I often hear this question asked: are Pitbulls good apartment dogs?
Are you an apartment dweller and would like to bring one in? Several people advise against it. Still, many more Pitbull owners talk about how wonderful it is to have one on board.
The truth of the matter is that both parties are correct. Pitbulls aren’t the easiest pets to have in an apartment. However, with the right training, they could be amazing companions.
What Makes a Dog Apartment-Friendly?
These are the main factors that make a dog breed easy to have around an apartment.
Matches Well with the Apartment
This applies to both the apartment and the pet owner.
The dog size and general traits should fit well with the apartment. If the living space is too tight, or too cramped as it is, adding a large dog to the mix wouldn’t be fair to anyone.
The apartment could be spacious but filled with furniture. In that case, owning an energetic dog would be problematic. On the other hand, a couch warmer would fit in just fine.
Matching the dog with the owner is also of paramount importance. A dog that needs constant exercise and mental stimulation, would be quite happy with a sporty owner who lives by the park.
The flip side of the coin, where said dog is paired with a super busy corporate lawyer, is not as peachy.
Isn’t a Big Barker
Apartments mean having neighbors in all directions. If a dog is a barker or a howler, the people living around you wouldn’t be too happy about it. This point ranks pretty high on our list.
Has a Friendly Demeanor
Chances are, you’ll be meeting people in the elevator, up and down the stairs, service personnel, and generally seeing humans around your building.
Your dog should not be intimidated by all the commotion, and in turn, should not attempt to intimidate others.
Dogs could be protective, territorial, overly friendly, in addition to a host of other traits. The ones that can take to an apartment are the ones who have good people skills.
Doesn’t Mind Warming Up the Sofa
No one can take a dog outdoors all day long. And it’s impossible to entertain your dog all the time while you’re staying in.
Also, there would be many times when you’ll have to go out and leave the dog alone.
A dog that gets restless from hanging around the house, with little engagement and stimulation, will probably trash the apartment out of boredom and stress.
A dog that acts a bit like Scooby-Doo, and welcomes long siestas and luxurious naps on the couch, would have a much nicer time at the house.
Easy to Train
Housepets are different from the ones that you keep in the backyard. Both of them need training, but, the ones you stay in the same space with, have different obligations.
A dog that responds well to simple training, and doesn’t show too much attitude is often better.
Doesn’t Drool too Much
You’ll be cleaning up a lot, that’s a given. And dogs naturally drool, that’s a given too. However, some dogs leave a more than average amount of bodily fluids.
This is not the best thing to have around upholstery, wooden floors, or the apartment in general.
Has a Moderate Appetite
A dog with a ravenous appetite will need plenty of exercising to stay fit. This is not always feasible in an apartment, so the dog could eventually become overweight and lethargic.
A moderate eater is often preferred, as this is also an indicator of the dog’s energy levels.
Doesn’t Get Naughty Around the House
This is not related to the dog size as much as its temperament. A small Dachshund could wreak havoc in your apartment, while a Great Dane would mostly stay calm!
Some dogs aren’t cut out for closed quarters. It wouldn’t be fair to the dog, his owner, or the apartment, to force such living conditions on the feisty thing.
The dog’s acceptance of his owner’s absence without stress is essential. Also, not minding staying indoors for prolonged periods of time.
Stays Within Fences
The housedog would occasionally need to stay within a fenced area. This would be useless if the dog jumps for fun.
Greyhounds, Rottweilers, and Pitbulls are notorious for their high jumps. They look awesome doing so!
Doesn’t Need to Exercise All Day
German Shepherds and Dobermans are made for movement. They’re agile, smart, and in constant need of physical stimulation.
Keeping such breeds in an apartment can only be possible if the dog owner is a die-hard athlete. Going out on bike rides, long runs, swimming, and picnics should be a mandatory routine.
Consistent Potty Behavior
Accidents around the house aren’t welcome events. A dog should be well trained in handling these matters. Otherwise, the house becomes uninhabitable in mere months.
Doesn’t Shed All Year Round
Dogs with long hair usually shed a lot. This goes almost unnoticed if they are mostly in the backyard. But it would be an issue in an apartment.
If you wear formal dress to work, that’s probably going to be a pinch. Pet hair also catches in air filters, upholstery, air conditioning units, and of course, carpeting.
You’d need to put in extra effort to vacuum dog hair off all surfaces. Moreover, you’ll have to change the air filters more frequently.
Doesn’t Have a Strong Odor
Some dogs are more ‘smelly’ than others. By the way, this applies to people just as much. Keeping a dog at your apartment would be much easier if the pet doesn’t perspire excessively.
This new odor has a way of latching onto the whole apartment. You’d turn the key in the door, and the moment you’d step inside a heavy smell greets you. Not the best welcome home after a long day.
You could use scented shampoo for your dog, and pick his food carefully to decrease that effect.
What Are Pitbulls Really Like?
I do know a lovely Pitbull called Lucy. She lives in the building next to mine. The first time I saw her, I wasn’t too sure whether I should come too close or keep a distance. I walked past her, then I stopped and turned back.
There was something genuinely kind and sweet about her, that made me want to pat her and talk to her. I asked her owner, and he reassured me that it was totally fine. We became friends since then. That’s a dog I truly like.
The reason why I hesitated before approaching Lucy, is mainly because of the general perception of Pitbulls. With their badass looks and shady history, these dogs are often viewed in an unflattering light. Mostly, they are good dogs with an unfortunate background.
Pitbull Temperament and Traits
Dog breeds have general traits that set them apart from a group. However, every dog will have a unique character, that could be very different from its breed profile. Much like humans do. Here are some of the common traits of Pitbulls.
