Apartments & German Shepherds

[jimmyhasadog]

Hey all,

I did try searching this out on the forums before posting, but didn't quite find the answer(s) I was looking for. Currently I'm in the process of looking for a suitable apartment for myself and a German Shepherd. I currently do not have the dog, and figured moving into a GSD friendly apartment would be the first priority, then the dog. So far only 1 place has said yes to German Shepherds. My question is, is there a sq footage I should be shooting for? They've got anything from about 800sq ft to 1050sq ft at the moment. Would this be large enough for us? I mostly worried about the dog and it being enough room for him/her.

I've also been looking at houses to rent as well. I would probably think a house would be better, however the cost would definitely go up quite a bit (rent would be about the same), but then you have to also include all the maintenance and and cooling/heating (I'm in TX) and such.

Any thoughts or opinions or experiences on keeping a GSD in an apartment are welcome.

Thank you!

[Cassidy's Mom]

Our first house was 869 square feet. That was for 2 people, 1 GSD and one cat. You really don't need a lot of indoor space for a dog, even a larger one, because you're not exercising them in the house.

[jimmyhasadog]

Originally Posted by Cassidy's Mom

Our first house was 869 square feet. That was for 2 people, 1 GSD and one cat. You really don't need a lot of indoor space for a dog, even a larger one, because you're not exercising them in the house.

That's kind of what I figured as well. I just didn't want him/her to feel cramped or anything. I didn't know if there was a little hidden rule on how small you could go before something goes wrong heh. I did want to make sure he/she had his/her own little area (bed, toys, crates, whatever) though.

Thanks

[holland]

The first gsd I ever owned we lived in an apt for our first year together It was fine because i spent a lot of time outside exercising him Hiking and stuff

[ashwerho]

I currently live in an apartment with my husband, GSD and Pit Bull. Though there isn't a lot of room, you're mainly concerned with the outdoors. They need A LOT of exercise. I try to take mine on a walk every morning. And, if you don't have a lot of time for them, it can get quite hectic. I almost gave mine to my parents until I found a dog trainer. But it's a constant work with them.

[Lucy Dog]

Dogs get their exercise outdoors, not indoors. Unless you have 5 acres of land you're looking for, room shouldn't matter too much. A small apartment should be fine. Just get the dog outdoors and you'll be fine with whatever you find.

[jimmyhasadog]

Well I must say I am really relived to hear these responses and very much appreciate them! I've now just got find a place which allows us and meets my standards. It'll definitely be tough but I am sure I can find something.

Thank you everyone!

[DCluver33]

I live in a condo not sure about the square footage but there's 2 people and three medium/large dogs living with us. It's a little cramped but we get them out for a walk twice a day for an hour each. After their walk and training their pretty quiet for the rest of the day and sleep or lounge around. you'll be fine just be sure to get your pup out for adequate exercise.

[JakodaCD OA]

well the first rent I lived in was 600 sq ft, one bedroom, one bath, kitchen living combo.

I had two gsd's both near 100lbs, 2 cats and 2 birds) VERY COZY LOL..it was fine, because we had ALOT of outdoor space, (not that the dogs lived outside), and right next to a nature preserve..

[bluecoyote]

I've lived in apartments with dogs and like others said, the size of the apartment is not that important. What I would suggest you look for is the area near the apartment. Are there dog parks nearby? Will it be convenient for you to take the dog to off-leash areas. I think if you live in an unconvenient area, you're more likely not to properly exercise and socialize the dog.