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Many believe large dogs need endless space, but that’s not always true. Some bigger breeds are surprisingly laid-back, often choosing relaxation over constant movement. These gentle giants can thrive in smaller living spaces with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their calm nature makes them just as suited for apartments as their smaller counterparts. These breeds could be a perfect match if you’ve always wanted a big dog but lack a backyard. Size doesn’t always equal high energy—sometimes, it just means more to love.
Great Dane
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Despite their towering size, Great Danes are surprisingly low-energy and love lounging around. They’re known for their affectionate nature, often believing they’re lap dogs despite their massive frames. As long as they get a daily walk, they’re content spending most of the day napping on the couch. They’re also quiet dogs, making them excellent for apartment living—just be prepared to share your space with a dog that takes up half the room.
Greyhound
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Built for speed but living for naps, Greyhounds are often called “40-mph couch potatoes.” While they love an occasional sprint, they’re incredibly low-maintenance and enjoy long stretches of relaxation. Their sleek, short coats make them easy to care for, and they’re naturally quiet, which is great for apartment dwellers. With a comfy bed and a daily walk, they’ll be more than happy living in a small space.
Mastiff
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Mastiffs are massive, but their energy levels are anything but. These gentle giants are known for their calm, laid-back nature and spend most of their time snoozing. They’re not big on barking, which makes them excellent neighbors in an apartment setting. While they do need regular walks, they prefer short bursts of activity followed by long stretches of relaxation—just watch out for the drool!
Saint Bernard
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Saint Bernards may be huge, but they have a relaxed, easygoing personality that suits apartment living. They love being close to their humans and are perfectly content in small spaces as long as they get their daily exercise. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent companions, though their sheer size means they’ll take up a lot of floor space. If you don’t mind some extra shedding, a Saint Bernard will happily be your oversized cuddle buddy.
Newfoundland
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Newfoundlands are giant, fluffy, and incredibly affectionate. Despite their size, they are surprisingly mellow indoors and don’t require constant activity to stay happy. A few walks a day and some occasional playtime are enough to keep them content in an apartment. The biggest challenge? Their thick coats shed a lot, so regular grooming and a good vacuum are necessary.
Irish Wolfhound
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Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest breeds, but their temperament is as calm as can be. Despite their large physical presence, they are gentle, easygoing dogs that love relaxing and occupying minimal mental space. They don’t require excessive exercise and are happy with a daily stroll and a comfortable place to nap. They make wonderful low-maintenance companions if you can fit them in your apartment (and on your couch).
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, fluffy, and known for their gentle temperament. They’re affectionate, relaxed, and enjoy spending time with their owners rather than constantly running around. While they do shed quite a bit, their quiet and calm nature makes them ideal for apartment living. They’ll happily settle into a cozy indoor routine as long as they get their daily walks.
Leonberger
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Leonbergers may look like lions, but their personalities are anything but wild. These fluffy giants are affectionate, relaxed, and surprisingly adaptable to apartment living. They enjoy spending time with their families and are relatively quiet, making them great for shared living spaces. Regular walks and occasional grooming are all they need to thrive, though their thick fur means shedding is inevitable.
Great Pyrenees
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The Great Pyrenees is a large, fluffy breed with a calm and independent nature. Originally bred to guard livestock, they have a protective instinct but are incredibly laid-back indoors. They prefer a quiet, relaxed environment and don’t require excessive exercise, making them well-suited for apartment life. Their thick coat does shed quite a bit, so be prepared for extra vacuuming if you bring one into your home.
Clumber Spaniel
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Though not the largest breed on this list, Clumber Spaniels are big enough to be considered large dogs. They’re slow-moving, easygoing, and love lounging around, making them a great fit for apartment living. They require minimal exercise and are naturally quiet, which makes them excellent for close quarters. If you want a large dog without the high energy levels, the Clumber Spaniel is a perfect match.
Borzoi
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Although elegant and graceful, Borzois may look like they belong in a mansion, but they’re actually quite content in small spaces. These long-legged dogs are independent, quiet, and love lounging as much as they love running. They are naturally well-mannered and don’t require constant attention, making them ideal for apartment dwellers. Just be prepared for them to claim the entire couch as their personal throne.
The Big Dogs Who Love Small Spaces
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Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a large dog. Many big breeds are surprisingly well-suited for smaller spaces, thanks to their calm demeanor and low-energy lifestyle. These gentle giants may take up more physical space, but their affectionate nature makes them perfect companions. They’re happy to lounge and relax indoors as long as they exercise regularly. If you’ve always dreamed of having a big dog but worried about space, these breeds prove that size isn’t everything for the perfect apartment pet.
