets. Also most people can’t accept this and I imagine this will get downvoted to oblivion but it’s the truth >

While it’s easy to say that, think of the consequences. If most people “shouldn’t” own pets, shelters would have to do mass euthanasias constantly. We need to be better at supporting and educating pet owners through the community, not taking them away. >

Yes as much as I encourage people educating themselves on being the best pet owners possible, I hate the gatekeeping the internet does against pet ownership. 
Someone told me once here that I was inhumane for having two kitties in my apartment and never letting them outside. They are happy and healthy and stimulated. AND safe from cars, predators, and the rough climate in my area.
Some people won’t mind their damn business, thinking they know best. If everyone expected the best of the best perfect standards for pets, very few would be able to adopt them, leading to many animals living their entire life in a cage in a shelter then dying young from euthanasia. >

Even an active breed might adapt fine to apartment life as a senior >

My mom has a Newfoundland poodle mix. Laziest couch potato you’ve ever met. 80 pounds of “sleeps on the couch all day.” Gentle giant. 
A yappy small dog can make a lot more noise than a big one who never feels a need to bark. >

How much does this mix shed if you don’t mind me asking? 
I really would like to get a Newfoundland mix sometime in the future. They’re just so sweet and gentle! >

She sheds in tufts of hair once or twice a year, so it’s not individual furs you find all over the house/bedding/carpets. Once in awhile there’s a tumbleweed in a corner, that’s about it. She also doesn’t drool constantly like purebred newfies do — only when exercising. >


Once in awhile there’s a tumbleweed in a corner, 

This tickled me 🤣 >

I think you’re confusing high energy dogs with large dogs. Some dog breeds don’t like to galavant in an open field for hours. 
In my experience a good chunk of large dogs prefer to relax. (That is not to say they don’t exist, just that different breeds require different standards) >

Does a bigger human want to exercise more often than a smaller human? 🤡 >

Would one human require the same amount of space to exercise as another that is literally twenty times their size? >

so take them for a 20x longer walk >

I have a fairly large home. I also have a 5-year-old 170lb Great Dane. He would be very, very upset if I dared to make him get off his Posturepedic dog bed to go for a walk. He likes his yard time maybe once in the morning and once in the afternoon for maybe 10 minutes at a time to sniff around and poop. Otherwise, he lays on his bed ALL DAMN DAY and gets up to stretch occasionally. His best friend is my elderly black lab who is essentially of the same demeanor, but it's just because of her age. She likes to be outside and run around far more than he does tough. >

I agree with this. I live in a condo. I have two cats but I would have loved to get a dog. However, I refuse to get a tiny dog. I want a big one (Doberman, german shepard, cane corso, etc). 
I know that is unfair to keep them in my small 800sq/f condo. That's why I got two cats instead. However, if i am able fortunate enough to have a house, I am getting a dog the week I move in. >


However, I refuse to get a tiny dog. I want a big one (Doberman, german shepard, cane corso, etc).

These breeds don't often mix well with cats. If they do, you have to raise them from puppyhood with them and even then it can be a risk >

Big dogs are just as happy (if not more) to lay around and cuddle all day, they DO need exercise yes but 2 walks like you mentioned would definitely suffice. >

Certain very very large breeds of dogs actually are great for apartments. Great Danes, bernnese mountain dogs, Irish wolf hounds. I've personally knows people with these dogs that have less energy than my English bulldog which are known for being lazy as fuck. If you think that a house and a yard are enough to keep an energetic dog occupied without that actual interaction of dog parks and walks a few times a day, then you are very wrong. If you're adopting a dog that is otherwise going to be sitting in a shelter, an apartment with regular walks multiple times a day is certainly better than the alternative. >

Not everyone with large dog breeds got the dog when they lived in an apartment complex. >

Yup. Reddit loves to shame any and all pet owners who decide to rehome their pets. But simultaneously shame pet owners who have under x square footage. 
Life happens, you lose jobs or have to relocate for work or family. Smaller homes and apartments are a necessity for many people’s situations and pets are family, many don’t want to leave them behind. >

Had to move from a house with a yard and lots of parks, halfway across the country to a city where I knew I’d be stuck in an apartment for years, so I had to make the awful (but right) decision to give my super hyper German shepherd mix to a friend before leaving. It sucked so bad but he has such a better life now than if I brought him along. >

I have done this (wasn’t my dog to begin with; I moved in with a partner) and I cannot agree more.
Also not unpopular tho >

