You see a massive-sized dog walking down your street. It looks so calm and gentle. Your heart melts at those soft eyes. You want a giant dog like that. One who sits on the couch with you. One who follows you from room to room.
But your apartment is small. No yard. No big space. People say big dogs need grass and fields. They say big dogs cannot live in city living. You start looking at small dogs instead. You think that is the only way.
Stop. Here is the truth. Some of the largest dog breeds suited for urban areas are very calm. They sleep most of the day. They are calmer than small dogs that run and bark all night. Big dogs just want to stay near you. They do not need a farm.
Your small apartment can be perfect for the right breed. Let us talk about seven large dog breeds. They show that big dogs and small spaces can work great.
Largest Large Dog Breeds For Urban Areas
1. Greyhound
People think racing dogs have high energy. Not true after racing ends. Greyhounds love the couch. They need daily walks twice for 20 minutes. A quick run in the hall is enough. Then they sleep for hours.
They almost never bark. Neighbors will not know you have a dog. Greyhounds like people and other dogs. Cats can be a problem because of their chase instinct. Test first. Greyhounds have no fat, so they need a coat in winter.
They snore loudly. Use earplugs. They want to be with you, not work for you. Greyhounds are urban dogs. They prove large breeds need love and daily walks. Not a big space.
2. Great Dane
Adult Great Danes over 3 years old lie flat for 14 hours daily. They stand only to eat or greet you. Choose rescue Danes already house trained to skip puppy mess.
Walk 30 minutes morning on leash around blocks. Evening, a 15-minute sniff walk is enough. Use joint supplements from age 4 to keep legs strong.
According to AKC, “Many Great Danes enjoy participating in agility, obedience, tracking events, weight pulls, and sports such as flyball.”
They lean on you for balance, so teach “off” command day one. Danes watch doors but bark deep only at unknown knocks at night. Kids sit on their side safely if taught gently.
Block the bathroom door with a baby gate if you want privacy. Feed 6 to 8 cups of food in a slow feeder bowl to prevent bloat twist. Check the tummy hourly after meals for hardness.
Danes fit one-bedroom apartments, too. Use a dog bed in the living room corner. Great Danes thrive in apartment living with set routines.
3. Mastiff
Mastiff looks scary with their big head. But it is a big softie. They guard their families but also love cuddles and being close to you. They are real gentle giants. Don’t let the muscles fool you. This dog would rather nap than jog.
Apartment living works great for mastiffs because these urban dogs are incredibly lazy. A short walk and some playtime are enough for them to stay healthy. They won’t ruin your things when bored. They love to sleep more than anything.
Urban noise and crowds do not faze them. They stay cool and confident no matter what is happening around them. They are good with kids and fine with other dogs if you socialize them at a young age. They watch over things but are not aggressive about it.
They are really big dogs and love to stretch out on the furniture. One word of advice: start training early before they realize how strong they are.
Because a large dog that doesn’t listen can be hard to manage. They shed all the time. But if you have got the space and patience, you will have a gentle giant who gives nothing but love.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundland is famously gentle. It looks like a big teddy bear. Walk 30 minutes morning and 30 evening. Look for city water to play.
That fluffy coat is a big one to handle. Furs get everywhere. Brushing needs to happen often, or it gets matted or messy.
Apartment life works, but you need to be honest about their needs. These urban dogs still require attention and care. They stay calm inside, but still need walks and things to keep their brain busy, which owners should be aware of.
They are smart. Training sessions give them mental exercise.
According to AKC, “Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity.”
They hate being alone for a long period of time. They want to be with you constantly. Working from home helps a lot. You’ll soon learn the bigger the dog, the softer the heart. They give back tons of loyalty and love, though. City living suits them fine if you give them time and attention.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs turn heads everywhere. They are devoted and loving. They stick to their families like glue and treat kids with great gentleness.
Energy-wise, they sit in the middle. Not lazy but not wild either. Daily walks keep them healthy. They love outdoor adventures if you are into hiking or walking in the park. But they also relax indoors happily after getting some exercise.
Harsh training ruins them. They are sensitive and need patience. They learn fast because they want to make you happy. Strangers make them a bit nervous at first, but they relax quickly once they feel safe.
Their grooming takes work. Trust us, their size is not the issue. It’s the fur you’ll find on every outfit. That thick coat needs constant brushing. Being alone for too long stresses them out. They need people around.
6. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards have that hero reputation from mountain rescues. They are huge but incredibly gentle, intelligent, friendly, and totally devoted compared to small dogs. Kids get a furry bodyguard who keeps an eye on them without being pushy about it.
Just because they are big doesn’t mean they are full of wild energy. They stay calm most of the time. Lounging is their preferred activity. Walking is important for their health, but they don’t need long runs. They do better with calm, easy walks instead of hard exercise.
They are really big dogs, so small homes can feel a bit tight for them. A place with some space works better. They usually get along well with other dogs. and even cats if they grow up together. They are calm and prefer peace over chaos.
AKC says, “Saints often enjoy pulling young children in a cart, and some even participate in carting and drafting competitions”.
Training is important, though, because with their size, even small bad habits can turn into big problems. But the good part is they are quick learner.
7. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest breeds out there. Seeing one up close feels unreal. They are elegant, graceful, and gentle despite their size. Hunting wolves was their original job. Now they just want to hang out with their families.
Their energy levels are pretty low. They are not completely lazy, nor are they demanding. Daily walks plus occasional runs in safe areas keep them satisfied. The rest of the time, they lounge happily. They are calm inside the home. Apartment living suits them if exercise needs are met.
Here’s the funny part: they look like warriors but act like poets. They are great with children, other dogs, and even strangers. Unlike some big breeds, they are not overly energetic and protective. They just want to make friends, not cause trouble. That’s why they do so well in busy city life.
They are smart and easy to train, but gentle patience works better than strict commands. They don’t want miles to run, they want minutes with you. Size is the main thing. They need space to spread out. A tiny studio apartment would not work.
Conclusion
Choose breeds smarter than yard dreams. Experienced dog owners love the largest dog breeds suited for urban areas. Large dogs in apartments live the best life. Big dogs in cities walk proudly every day. The right breed turns a small apartment into a love palace.
Gentle giant waits at rescue shelter now. Go Saturday morning for a meet and greet. Feel big, warm, lean on the leg. Daily walks start tomorrow. Love grows fast in any size room. A calm temperament makes every day peaceful. Kids whisper secrets to giant soft ears.
Other dogs become park buddies quickly. Cats claim a high shelf spot safe. Couch dips are perfect for two big hearts. Next time you see a massive-sized dog on the street, smile widely. One waits at home with a warm couch spot ready.
