Can you keep a large dog in a studio apartment?
Keeping a large dog in a tiny studio space is a miserable experience for both owner and animal. The lack of adequate physical room makes it impossible to house a big breed humanely, leading many owners to regret the decision.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- People have been saying this in most months since July 2026.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Researching different breeds online2 people mentionedDid this help you?
- 2Volunteering at local sheltersDid this help you?
- 3Adopting lower-energy or couch-potato large breeds like greyhounds insteadDid this help you?
- 4Watching videos of desired breeds online instead of owning themDid this help you?
- 5Going to dog shows to talk to breedersDid this help you?
- 6Asking forums for recommendations based on personal criteriaDid this help you?
- 7Reading about puppy traits versus adult behaviorDid this help you?
- 8Filling out breed recommendation questionnaires on forumsDid this help you?
- 9Looking at costs, temperament, and grooming needs of both breeds beforehand.Did this help you?
- 10Researching specific breeds like whippetsDid this help you?
- 11Walking home during lunch breaksDid this help you?
- 12Considering bringing the dog into the office occasionallyDid this help you?
- 13Fostering the dog for a short period before fully committing to adoptionDid this help you?
- 14Taking the dog on a couple of walks a day to compensate for the lack of a yardDid this help you?
- 15Doing a 'Dog Day Out' to test how the dog behaves in the apartmentDid this help you?
- 16Setting up a doggie cam to monitor how the dog reacts to apartment noises when aloneDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I wanted a large dog (preferably a Great Dane) but live in an extremely small studio and didn’t think there was a good chance it would be good for the dog.”source ↗
“I want a dog for my family (2 adults, and kids between ages 8 and 12).”source ↗
“Have considered a Golden Retriever but have heard they can be bite-y, which would be a deal breaker”source ↗
“Also love a Rough Collie but don’t want a barker, so…”source ↗
“I got a Golden Retriever dog when I was living in a 475 sq ft studio. It was a horrible experience for us.”source ↗
“Everything in my heart is telling me to bring him home but I live in an apartment (first floor).”source ↗
“I already own a 2 year miniature pinscher and he's a hand full as it is so idk if bringing another (large) dog in the mix would be suitable.”source ↗
“My only hesitation with the apartment is that the dog wouldn't have a yard, and I know "you don't need a yard to have a fulfilled dog" but most dogs like to hangout outside throughout the day and I can't provide that :(”source ↗
“I work 8hr days and am unable to work from home so that is my main hesitation.”source ↗
“A dog that I can cuddle and play with at times but is also ok being by itself. I would like a breed that is lower maintenance.”source ↗
“I was wondering if anyone out there has owned both of these breeds or had experience with both, and if so, if you could tell me how they compare!”source ↗
“I might hopefully get another dog and am torn between a Labrador or golden retriever.”source ↗
“We don’t have much money, and i have a shortish temper so i don’t want to make a golden feel upset. But i’ve always wanted one. Just any tips or ideas between the two are greatly appreciated!”source ↗
“Energy wise it was fine, but when we were gone, all the sounds in the apartment complex really triggered his anxiety to bark at everything. We didn’t realize until we got a doggie cam.”source ↗
“I realized I had to have a dog after fostering a friend's JRT for a month! Please help recommend me some breeds to look into!”source ↗