Same goes for people who keep their dogs penned up >

Depends on the breed. A large dog doesn't necessarily require more exercise than a smaller dog. You have small sized dogs that require a lot of exercise and big dogs that don't. >

It's not pretty right actually, some huge dogs are just those apartment dogs and they are doing so fucking fine about the things that you just mentioned man, it's like that. >

Or dogs in general.... >

Exactly! Dogs just aren’t suitable for apartments. Nobody wants to hear your dog running around and barking. >

I think it depends on the breed. Some large breeds aren’t high activity dogs and make for good apartment dogs like a bull mastiff and one could have a medium sized dog like an Australian shepherd, which would be an absolute nightmare in an apartment. 
So, it’s not only the size of the dog but the energy level of the breed that plays a factor. It also depends on the size of the apartment. There are significant big differences between a 600 square foot studio, a 1200 square foot 3 bedroom apartment and a 2500 square foot loft. >

Even more important than that is the individual temperament of the dog. I have an Australian Sheperd in a small 1bedroom apartment, but he's extremely well behaved, and has never damaged our stuff. He's never even barked inside the house. We don't know why, but he doesn't make a sound. 
He's energetic at playtime, for sure, but also very obedient.
OP seems very misinformed, because I've seen small Chihuahuas and Poodles absolutely wreck a home. My mom gave our Poodle away back in the 90's because it was too much.
And don't get me started on the barking. >

And people who live in suburbia and own dogs should be courteous and not leave their dog outside for hours barking at each passing car and pedestrian.     It's beyond annoying and incredibly selfish on their part. >

Thats a popular opinion. >

100% agree. People have pitbulls in my apartment complex and it’s absolutely ridiculous >

Correct, but the problem with pitbulls in apartments isn't so much the space as it is all the, you know...maulings.
P. S. To the Pitnutters who want to tell me about how your dog is just the sweetest, I don't care what you think. Blame the breed and the deed. >

Yep! Agreed 1000% >

Large breeds can live just fine in apartment as long as you give them the proper exercise and mental stimulation they need. My boy is roughly 70-75 pounds so not that large, but besides his 4-5 potty breaks he gets he also gets 3-4 walks, play sessions both inside and outside, training inside and outside, and lots of puzzle feeders and frozen kongs feeders to help with mental stimulation. He does just fine in an apartment setting. Tbh I think an apartment is likely more helpful than a house with a fenced in yard as many people assume the backyard is enough and won't even take their dogs out for walks. >

What a lucky dog. He has a great home with yall. >

Thanks, he's family to me so I make sure he gets the best care possible :) >

What about american akitas? They're famously inactive and low energy dogs who often prefer to lounge around most of the day. >

Don't bother, OP and people agreeing with them don't understand dogs and are probably just pissed at one living close to them that barked at a handful of inconvenient times. >

People who live in the country shouldn’t have tiny dogs. Coyotes and hawks. >

My Pyrenees look at me like I'm an asshole when I tell them it's time to go for a walk >

Spoken like someone who cant train dogs hahaha >

I've personally met someone with multiple acres of land (about a hectare of land for those using metric system) for their giant breeds of dogs and ONE high energy breed (think Ridgeback, Malinois, or German Shepherd similar energy). The giant breeds outnumbered this one 4 to 1, and this dog was the top most destructive in and out the house. Know what they did with the high energy breed? Rehomed it to an active college student that lived in an apartment. The student took that high energy breed daily on runs multiple times during the day, and they became a great pair that to this day are inseparable. I know another family that had a similar mix of high energy breeds and they would jog, morning, work lunch breaks, and evening on top of taking the dog daily to large fields to let off more steam. And on the flip side, working in the pet care field, I've met people with the smallest dogs in a large home, with a yard that cannot properly meet the energy demands, and give proper enrichment, to their dog/dogs (think like teacup Yorkie, Maltese, shih tzu, Lhasa, toy poodle, etc.)
In the pet care industry this is a common misconception I hear from owners that one NEEDS a yard for their dog and that's it. If that were the case, no dogs purchased or adopted from shelters into homes with yards should ever need to be rehomed for the reason of "we just can't keep up," or "we don't have the time," or even, "they're destructive/bored." Because in theory the dogs have all that space to enrich themselves or just be a dog, right? They don't require any training, bonding/enrichment time, or anything else except a yard, right? Gotcha, I'll spread the word! sarcastic voice
Pettiness and sarcasm aside, I do agree that there are people who live in small spaces and aren't responsible for their animals, but that's not an apartment specific problem. It's a human problem for not doing your homework before taking on the care of a living being. >

