A large dog in a large housing estate is often the ideal image in peoples’ minds. If we live in a one or two bedroom apartment in a city such as Abuja or Lagos, this can make it seem like a large dog is completely out of the picture.
However, this is not necessarily the case. A dog’s size has less to do with suitability to an apartment environment. It has more to do with their noise, temperament and energy levels. For example, a large breed may be a relaxed dog and can tend to sleep for the majority of the day. On the other hand, a small breed may be quite nervous and bark at every sound in the hallway.
Below, I will give 5 larger breeds that can live well in small accommodations followed by suggestions on how to arrange your apartment to assure that everyone is comfortable and happy.
What actually makes a dog flat-friendly?
Prior to the breeds listed here are some considerations;
Low energy when inside. Does the dog have the ability to relax after exercise?
Quietness. If you have neighbours next door, excessive barking can be an issue.
Heat tolerance. In warmer areas, this is of the utmost importance for the comfort of your dog.
Coat that is not excessive in shedding. In an apartment, this can be more of an issue.
Easy to train. A large breed that barks at visitors or pulls on the lead can be problematic when living in a building with a lot of neighbors.
1. Greyhound
Greyhounds are fast and athletic but tend to be couch potatoes. Following exercise they will typically enjoy several hours of sleep.
Why it works: Quiet and calm indoor companion. Minimal grooming required due to short coat.
Cautionary notes: Still require a few times per week to be allowed to exercise outdoors safely. Thin coat will be affected by strong air conditioning so requires an appropriate shelter. Prone to chasing small creatures so should be led when outside.
Tip at home: Greyhounds have a thin coat and bony frames. A good quality thick bed is important.
2. Great Dane
It may not sound like the ideal breed but some Great Danes can be quite easy-going and gentle indoors. In fact some owners describe them as lap that don't understand their own size.
Why it works: Gentle and quiet, not usually excessive barkers.
Cautionary points: Great Danes are a large breed and frequently weigh more than 50 kg. They require room to turn and lie comfortably, consume significant quantities of food and have a shorter life expectancy compared to other breeds. Veterinary charges may follow so please be prepared. As with many deep bred dogs bloat can also occur so ask your vet about on food regimes.
Tip for home: Consider table heights. Objects such as glasses and smaller items on low coffee tables will be at the level of the tail. A thick low seated sofa will also suit these breeds over a fragile piece of seating.
3. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs can look intimidating, but they actually tend to be calm, loyal and are not known to be especially active when indoors.
Why it works: They are usually happy with moderate exercise and are content to lounge around with the family.
What to watch: They drool, can be stubborn when they don’t get early training, and are sensitive to heat, so giving them an area with good ventilation and cooling will keep them happy and comfortable. They also need confident handling and early socialisation.
Home tip: It helps to have easy to wipe surfaces and washable covers if you live with a Bull Mastiff that constantly drools.
4. Basset Hound
A medium sized breed, it has a long and low body with a heavy weight. They occupy more space than their height suggestd.
Why it works - A friendly, family oriented dog, it has a mellow personality and needs relatively little exercise.
Cautionary points - They are vocal and have a rather large howl so take your neighbours into account. They are also susceptible to obesity. Their skin and long ears will require frequent cleansing.
Tip for home - Due to their short legs and relatively long spines, they can get injured when jumping on and off top furniture. A ramp or low bed can protect their spinal health.
5. Standard Poodle
Poodles are sharp, trainable and low-shedding, which makes them well suited to small homes where too much shedding can be an issue.
Why it works: They are intelligent and easy to train, and their coat sheds little.
What to watch: They are active and need mental stimulation as well as walks. Bored Poodles can become noisy or destructive. The coat needs regular professional grooming.
Home tip: Puzzle feeders and a daily training routine do as much good as extra walking.
Breeds that look great on paper but struggle in small flats in Nigeria
Some popular large dogs are usually a poor match for compact homes and hot weather:
Siberian Husky: A thick double coat built for the cold, plus a very high energy level.
Border Collie and Belgian Malinois: Brilliant, but they need a job to do and can become destructive without one.
Newfoundland and Saint Bernard: Gentle giants, but heavy coats make hot weather hard on them.
This is a general guide. Individual dogs vary, so spend time with a breeder or rescue and ask honest questions about the dog's personality.
Setting up a small flat for a big dog
Give them a defined spot
A large, supportive bed in a quiet corner helps a big dog settle. Keep it out of the main walkway so you are not constantly stepping around it.
Choose furniture that can take it
Big dogs mean big paws, big tails and the occasional wet nose on the cushions. Consider:
Tightly woven or easy-clean sofa fabrics. See our sofa range.
Sturdy, stable tables that will not tip if a tail swings past.
Rugs with a non-slip backing so a big dog does not skid on tile. Browse carpets and rugs.
Keep it cool
Heat is the biggest risk for large dogs in warm weather. Make sure there is airflow, access to fresh water at all times, and a cool spot away from direct sun. If you use an AC, avoid leaving it so cold that thin-coated breeds like Greyhounds are uncomfortable.
Stay on top of cleaning
Fur, drool and muddy paws add up quickly in a small space. A good vacuum with a HEPA filter and easy-to-wipe surfaces make it much more manageable. Explore our cleaning appliances.
Organise the gear
Leads, harnesses, bowls and towels can take over a small hallway. Wall hooks and storage near the door keep everything within reach. See our storage and organisation range and pet care products.
Exercise matters more than square footage
A large dog in a small flat can be happy, as long as its daily needs are met:
A reliable daily walk, ideally in the cooler early morning or evening
Mental stimulation such as training, sniff walks and puzzle toys
A regular routine so the dog knows when to expect exercise, meals and rest
A well-exercised big dog in a small home is usually better off than a bored, under-exercised dog in a large compound.
Before you decide
Check your tenancy agreement or estate rules first, as many restrict pets or breed size. Think honestly about costs, since larger dogs eat more and cost more to treat. And talk to a vet or reputable breeder about which breed suits your lifestyle.
With a little planning, the right big dog can fit into a small flat, and into your life. https://hogdigest.com/best-big-dog-breeds-for-small-flats/
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