What Apartments Allow German Shepherds

Finding an apartment that allows German Shepherds can be a challenge. This energetic and loyal breed is often subject to breed restrictions imposed by apartments. 

German Shepherds can thrive in apartments with proper training and exercise. This article discusses how to find German Shepherd-friendly apartments.

Examples Of Apartments That Allow German Shepherds

• Parkview Apartments, Des Moines, IA: Dogs must be under 75 lbs. Breed restrictions apply
• Ingersoll Square, Des Moines, IA: Dog and cat-friendly. There are no breed restrictions or weight limits. Non-refundable pet fee of $350 at move-in. $35 per month pet rent. 2 pets per unit is the maximum allowed
• The Scott at East Village, Des Moines, IA: Breed restriction applies to Doberman, Rottweiler, Pitbull, Chow, Siberian Husky
• Venbury Trail Apartments, Altoona, IA: All pets allowed
• Private party rentals: Your best bet for rental with dogs is always through a private party

How to Find German Shepherd-Friendly Apartments

Website	Description
Petswelcome.com	Pet friendly housing search site allowing filtering by breed restrictions
Rover.com	Search for pet sitters and boarding, some hosts allow dogs to stay in their apartments
BringFido.com	Pet travel site including listings of pet friendly apartments
Apartments.com	Filter for “large breed” friendly when searching listings
Craigslist.org	Search “pet friendly” listings from individual landlords
Facebook Groups	Join local renter groups and ask for referrals
Apartment Complex Websites	Check if breed restrictions listed on their sites

Understanding Apartment Breed Restrictions

Many apartments have breed restrictions, which prohibit residents from having certain dog breeds. German Shepherds are often included in breed restriction lists.

Apartments impose breed restrictions for a few reasons:

• Insurance requirements: Many insurance companies require apartments to ban certain breeds. German Shepherds are sometimes on the insurance-restricted breed list.
• Perceived aggression: There is a stereotype that some breeds, like German Shepherds, are aggressive. Apartments may ban them for liability reasons.
• Size: Larger breeds like German Shepherds are sometimes banned due to size, even if they aren’t aggressive.

When creating breed restriction lists, apartments consider the following:

• Breed aggression stereotypes
• Dog bite statistics
• Insurance company requirements
• Size of the breed

Breed alone is not a good predictor of behavior. Proper training and socialization are much more important factors.

Can German Shepherds Live in Apartments?

Many people think German Shepherds cannot live in apartments. This breed can do well in apartments with proper training, exercise, and attention.

Here are some tips for keeping a German Shepherd in an apartment:

• Provide at least 60-90 minutes of exercise per day. This includes leashed walks and high-energy activities like fetch.
• Enroll in obedience training classes to reinforce good behavior. Practice commands regularly at home.
• Give your dog mental stimulation with puzzle toys, training sessions, etc. A bored German Shepherd can be destructive.
• Socialize your German Shepherd to prevent aggression or fearfulness. Introduce them to various people, places, dogs, etc.

There are some limitations to having a German Shepherd in an apartment:

• Their size and energy level may be challenging in a smaller living space.
• Apartment rules may prohibit specific training tools like weighted vests.
• Neighbor noise complaints could arise from barking or destruction.

While German Shepherds can thrive in apartments, prospective owners should reflect on whether they can properly meet the breed’s needs in an apartment setting before getting one.

How to Find German Shepherd-Friendly Apartments

Finding an apartment that welcomes German Shepherds can take effort. Here are some tips:

• Ask apartments about breed restrictions before even touring or applying. Don’t waste time on apartments that prohibit Shepherds.
• Search for “large breed” friendly apartments. Even if they don’t allow Shepherds specifically, they may be more open to large dogs.
• Look for apartments with onsite dog parks or trails, as they cater to dog owners.
• Check individual landlord rentals without blanket breed restrictions.
• Search pet-friendly housing websites like PetsWelcome.com.
• Join local renter Facebook groups and ask for German Shepherd-friendly referrals.

It’s critical to double-check with each apartment if German Shepherds are allowed before signing a lease, even if advertised as pet-friendly. Get breed restrictions in writing to ensure your dog is welcome.

Dealing with Breed Restrictions

If your perfect apartment prohibits German Shepherds, don’t immediately give up hope. Here are some tips for dealing with restrictions:

• Ask for an exception. Politely explain why your German Shepherd would make a great tenant. Offer extra pet fees or deposits.
• Get a veterinarian to vouch for your dog’s temperament. Well-behaved dogs may sway apartment managers.
• Offer to do a meet and greet so the landlord can see your German Shepherd is well-trained.
• Point out that you are a responsible pet owner, willing to follow all apartment pet rules.
• Provide training certificates showing your dog is obedience trained.
• Volunteer to get renter’s insurance that covers dog bites to protect the landlord.

With patience and polite persuasion, you may convince an apartment to make an exception for your responsibly owned German Shepherd. 

If restrictions remain firm, it is best to respect them and keep searching for housing that welcomes your dog.

Finding the Right Fit

Finding an apartment that allows a German Shepherd can require some extra work, but it is certainly possible. While breed restrictions are standard, apartments without such blanket policies exist. 

You can also try to get an exception to a restrictive rule by demonstrating what an excellent canine tenant your German Shepherd will be. Apartment living is not suitable for every German Shepherd. 

Make sure you can properly exercise and train them before committing to renting with your Shepherd dog. But with research and preparation, you can find the perfect apartment to let your German Shepherd feel right at home.