I have a big dog (german shepherd lab mix) with high energy and we’ve exclusively lived in apartments or small houses in the 11 years i’ve had her with no issues. the problem isn’t the size of the living space, it’s what you do to meet your dog’s needs. taking them on walks, giving them “jobs” to do whether it’s inside or outside, as long as you meet their physical and mental needs they could care less. even as a puppy, my dog slept ~20 hours a day and was perfectly content sleeping in her crate or under my desk for most of the day as long as we got a good walk in and played mental games.
all too often i see dogs in large houses sitting in the back yard all day and they are monsters (constant barking and lapping the yard, stressed about every little thing happening) because they don’t actually get the attention that they need i.e a good pack walk and doing mental exercises. it’s not the space itself, it’s what you do with your dog when they are in their active hours. way too many people think their dog doesn’t need a walk because they’ve been in their large back yard all day. >

Agree with this. When I'm taking my guy for a walk we pass the same dogs in their fences day in and day out and I've never once seen them out for walks, and they just bark all the time. Take them out and play with them instead of leaving them to mind themselves and they'll be fine regardless of size of the space. 
Mind if I ask what kind of mental games you play with yours? My husky/cattle dog mix is too smart for his own good and figures out all the games we play too quickly so I need morre in the rotation lol >

her favorite is hide and seek. i started out with just hiding food around but she learned all the hiding spots pretty quickly so i changed to buying toys and naming them and having her go find them and bring them back to me. once she’s memorized a toy’s name i put it in storage for a while and then i cycle through them so she’s always looking for something new (or at least something she hasn’t seen in a few months)
also, when we walk i always stop at a park and play fetch. but sometimes i’ll make her wait before she can go after the ball. something about throwing the ball and making her wait different intervals of time before running to get it is extremely draining for her lol.
i’ve tried other things over the years but these two seemed to work the best for her, it probably depends on the dog tbh. nowadays she’s old enough that most days she’s ready to pass out after a walk but if she’s still active i’ll break out a hide and seek game or try to teach her a new trick. >

Thanks friend! I ran into the same problem with treat hide and seek, I’ll try the toy swap. And once he gets the idea of fetch not being a game of keep away I’ll work in the waiting there too. He’s not even two yet so we’re still working on that part >

People in apartments really shouldn't own any dogs. It's pointless to have a dog and no backyard. Who wants to wake up at 1 am to walk their dog cause it has to pee when they could just let it in a backyard? >

People shouldn't own dogs...period. >

Alternative unpopular opinion: People shouldn't own dogs. >

Some apartments are huge and bigger than some houses. I don't have a dog, nor do i ever want one, so I really don't care, just pointing that out. >

Sure, but even a large apartment doesn't replace a yard.
Personally I don't mind if people have larger dogs in an apartment as long as they get exercise and breaks. But nothing quite beats having a big back yard for your dog to hang out in >

I had my lab in my apartment for 4 years, we bought our house last year,excited to allow him to hang out in the backyard. If me or my wife aren’t outside with him, all he does is stare at the door waiting to be let in. No interest in being out there alone. Can’t speak for all dogs, but my friends German Shepard does the exact same thing in their yard. >

Yea my experience is different growing up in a rural area with some land. Had labs mostly, a husky, and a samoyed over the years. They had full access to the property 24/7 through dog doors, had outdoor housing and well water. Even when I moved out and my first house had about a half quarter acre my dog had full outdoor access even when I was work.
Every dog is different I suppose >

You obviously know very little about dogs in general. Is this a shower thought? >

Most of the largest breeds are the laziest and most perfect apartment dogs. This isn't an unpopular opinion, you're just talking on a subject you know nothing about. >

Dogs live in caves/small places in the wild >

I have 110lb dog, he’s the laziest dog ever. He’s less active than any smaller dog I’ve had for sure! It’s not the size of the dog, it’s the dog’s natural level of energy that matters. >

You made him lazy >

Um no, I do agility with him and his brother is full of energy. It’s just his personality and his breed can be pretty low energy, so he would prefer to lay around all day with one time a day of playing. >

I live in a renovated old farm house apartment and I bet my backyard is bigger than yours >

