Trying to find the right dog if you live in an apartment can be difficult. On top of extra fees, breed bans, and tiny spaces, it can feel downright impossible to find a dog that meshes well with your apartment lifestyle. What about Rottweilers?
Surprisingly, Rottweilers can thrive in an apartment, but you have to commit to the Rottweiler to ensure it gets enough mental, physical, and emotional stimulation. So, Rottweilers are good apartment dogs with the right owner, but they can quickly feel cooped up.
To learn exactly what Rottweiler needs in order to be good apartment dogs, keep reading. This article explains how you can adjust your Rottweiler to apartment life.
Are Rottweilers Good Apartment Dogs?
Rottweilers are a large breed that is intelligent and needs a lot of physical stimulation. These dogs weigh anywhere from 75 lbs. to 130 lbs., meaning they aren’t easily forgotten about or stuffed into small spaces. Even so, Rottweilers can be good apartment dogs when in the hands of a dedicated owner.
In other words, the answer to this question is it depends. If the Rottweiler still gets enough exercise and mental stimulation, Rottweilers make surprisingly good apartment dogs. Because Rottweilers like to be right next to their owners, they won’t much mind the smaller spaces.
Still, Rottweilers need outside time so that they can run and play. They can also become destructive if they get bored. Because of these facts, Rottweilers will not thrive in an apartment setting if you are not diligent in bringing the dog outside enough and providing it the stimulation it needs.
Whether or not a Rottweiler thrives in an apartment is usually determined by the owner’s dedication and lifestyle.
Factors To Consider Before Bringing A Rottie Home
Because Rottweilers only thrive in apartments whenever they are provided extensive amounts of physical and mental stimulation, it’s up to you to decide if a Rottweiler will fit into your apartment lifestyle. Here are four factors to determine if a Rottweiler is right for your apartment.
The Apartment
For starters, you have to consider the apartment you are living in. Some apartments have breed bands or size bands. Because Rottweilers are large dogs that sometimes get a bad rap, some apartments may not allow you to have them inside. Make sure Rottweilers are permitted at your apartment.
Once you confirm that Rottweilers are permitted, consider the setup of the apartment. Are there doggie parks on the property? Can you easily walk around? Asking these sorts of questions will help you to determine if your apartment is suitable for a dog of this size.
How Often You Wil Be Home
Rottweilers are very social and clingy. They do not like being left alone for long periods of time, and they will get destructive if bored. Not only that, but all dogs need outside time to go to the bathroom, stretch their legs, and exercise.
Make sure you will be home often enough to provide this dog with the mental, emotional, and physical stimulation it needs. If you plan to be gone from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day, a Rottweiler will likely not be the option for you. This dog is too social and too large to be cooped up in an apartment for that amount of time alone.
Comparatively, a Rottweiler might be a good choice if you are looking for a dog that is social and craves your interaction. Individuals with a regular nine to five often find that Rottweilers are a great fit because they look forward to you coming home, but they can be trained to behave while you are at work.
How Often You’re Willing To Walk
The most difficult part of having a Rottweiler in an apartment is allowing it to get enough exercise. Even though Rottweilers are not quite as high energy as some big dogs, they still need a lot of exercises to stay healthy and happy. At the minimum, expect to take your Rottweiler on two walks a day. This does not include regular bathroom breaks.
If you are not willing to walk your dog this frequently, do not get a Rottweiler. You will need to get a smaller dog that can burn off most of its energy inside instead. In the case that you live a pretty active lifestyle and want a dog to walk and run with you, a Rottweiler might be a good fit.
How Many Toys You’re Willing To Buy
Whenever you’re gone for the day, you will need to leave toys out so that your Rottweiler stays stimulated. If the dog gets bored, it will likely tear up the home and be destructive. Luckily, Rottweilers are easy to train. Between good training and toys, your Rottweiler will likely stay entertained and well behaved while you are away.
Using These Factors
Consider these four factors to determine if getting a Rottweiler is right for your apartment lifestyle. Here is a general rule of thumb about whether you should get a Rottweiler or not for your apartment.
If your apartment accepts Rottweilers and you are willing to be home a lot, walk the Rottweiler frequently, and buy toys for the inside, a Rottweiler will be perfectly suited to your apartment. In contrast, do not get a Rottweiler if your apartment prohibits them or you are unable to be home a lot, walk the dog frequently, or afford toys for the inside.
Tips For Adjusting Your Rottie To An Apartment
If you decide to get a Rottweiler, you will have to train the dog extensively to make sure it is happy and makes a good neighbor for your neighbors. Here are some things you can do to make your dog more adjusted to an apartment lifestyle.
Train Your Rottie
First and foremost, you will have to train your Rottweiler to behave inside the apartment. This includes house training the dog if it is not already. It’s also a good idea to crate train your Rottweiler. Rottweilers are known for being easily housebroken and crate trained.
One part of the training you will have to focus on is barking. Rottweilers are good guard dogs because they are known to bark. Your neighbors will certainly not appreciate this barking. Train your dog so that it does not bark at every single sound it hears especially normal sounds.
Buy Toys
The importance of toys cannot be understated. Toys help to keep your Rottweiler entertained whenever you are away. That way, the dog does not destroy your house out of boredom or lack of exercise.
Create A Routine
Rottweilers thrive on schedules. Create a routine for your dog to adjust to whenever you move into the apartment. This includes walks, bathroom breaks, and other activities. Once you create a routine for your Rottweiler, stick to it, and your dog will adjust quickly.
Other Apartment-Friendly Dogs
If you decide that a Rottweiler does not fit into your apartment lifestyle, that does not mean dogs are completely out of the question. There are many other breeds you can consider due to their size and personalities.
In most cases, it’s better to go with a smaller dog than a larger one for apartments. Small dogs are better suited for apartment living because they are small and do not need as many walks. Breeds like the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bulldogs, and Chihuahua are often favorites for apartment dwellers.
You might specifically be looking for quiet, well-mannered dogs. The Basenji is one of the best if you want a silent dog. Even though it isn’t completely silent, this breed does not bark the way typical dogs do, making it quiet.
Plus, Basenjis are normally under 25 pounds. The only thing to note about this dog is that it’s high energy and requires an active owner as a result.
Adopt, Don’t Shop
No matter what breed you decide is right for your home, remember to always adopt, don’t shop. Never purchase your dog from breeders. Adopt your forever friend from local organizations in your area. That way, you can be matched with a dog who is already looking for a home.
Whether you are looking for a Rottweiler or a Chihuahua, you will likely be able to find the perfect dog for you, your home, and your family at a rescue organization in your area.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Rottweilers are surprisingly good apartment dogs when in the hands of a dedicated and active owner. As long as you provide this dog plenty of outside time and attention, it will be suited to an apartment lifestyle. Use the four factors we discussed above to decide if a Rottweiler fits into your lifestyle.
If you decide that you do not have the resources or abilities to give a Rottweiler the life it wants and needs inside an apartment, go with a different breed entirely. There are many other breeds you can consider that are small, lovable, and better suited for apartments.
Just remember to always adopt your forever friend, not shop!