Imagine coming home to your cozy apartment, only to find that your pup has chewed the couch, left muddy paw prints on every wall, and serenaded the neighbors all day. As much as we adore dogs of every shape and size, not every breed is cut out for apartment living. Some dogs simply need more space, exercise, or quiet than a typical apartment can provide. If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your apartment life, you’ll want to know which breeds to avoid. Here are ten lovable—but challenging—dog breeds that struggle most in apartments.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are the gentle giants of the dog world. Their size alone makes them a tough fit for any small space. Weighing in at 120 pounds or more, these dogs need room to stretch, roll, and lounge. An apartment can quickly feel cramped for such a massive companion, and your furniture may take a beating when they try to curl up on the couch.
Beyond their size, Saint Bernards are known to drool—a lot. Keeping them comfortable and your home clean in an apartment is an uphill battle. They also shed heavily, so tight spaces will quickly fill with fur. While their loving personalities are irresistible, these dogs are happiest with a big backyard and plenty of room to roam.
Border Collie
Border Collies are often called the Einsteins of the dog world, but their intelligence comes with a high price: endless energy. These dogs were bred to herd sheep all day, and they need a real job to do. In a small apartment, a Border Collie can quickly become bored, leading to destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, or even trying to herd your furniture and family.
Their boundless energy means they require much more exercise than a few walks around the block. Without a big yard or access to fields, a Border Collie’s mental and physical needs just aren’t met. Even the most loving owner will struggle to keep up with their demands in an apartment setting.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are stunning, wolf-like dogs that love the great outdoors. Bred to pull sleds across snowy tundra, they need a lot of physical activity and open space. In an apartment, these dogs can quickly become frustrated, leading to howling, digging, and escape attempts.
Their thick double coats also shed heavily, which can make cleaning a constant chore in close quarters. Malamutes are notorious for their stubbornness and independence, often making them difficult to train. For these adventurous pups, an apartment is simply too confining.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are famous for their spotted coats—and their seemingly endless reserves of energy. These dogs are natural athletes, originally bred to run alongside carriages for miles. In a small apartment, their need for speed can lead to restlessness and even behavioral issues.
They are also known for being vocal and sometimes prone to anxiety if they don’t get enough exercise or stimulation. Apartment living often doesn’t provide the space or outlets for a Dalmatian’s boundless enthusiasm. Without the room to run, they’re likely to bounce off the walls—sometimes quite literally.
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are often seen working with police and military units—and for good reason. These dogs are intensely driven and need a job to do. Apartment living rarely provides the stimulation and exercise they require, which can result in boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors.
Their athleticism is impressive, but in a confined space, it becomes problematic. These dogs need wide open spaces to burn off their energy and practice their skills. Without a challenging environment, a Malinois can quickly become too much for even experienced dog lovers to handle.
Afghan Hound
With their glamorous coats and graceful stride, Afghan Hounds look like they belong on a runway. But don’t let their elegance fool you—these dogs are independent, aloof, and need plenty of space to roam. Their long legs and swift running abilities make apartments feel more like cages than homes.
Afghan Hounds are also known for being sensitive to noise and commotion, which are common in apartment buildings. Their independent nature means they may not always listen or adapt well to close quarters, making them a poor match for city living.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are social, spirited, and absolutely stunning—but they’re notorious escape artists with an endless appetite for adventure. These pack animals need lots of exercise and space, which apartments just don’t offer. When cooped up, they tend to howl, dig, and chew.
Huskies shed heavily and blow their coats twice a year, turning even the tidiest apartment into a fur storm. Their vocal nature and high energy make them challenging neighbors, and they often develop behavioral problems if not properly exercised. Huskies thrive when they have room to run and a purpose to fulfill.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are compact but mighty, packed with tireless energy and a strong herding instinct. Life in a small apartment can leave them frustrated and bored, which often leads to destructive habits like chewing and excessive barking.
These dogs need daily mental and physical challenges, far beyond what a walk around the block can offer. They are happiest when they have a job to do or open spaces to run. Without these, they can become a handful for even the most dedicated dog owners.
Great Dane
Great Danes are known as gentle giants, but their sheer size is a major hurdle for apartment living. These dogs can easily weigh over 150 pounds and stand taller than most coffee tables. In an apartment, space quickly becomes an issue—for both the dog and the furniture.
While they are surprisingly calm indoors, their size means they need plenty of room to stretch out and move around. Tight spaces can make them feel cramped and uncomfortable, and daily walks may not be enough to keep them healthy and happy. Great Danes are best suited to homes with large living areas or a backyard.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are sleek, silver-coated athletes with boundless enthusiasm. These dogs need intense exercise and mental stimulation every single day. In an apartment, their energy can quickly become overwhelming, leading to barking, chewing, and other problem behaviors.
They’re also known for their separation anxiety, which can be exacerbated by the confined quarters and close proximity to neighbors. Without enough outlets for their energy, Weimaraners can become restless and even destructive. For these energetic companions, a big yard and an active lifestyle are a must.
While many dogs can adapt to apartment living, some breeds simply aren’t built for confined spaces or a sedentary lifestyle. High energy, loud vocalizations, or intense exercise needs can make certain breeds a poor fit for apartment dwellers. Choosing a dog that aligns with your environment is key to a happy, balanced relationship. In the end, it’s not about labeling breeds as “bad”—it’s about finding the right match for your lifestyle and your future furry friend.