It's well known that apartment dogs get more interactive outside time and more time with their owners since their owners have to take them on walks instead of just dumping them in a yard. Also this would be different by breed because many large dogs are lazy. >

I have a dog in an apartment. I take that dude on so many walks, trips to the lake, to eat with me with its warm and the patios are open, etc. I think everyone in my apartment had a dog. It's never an issue. >

Agreed. My family (not living with us) should not have a cane corso puppy in their 2bd apartment. She is gigantic and has energy. She needs to run.
Lemme stop cuz I’ll go on a ranting tangent. Not necessarily unpopular. >

Some of those large dogs came from kill shelters. 
In some of those shelters, dogs get a needle of Euthanyl and die on the cold concrete, if they’re lucky, or in the gas chamber if they’re less lucky, because none of those people with those huge yards you think they should run around in showed up to adopt them. 
If they could speak, I venture they might opt for the apartment but with walks, as an alternative, and see that as winning the lottery. 
So maybe save your criticism for those big yard people who haven’t shown up yet. No? >

Exactly! Gatekeeping pet ownership kills animals that could have had a home and family that loves them.
I’d take an apartment with love, food, treats, toys, and walks over living in a cage in a shelter or dying young from euthanasia any day.
Only a small percentage of the world’s population has these big beautiful yards and houses people idealize. >

This generalization is an example of why dog takes online are terrible.
I live in a house in a more rural area with a decent size yard, over the years I have had several dogs, the one that enjoyed running around all the space the most? a little pug/mix dog that was maybe 10lbs max, meanwhile the dog I had who was the most lazy and would go out to use bathroom then just want in to lay around? a lab/german shepard mix.
And it goes the other way, one of my best friends has a husky and they currently live in an apartment and the husky hates going outside, and loves to just spend most the day curled up on the sofa >

My former roommate used to let her dog shit and piss on the balcony >

Any dog under 50lbs is a cat. And cats are pointless. ~ Ron Swanson. >

ugh not this dumb bullshit.
have you ever met a lazy dog? they exist you know.
i have a friend with a big ol' dog. she lives in a smallish apartment. he just lazes around all day. she sends me photos of him lunging around like a big ol' turd.
trust me, he gets his exercise. he gets his fun. he's perfectly happy just spending a lot of the day lounging around like a hibernating bear.
take my word for it. >

I used to have a roommate that had a pitbull they left in a crate for 10 hours a day. Doing this is animal abuse and I assume most people with dogs in an apartment do this >

I think the end result of this POV would be more large dogs put down in animal shelters. Renting is becoming more of a class divide issue, and so what this amounts to is the poors can't have big dogs. >

Don't know why you're being downvote bombed for this, renting and apartment life is becoming more of a class divide and I've seen plenty of people on this sub saying poorer people don't deserve to have dogs, kids etc. >

Lmfao @ all the people on here trying to call him dumb or "misinformed" just because one breed (great danes) just so happen to be big and not as high energy.  An outlier isn't the rule, it's the exception to it, and most of you know damn well the type of dog owners he's talking about, don't play dumb.   The type that gets a pitbull, then keeps it locked in the cage all day, and then when he does let him out, the apartment is still only the size of a room.  I grew up in Chicago and it was sad how many people owned dogs in those types of conditions.  If you barely have enough room for yourself, bringing a dog into the situation is just cruel, no matter your intentions 🤷‍♂️ >

You say "I find" like you have some sort of expertise. What "findings" have you found? >

No matter how many times this is posted, the OPs never clearly see what embeciles they are.  
It must be a sad, lonely life. >

yep agreed >

How to say you know nothing about dogs without saying you know nothing about dogs… 
Size isn’t correlated to amount of energy a dog need to spend. >

I had Great Dane in an apartment and she was the happiest dog ever. I get maybe not in a shoe box you can find in NYC per say but 99% of apartments are plenty big for large dogs. >

Depends on how big the apartment is. If it's a 1500+ square foot apartment sure no problem.   However, if it's one of those 600 square foot apartments yeah I agree with you.  It's totally not fair to the dog >

My older sister has always been an animal lover. 
Many years ago, when she was married to her first husband, and lived in a small apartment, they obtained an Irish Setter puppy.  Naturally, the puppy soon grew into a large dog. 
They both worked and so the dog was left in a small apartment by himself all day, five days a week.  One day, while they were both at work, he chewed up their bed.  The entire bed,  The entire mattress and box spring.   Totally destroyed. 
He would also defecate in the apartment, but not just that.  He would then spread the feces over the walls. 
The dog was bored and needed more attention and exercise than he was getting. 
Eventually, they gave him to a woman who had a large house and a lot of land. >

