Are Dalmatians Good Apartment Dogs? Important Care Facts
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If you live in an apartment, you have less freedom in choosing your pet than if you live in a house. Some property owners place restrictions on the type and size of animal you can own, and renters typically try to find a pet that can live in a smaller space without issues. Quite a few dog breeds can’t live happily in apartments. If you’re considering giving a Dalmatian a forever home, you might worry that the breed doesn’t make a good apartment dog either. Unfortunately, Dalmatians don’t make good apartment dogs.
However, training your Dalmatian from a puppy to get used to a smaller space is possible. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Dalmatians and living in apartments.
Do Dalmatians Make Good Apartment Dogs?
Dalmatians usually don’t make ideal apartment dogs. They have an average weight of 45 to 60 pounds and grow up to 23 inches, so while not exactly Great Dane-sized, they’re still quite a bit bigger than your usual apartment dog. On top of their size, Dalmatians require a lot of exercise. They need a minimum of two hours of exercise a day, ideally spread out across two walks and play sessions. That doesn’t even include the free time to run around that they’ll need.
Can Dalmatians Live in an Apartment?
Owning a Dalmatian in an apartment comes with many obstacles, but it is possible. Under the right set of circumstances owning a Dalmatian in an apartment can be just as good as owning one in a house. Of course, having limited space while owning a dog the size of a Dalmatian won’t ever be easy.
How to Own a Dalmatian in an Apartment
As long as you have enough time to devote to your Dalmatian, the size of your home should not be an obstacle. Dalmatians are affectionate pets that can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. If you work at home and can take breaks to walk and play with your pet, your Dalmatian shouldn’t have an issue with your apartment. If you work long hours at the office and are rarely home, a Dalmatian will not be happy in a smaller space.
However, you can hire a pet sitter to take care of your pet while you’re at work, but depending on how long the visit lasts, the extra expense can disrupt your budget. Although few companies allow it, taking your dog with you to work is another option.
A Dalmatian left alone is never a great thing but left alone in a small apartment without much room to roam, they can become even worse. They may become depressed and destructive and display inappropriate behavior. Dalmatians aren’t loud dogs, but they may start barking and destroying furniture, blinds, and other materials if they’re left alone in an apartment.
Your neighbors and property manager may pressure you to leave or get rid of your dog if your Dalmatian’s destructive acts become problematic.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, keeping a Dalmatian in an apartment can be a challenge, but it can be done. As we said, as long as you have the time to exercise and spend with your Dalmatian, living in an apartment with your dog shouldn’t be that big of an issue.
In fact, you can train your Dalmatian to live in the apartment and be perfectly happy as long as you have the time and patience. Dalmatians are clingy pets that demand a lot from their owners, so make sure you’re up for the challenge before you give this dog a forever home, whether in an apartment or a large home
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
