Residing in a reasonably large family home with access to a backyard provides ideal space for Newfoundland dogs to play, exercise, and take care of their needs. However, it’s recognized that not all owners of this breed have the luxury of such ample space.
So, does living in an apartment mean you can’t have a Newfie? The good news is that I think Newfoundlands can be good apartment dogs. There are just some things you need to consider in order to make sure they stay healthy and happy.
In this post, I’m going to share a checklist of critical factors to think about if you’re going to live in an apartment with a Newfie.
Can a Newfie Live Happily in an Apartment? 11 Factors to Consider
Drawing from my own experience and owning a Newfoundland dog, I am confident that Newfies can thrive and be happy in apartment settings. However, it’s important to note that it’s not as straightforward as having a Newfie in a larger home with ample outdoor space.
From getting enough exercise to the logistics of potty breaks – and simply getting your Newfie in and out of the apartment in the first place! – these are the 11 things I think you should carefully consider before committing to life in an apartment with a Newfoundland.
1. Getting Lots Of Exercise
Newfies are large dogs that can be prone to obesity if overfed or not given enough exercise.
They were originally bred as working dogs for fishermen in Newfoundland, which means they have plenty of energy.
For these reasons, it’s important to take your Newfie out for regular walks.
This is true for any Newfie, whether they live in an apartment or a home with outdoor space. But, it’s especially important for apartment-dwelling Newfies, as the confined space means they won’t get as much exercise from general activity around the home.
2. Personal Space & Risk of Accidents
Newfies love to be close to people and will often follow their owners around the home. This is fine when there’s lots of space, but due to their size, things can quickly become cramped when living in a small apartment.
If you’re going to live in an apartment with a Newfie then you’d better be prepared to spend a lot of time tripping over your dog. And I mean that literally!
With so little space and so much Newfie to bump into, there’s a serious risk of trips, falls, and accidental damage to household objects.
3. Finding Space To Play
While Newfoundland dogs often enjoy lounging and relaxing at their owner’s feet, they also cherish their playtime.
And, as Newfies are so large, even relatively sedate games need a lot of space.
Ideally, your apartment would be large enough to play some indoor games with your Newfie, as this will support their wellbeing by keeping them active and engaged.
4. A Place Of Their Own
It may be a challenge in a small apartment, but if possible it is good to give your Newfie a space to call their own.
Try to find a corner that has enough room for a bed or crate and some of their toys.
Crate training is particularly important if you plan to leave your Newfie puppy home alone for extended periods. The crate will provide a safe place for them when needed. During the puppy stages, a Newf might chew things, break things, or hurt themselves if left to roam the apartment freely.
5. Spending Time Together
Newfies like to be with their owners and can get anxious if left on their own for too long. This need to be with their owner can be somewhat incompatible with city life, as many people who live in apartments are often out at work or socializing.
Before committing to life with a Newfie, I recommend thinking about whether there will usually be someone at home or whether your dog can come with you when you go out.
If you think that you will need to leave your dog home on their own for long periods of time then a Newfoundland probably isn’t the best breed for you.
6. Check The Rules
If you’re renting your apartment then, before getting your Newfie, you’ll need to check that your lease permits you to have pets. Not all apartment buildings allow pets and some specifically ban large dogs.
If your building doesn’t allow dogs, and you can’t convince the relevant people to change their minds, then you will have to delay your Newfie-owning dream for now – or perhaps find a different place to live.
Unfortunately, when a dog is 28 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds, keeping them hidden isn’t really a viable option!
7. Getting Upstairs
Is your apartment at ground level? If not, does the building have an elevator?
While your Newfie is a puppy it is best to carry them up the stairs for as long as you are able to lift them. This is because walking up and down stairs can be bad for a Newfie pup’s developing joints.
Once your dog is older, they’ll be able to safely use the stairs on their own. However, you may need to spend a bit of time training them to walk safely rather than running.
If your building doesn’t have an elevator then it’s also important to think about what you will do if your Newfie has an operation, gets sick, or struggles to climb the stairs as they get older.
By the time they are a grown adult, they’ll be too heavy to carry, so if you don’t have access to an elevator you might find yourself unable to get your dog in and out of the apartment!
8. Don’t Forget Potty Trips
You may have thought about taking your Newfie out of the apartment for walks, but have you considered potty trips too?
Without access to a yard, letting your Newfie out to pee can become an annoying chore. Especially when they decide they need to go potty in the middle of the night!
This isn’t necessarily a big problem, as long as there is a suitable location near your apartment building, but it is something to think about and be prepared for.
9. Age & Temperament
Newfies are very adaptable dogs and are capable of settling into apartment life at any age. However, they will find it easier and settle more quickly if they move in as a puppy and it’s the only environment they’ve ever known.
If you have an adult dog and you’re considering moving to an apartment then you have the advantage of already understanding their exercise needs and knowing their temperament.
This should mean that you’re well-equipped to judge how well they will take to living in an apartment and what you might be able to do to make the transition go more smoothly.
10. Prepare to be Judged
With proper care, keeping a Newfie in an apartment is not cruel. As long as they get plenty of exercise then there’s really no reason why a Newfoundland can’t be a healthy and happy apartment dog.
However, not everyone understands this! Unfortunately, this may lead to judgemental looks or comments from neighbors who feel sorry for the large dog that ‘doesn’t have enough space’.
If you find yourself in this situation then it’s best to stay calm, be polite, and take the time to educate your neighbor on the special steps you take to care for your dog.
11. Put Their Needs First
The most important thing for any dog owner to do is to always put the needs of their pet first.
It can be upsetting and frustrating to find out that we can’t have the pet that we want, but as animal lovers, we have a responsibility to make sure that our dogs are healthy, happy, and well cared for.
If anything in this article has made you think that you couldn’t care for a Newfoundland in an apartment then it is best that you don’t get one. You have to put the needs of the dog first and perhaps consider a smaller breed instead.
My View on Keeping a Newfie in an Apartment
To summarise: Newfies can live in apartments and, with the right care, they can truly thrive in an apartment setting and live very long and happy lives.
However, keeping a Newfie as an apartment dog requires a level of commitment that not every Newfie owner will be ready for.
You may need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle, be willing to tolerate some inconveniences and be prepared to put in the effort to give your Newfie lots of exercise and time outdoors.
In return, you’ll get to enjoy many happy years alongside a playful, loyal, and loving companion. In my opinion, the joy that a Newfie brings is definitely worth some small sacrifices!