From experience, this is just misinformation. I see a lot of dog breeders for years and their feedback is that dogs in apartments are better taken care of than dogs that have a big garden or farm and live outside. Those dogs are not stimulated intelectually like apartment dogs. Dogs need to be stimulated for their health. Obviously you can not have a studio or a really small apartment where it is even hard to even put furniture, but dogs like small spaces it is ok for a one bedroom apartment. Train them, potty train them and give them the best food, they live a great life >

I would expand it to: Unless it's a valid service animal - no one, zero people, should have a dog unless you have your own private property for them to roam around and piss and shit on. 
I see no reason why our common areas have to be a disgusting pet toilet.
And I love dogs. >

Haha yeah I have a woman that lives above me with two large breed dogs. I’m not sure what they are to be quite honest. I do have to agree that it’s not necessarily the breed as it is the energy that’s the problem. Though I’m sure the noise would be a little less if it was a small breed. But yeah everyday I hear elephants running around upstairs and constant barking. It’s a good day if my husband and I don’t get woken up 5 times a night due to it. This woman’s friend who lives besides her had the audacity to tell me to move if it’s that bad and that I’m pretty much entitled for thinking I wouldn’t hear dogs in an apartment. Mmm no honey, this is excessive. >

U should walk a dog ATLEAST 3 times a day >

I mean it's on the person if he is free or not right man?? >

Pretty sure there is a law in sime countries that requires you walk your dog certain amount every day
Also you are free
Before work
After work
Before going to sleep >

My apartment is the same square footage as most houses >

Not the same as having a large yard friend. I also don’t understand why people have large dogs inside at all. >

Large yards don’t do much if the owner doesn’t. In fact, a lot of people I know with large yards think it replaces actually exercising their dogs to the point where their dogs become overweight. >

Regardless if a large yard replaces exercise (it does not) having a large apartment is still not the same as having a large yard what was my main point. >

A lot of houses don’t have a large yard though which is why dog parks exist. >

This is such an ignorant opinion.
It depends more on the dog's exercise requirements and energy needs. Size is largely irrelevant. >

They'd just lie and go "But this is my emotional support Tibetan Mastiff." >

It depence on how often/ long you go for walks and how energetic your dog is. 
I had an hungarian shepherd- collie mix in a two room flat, we lived close to the dog park and had 3 hour walks and play time/ training everyday.
When we where home he slept most of the time.
When you are at work the whole day without a dog sitter and the dog stays 10 hours alone in the flat, having only 30 minutes a day to go for walks then I agree that you shouldn't own a dog, no matter the size. >

I have a 7 month caucasian shephard and live in one bedroom flat with a cat.walk 3 times a day and he is happy as Larry with his sibling always around to play. >

I feel like in general if you don’t have the time or means to give a dog an enriching life in an apartment then you shouldn’t have one, regardless of size. Plenty of pet owners take great care of their dogs and some don’t sadly. Some apartment complexes even have dog parks and dog amenities built in. >

Some large dogs are the best choice for apartment dogs (e.g., greyhounds) and some small dogs are the absolute worst (e.g., jack russell terriers). Depends far more on energy levels and the owners ability to meet needs. Having or not having a yard actually is a pretty minor part of doing that. >

I agree. Lots of people get dogs for selfish reasons (which isnt necessarily a bad thing), but they should take into consideration more what the dog needs from them. >

People should 100% mind their own business and don’t presume you know how to make better choices for someone else. If you find it’s cruel, then you don’t do it. The end. >

People who live in apartments shouldn’t be allowed to breed. Kids without freedom to run around a yard and just chill outside, it seems cruel. Even if you’re taking them to a playground twice a day, I find it cruel to keep them in smaller spaces all the time. >

This is such a bad take lol >

That’s trolling. >

There are so many dog shelters that are over-crowded to the point of them being forced to put dogs down because of it. 
There are so many dogs on the streets that don’t even have a home. 
There are so many people that are abusive to dogs and can just keep buying from shelters since the loving families see shit like this and decide not to, leaving them for the abusers. 
There are so many people breeding dogs and selling them and because it’s still a big market, shelters are going to be forced to keep putting dogs down to make room. 
There’s a shit ton of shelters, some bigger and some smaller than others but regardless a lot of dogs spend their entire lives in a shelter. Even if shelters had plenty of staff and/or volunteers (which most don’t) those dogs spend 90% of their lives in a small area with out a family. 
I just wish people thought things through more clearly before making posts like this and having so many people agree. It’s literally just something to complain about at this point. 
If the dog is loved, cared for, and treated well, that’s the ONLY thing that should matter. Shit like this is enough to convince some people not to adopt or save a dogs life because they can’t provide the perfect life for their dog. >

