My husband and I have some rental properties. Our insurance policies list breeds that are not allowed, that will not be covered should they bite someone, and they will cancel our insurance, mixes included, if an inspection reveals those breeds on the property. Fortunately GSDs are not on that black list, and we do rent to people with GSDs in our pet friendly units, IF they are responsible owners, which is easily determined. To determine, we start by asking where the dog will live, inside or out. If the answer is outside? NOPE. Your GSD lives inside with you? lets talk more....We lucked up a few months ago rented a unit to a K9 officer with a GSD puppy- he is a drug dog in training. And a great tenant. Nothing like a cruiser parked at your apartments for security.
I hate that we have to be that way re breeds, because I have met pit bulls nicer than their owners and rotties nicer than chihuahuas. Re size of dog, we prefer to rent to larger dogs because IMHO they are more reliable in the housebreaking arena and less aggressive overall. And we always insist on meeting large dogs first.
Unfortunately, not all landlords view dog ownership the same way we do. Reasons? the list is long, but basically because irresponsible pet owners have made a bad precedent.....destruction, pee, poo, and vomit stains on carpet, urine and dog odors, fleas, barking and aggravating neighbors, aggression issues, etc etc etc.
I hope we are never in a position to need to rent a place, because with 9 cats and 2 GSDs, I can't imagine a landlord anywhere that would rent to us. We would have to sneak a few cats in
A tip for you...ask them nicely why they don't allow GSDs and try to have a conversation re the same. As frustrating as it is, be sure not to have an attitude about it, because the landlord will rule you out first because of your attitude on the phone and not hear anything else. It may be because of their insurance policy, ignorance, or fear. Perhaps you can at least educate them. Might also try and offer a substantial non-refundable pet deposit in addition to your security deposit, offer to have the carpet professionally cleaned and deodorized, and pest control spray for fleas before you leave. And if it is an insurance issue, consider contacting an insurance agent to inquire about getting a renters policy that would cover your GSD (liability for property and bodily injury), and offer this to your potential landlord.
Good luck with your search!!!