Friday, July 06, 2007

Good Livin’—Dogs, Big and Small, In the Big Apple

If you have your heart set on a nice, big dog but don’t think you can have one because of your urban living space, we have some good news: you can share your studio with a dog of any size, as long as it’s one of the right breed and temperament.

In a WBAI radio interview, Monday, July 3, at 8:40 A.M., the ASPCA’s Allison Cardona said, “Some people think, ‘I have a small apartment, so I need a small dog,’ but actually it can be the opposite. Small, loud, barky dogs don’t always make the best apartment dogs because they have so much energy, while a Great Dane might sit around your couch all day and be quiet.”

Here are a few examples of big breeds appropriate for small apartments:

  • St. Bernard
  • Mastiff
  • Great Dane
  • Old English Sheepdog

Of course, there are terrific breeds of small dogs who aren’t as “barky,” suitable for apartment living. Examples are:

  • Pug
  • Chihuahua
  • Poodle
  • Dachshund

The great thing about adopting from a shelter is that you can find just the right dog to suit your lifestyle. Big or small, these doggies all have lots of love to give. Visit your local shelter or check out the ASPCA’s adoptable animals.

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posted by ASPCA at 1:15 PM PERMALINK

3 Comments:

Blogger sidris said...

While I agree that many larger breeds can adapt to smaller dwellings, I feel you were remiss in forgetting to mention that all dogs, most especially bigger ones, need some regular amount of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation.

Not all medium to large sized dogs are "self-exercisers" like many of the toy breeds, most notably Poms, Chihuahuas and toy Poodles.

Still I applaud the message you're trying to get across - many, if not most, dogs can be happy in unlikely situations as long as they're given the care they need. And lots of love :)

2:43 PM  
Anonymous ASPCA said...

Thanks for the clarification, Sidris!

4:52 PM  
Blogger Libba said...

I own a 220lb Saint Bernard and I do not recommend keeping them in an apartment. One they drool a lot and shed and they need a lot of room. They need large back yards and because of getting too hot they need to be walked in early morning or in the cool of the evening. If you own a home then they are fine in the house if you don't mind drool on your walls and floor and hair. They are great dogs and sweet, but they are not good watch dogs they are too friendly, and they are great with kids. If you own a small dog you have to also be careful because saints do not realize their size and can hurt a smaller dog. My Saint broke my smaller dogs foot just by stepping on it and he has broken my little toe twice just by walking by me and catching my toe with his foot. They need a lot of room and they are not natural exercisers. They crave attention, and they get hot easily so if you do take them for a walk make sure you have water for them and if you keep them outside make sure they have a large bucket of fresh water everyday. They also need to be trained, if not they are hard to walk they end up walking you and it can be dangerous if they pull away and get hit by a car. So if you are thinking of getting a large dog especially a Saint Bernard make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. You have to know, understand and love this breed of dog to own them. They are not meant to be watch dogs there is not a mean bone in their body, they are called gentle giants. I suggest for apartments you get a medium to small dog, I feel it is better for larger breed dogs to have backyards to roam around in.

9:11 PM  

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