Terriers are small but need to run.  Bulldogs are large but are 50% cushion. >

"People who live in apartments shouldn't own large dogs"
This shouldn't be an "unpopular" opinion at all. Having large dogs in apartments is just cruel. Even if they are taken on a walk every day. Imagine a human forced to live in a tiny room and only going out for a walk once a day.
Sounds like prison. >

So many piss poor pet owners high on copium, trying to justify to themselves mistreating an animal. It's exactly like keeping a giant fish in a small 10 gallon fish tank, or a macaw in a little cage. These dogs evolved to live on farms or multiple acres of land. By keeping a large or energetic dog in a small apartment, you're no better than someone keeping a large fish in a tiny fish tank. Go ahead, downvote me. I just feel sorry for your dog beause it can't talk and tell you it craves a larger home. >

Better than being at a shelter >

True, I just hate those people who leave their dogs at shelter. >

If the dog is one that needs lots of exercise, agreed!
At least we can agree that no sane person should ever own a cat. >

Nah I mean even if those those dogs doesn't need exercise, they need good place. >

sam with small >

Maybe sam is with huge but he is not telling anyone lol. >

lol, yeah >

Yes! >

I guess that's not what's up, we know dogs are great there. >

Such a bad take haha >

How is it a bad take? This was a pure real take to people. >

Because it’s being misinformed about big dog breeds and generalising? >

I disagree. The smaller the unit the bigger the dog. Gotta stay safe and protected. I’m representing the popular opinion you think people have. >

It's all about the comfort with bigger dogs, that's what I love. >

Great Danes are famously great apartment dogs. This basically just reeks of not having much knowledge on the subject. We need a subreddit for uninformed opinions. >

Why are they great apartment dogs? Can you tell me that? >

So this is a great question because it leads to a great moral dichotomy against OP’s assertion.
It boils down to breed characteristics, just as some in the thread have mentioned it’s really only abusive to have like… greyhounds and huskies and the like as home/apartment dogs. Those dogs (and let’s be honest, a shitload if breeds) love to run, and are bred to have an excess of working energy for specific tasks.
Great Danes are somewhat overbred for size (they were a set of large game hunting breeds back in the day), similar to pugs with their eyes falling out being bred for their short snout. Because of this, they have hip and joint issues and very fast metabolisms - many get achey quick with activity, and almost all will tire quickly because it takes a lot to power that much dog.
This isn’t to say that they’re not occasionally rambunctious just like any other dog, or that some Great Danes aren’t differently disposed, or physically healthier thanks to better breeding practices, but additional aspects of the breed history associated with Danes being chamber hounds have made them… like very cuddly. They love to hang out, tend to match their owner’s vibe most of the time, and are essentially happiest on the couch cuddling with you.
TL;DR - they are overbred for size, making them an often slow, sleepy breed, and also happen to love to cuddle and chill, seeking affection more than play. >

Well here in Austin lot of apartments have dog parks within the complex. So if you have a big dog it’s easy to provide exercise and have them play with other dogs. >

I mean it's not easy to handle huge dogs anywhere lol. >

So if you work all day the small dog doesn't care that it's also trapped in the apartment all day? >

Just have a cat because I am damn sure she doesn't care. >

I don't know, I feel bad for indoor cats too. Seeing the world pass you by through the confines of a window and a lonely clingy owner. Sounds depressing and terrifying as hell. >

It probably depends on the dog and it’s age. I dated this guy who had a 2 year old golden retriever in a studio apartment. I feel like she needed more outdoor time, let alone space, and he wasn’t meeting her needs. >

It's just on the dog's nature for me, they can change it. >

Size doesn't matter. My one friend has a Jack Russell which is a tiny demon basically. My other friend has the sister of the first Jack Russell which is the first born and a bit larger and it is energetic bug not as it's sister. And another friend has a Tibetan Mastiff which is constantly laying in one place not moving an inch. We live in the countryside and the Mastiff doesn't like going for walks in the woods e.t.c. >