Complex Emotionally
These lovely beasts are among the most relatable dog breeds. Pitbulls are capable of expressing a host of emotions and reactions. As endearing as this trait is, it could also translate into bouts of moodiness, stubbornness, or outright anger.
Kind-Hearted
Later on, when the dust clears and they calm down a little, they’ll often make it up to you. Showing affection and obedience in all sorts of ways. They’ll get playful, and wouldn’t rest until things are hunky-dory again.
Energetic
Pitbulls are remarkably energetic. They need daily exercise to function properly and maintain a sunny disposition. A walk in the morning could be nice, but it’s barely sufficient. Think about Pitbulls as professional athletes who need the gym way more than average Joe here.
They Sweat Profusely
Being energetic, muscular, and constantly on the move, Pitbulls are known for their noticeable perspiration. In addition to that, if their diet includes certain types of ingredients, they could get smelly easily.
High-Jump Experts
They’re also known to be accomplished jumpers. This can trash your furniture in no time at all, and if you were planning on keeping a Pitbull fenced-in, think again!
Friendly
Pitbulls are surprisingly unfit for being watchdogs, simply because they’re too friendly. Many people find this hard to believe, considering the intimidating looks of Pitbulls. The fact remains, that they quickly take to strangers and want to socialize with them.
Not too Sociable to Other pets
Pitbulls’ friendliness is a bit selective. They like most people, most of the time. But this doesn’t extend easily to other house pets or dogs. They could compete with similar-size dogs, and view the smaller pets as potential prey.
Socialization and proper training could change this tendency, especially if the dog is still a puppy. Older Pitbulls could be too set in their ways though.
Smart
You’ll also need to provide them with mental stimulation. Pitbulls might not rank too high up with the extra smart dogs like German Shepherds and Collies, but they’re sharp. You’d need to keep them engaged.
Training a Pitbull
Pitbulls need their friends to show leadership from day one. They are charismatic, strong-willed, feisty dogs. But they respond well when they know someone is in charge. Setting boundaries early on and sticking to them is fundamental.
Getting along with a Pitbull also needs a lot of patience. They could be set on their ways, they could be moody, or they could go all the way to showing some dog aggression.
Training a Pitbull dog could be challenging for many dog owners. It’s important to find out early on if this breed is a good match with its owner.
There’s a multitude of Pitbull owners who managed to train their pets with relative ease and enjoy an extremely rewarding relationship with their pets.
Overall, PItbulls are smart and learn quickly. They respond well to positive reinforcement of desirable habits. And the most important thing is that they’re eager to please their owners.
Are Pitbulls Good Apartment Dogs?
From the previous presentation, it would be fair to say that Pitbulls aren’t the most ideal pet for apartments.
They’re large, energetic, occasionally stubborn, and they do perspire a lot. On the other hand, they’re friendly, loving, amusing, and they bond easily with their owners.
They can be trained and socialized, but this requires patience and strong leadership from their owners.
The bottom line is, you can get a Pitbull in your apartment. But you’d need to provide ample space, good management of the dog, plenty of exercise, and a fair amount of mental stimulation.
Make sure that your neighbors aren’t wary of big dogs, and also that you don’t have any other pets on board.
There would be some routine grooming of course to keep your Pitbull from having a strong smell. And most probably, you’ll clean a lot more around the house.
A well-adjusted, mellow-tempered Pitbull, can be a wonderful companion in your house.
Some Tips to Keep Your Pitbull Happy in an Apartment
Here are a few things you could do to make sure your Pitbull is happy in the confinement of the apartment.
- Keep the delicate stuff away from the dog’s quarters
- Provide sufficient space for your dog
- Buy the right type of food for your dog
- Include some dog treats
- Get your dog some house toys to keep him engaged
- Include a chewy object he can bite, instead of your Italian shoes
- If possible, get your dog a treadmill to match his energy
- Keep the windows opened for proper ventilation
- Give your dog a bath with a shampoo for active dogs
- Keep your dog well-groomed and healthy
- Give your dog love and attention while you’re around
This should keep your dog in a mellow mood while you’re indoors. Add to that, a good dose of daily walks, dog park visits, and regular veterinary care, and you got yourself one happy camper!
Are There Restrictions to Having Pitbulls in an Apartment?
There are actually some restrictions.
Several buildings, or even neighborhoods, ban keeping certain breeds in houses. While another group, still practices caution regarding having large dog breeds. They allow pet owners to keep their stocky friends, but they’re required to register them.
You’d need to find out whether or not Pitbulls are a welcome pet in your surroundings. Being a friendly neighbor starts with staying in a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle.
There’s also the matter of having available services nearby. Would you be able to find a vet easily? A pet store? A dog-hotel for when you’re away? A dog park where there are similar dogs to socialize with your pet?
These facilities would flourish in areas where large dog breeds are common. There’s a little garden near my house, and it’s heartwarming to see so many pet owners playing there with their dogs, walking them every day, and especially, the dog meetups on Saturdays.
Dogs interact constantly with their surroundings, they go on walks, they make their presence ‘heard’, and they’re in every way a member of the family. Personally, I recommend staying in a place where my dog is loved and respected.
Final Thoughts
Having a pitbull in an apartment might not be the easiest thing in the world. These lovely dogs are massive, strong, energetic, and natural Alphas.
They’re also loyal to their friends, intelligent, sweet, and loving.
Keeping a Pitbull in an apartment is quite possible. But you’d need to make sure that the area you live in is Pitbull-friendly, and contains facilities that would make your life easy.
Pitbulls can be trained well. And remember to keep them engaged, both mentally and physically.