I am glad that you finally said size doesn't matter, I love listening that. >

Looks like your S/O has to leave and take you with them for owning you as per your unpopular opinion >

Well if he is that S/O, he is making sense right now here. >

As an owner of a larger dog (Saint Bernard), the bigger the dog the lazier they are. Two or more walks a day?! My dog would NEVER! One walk knocks him out for the entire day >

As an an owner of a large Tiger in a small apartment, I agree. Fuck dogs. >

Damn your tiger must be eating some dogs near your apartment. >

When my dogs are at home they're tired most of the time, I've got a Golden Retriever and a Alaskan Malamute in a tiny student's home, they're both full of energy but that isn't a problem because they can get all of their energy out when I walk them and let them run off leash, when home they're just tired, then once they got enough energy again they tell me to walk them and out I go again.
I think there's this misconception that a garden will tire out your dogs or give them exercise, unless you have a absolutely massive garden it's never going to be enough, they need to be walked to really get rid of all their energy. >

As much as I would agree to this, at the same time, I feel people can own whatever size pet they want. Not everyone can own a house with a yard. Where I live, it seems like 85% of people live in an apartment, and I feel it wouldn't be fair to be restricted on what kind of pet you can't own based on what you can afford to live in. That seems a little classist, in my opinion. 
I wouldn't know if this would be a consequence for such a theoretical restriction, but I'd imagine if people can't adopt or own large breeds because a significant number of residents are apartment dwellers, that large breeds are likely to be put down because people can't take them. >

They can buy whatever they want but it's about the dog. >

People shouldn't own anything bigger than dachshund. Period. >

I guess if you want a bigger pet then live in a farm or something. >

Tell that to my 65lb pit/lab mix who forces me back inside after 3-5 min of him being outside because he wants to go back to sleep as if hes done anything else all day >

People living in apartments should only be allowed to own toy breeds >

What is toy breeds? Those small sized dogs or something? >

Yes >

Depends on the dog, Mastiff’s for example love to just sit with their owners and as close to their owners as possible, don’t require an awful lot of exercise and enjoy just lazing around, they’d be much happier in a small apartment compared with something like a spaniel which is much smaller but much more high energy.
I mean the apartment is big enough for humans, and Mastiff’s are smaller than most full grown humans lol >

I have a Great Dane X Neo Mastiff and a Bull Arab, when I was looking for a new place so many people said to just move into an apartment and every time I was like "Where are they going to run and play and do dog things? They need a yard!"
We ended up moving to a rural town, a house with a massive yard and they're very happy here. >

Rural town must be good for you and your dog right now. >

It's been really great, best decision! >

No dog owner should only go twice a day! Five times, at least one long, is the minimum imho. >

I think it depends on the dog. My bulldog can be coaxed into going around the block once a day, if you talk to him nice. He has full access to the yard all day, but prefers to nap most of the time. Similarly, I have had great danes and I would give them a walk in the AM and the evening, and they would pretty much sleep all day. >

The dog, sure, but also what they’re used to and if they have other dogs around >

Big dogs > Small dogs >

Big dogs are not fucking annoying like small dogs for sure. >

It's also pretty rude towards other people with all the barking and the risk of biting. >

Yeah if we are living in a society then we should think about them too. >

In some asian countries they keep the dogs locked outside in little cages like a small chicken coop. I can think of 5+ in thebdaily walk from my old province apartment.
When i asked my girlfriend to take care of my cat they wanted to lock him in what looked like a relatively big... hamster cage. Like not even really room to walk around in a circle.
If i were God for a day I would love to lock all those people outside in their cages during the Summer for a season or year, or their entire life i guess? I'd be like "what? You don't like that?" >

If you live in a large house and property you shouldnt have a small dog it's cruel, cause they get chased by cat's and laughed at. >

It's not about houses, it's about the small apartments here. >

I live in a HOUSE, with a yard, and had a husky who absolutely HATED being outdoors other than going for her daily walk, and doing her business. I taught her how to open the door to go in or out, and whenever we’d be outside just chillin’, she’d let herself back in. She was the antithesis of a typical husky. Her absolute favorite thing was to just lie around on her memory foam bed, with her head resting on the floor, while listening to her classical music playlist! >

I mean some dogs likes being out, some just don't man. >

But what happens when you have to move from a house with a yard into an apartment? No way would I ever get rid of my family member. I made it work because you don’t abandon your best friend at the pound because you moved.