You’ve brought your new Boxer puppy home, but now you’re feeling guilty about your cramped living quarters. Have you deprived him of life in a country estate, where he can run around to his heart’s content? Can Boxer dogs live in an apartment?
Sure, most people will tell you that large dogs shouldn’t be living in a small flat. Small dogs like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus seem better suited for apartment-dwelling, don’t they?
If you live in a small apartment, don’t give up on your dream of having a Boxer pup just yet. Size isn’t always the most crucial factor when deciding if a dog can adapt to a particular residence. Believe it or not, there can even be advantages to having a large dog like a Boxer in a city flat.
So should you keep a Boxer in an apartment? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
What’s a Boxer like?
First, let’s take a look at the characteristics of a Boxer and whether or not these traits make him an ideal candidate for apartment-living.
Boxers are known to be incredibly loyal, affectionate, protective, and caring doggos. These qualities are what make Boxers ideal service or therapy dogs. Boxers enjoy companionship with their caregivers and thrive on their owner’s attention.
This dog breed likes being surrounded by the people they love. This means that they won’t mind the cramped interiors in a city apartment. Compared with other breeds, Boxers are quite clean, which makes them suitable to live in close quarters with humans.
Boxers need lots of physical and mental stimulation. They like games, daily walks, and active play sessions. While apartment life would restrict their movement, Boxers can live in a flat as long as they get regular and sufficient physical and mental activity.
Can Boxer Dogs Live in an Apartment?
Boxers can live a good life in a small apartment as long as certain conditions are met. If you’re thinking of acquiring a Boxer pup, consider the dog’s temperament, energy levels, and need for physical activity. Here are some more factors to think about:
-
Close quarters
Don’t let the fact that you don’t have a yard or lots of square footage for him to run around in stop you from getting a Boxer pup. Your Boxer will be fine without a yard as long as you make sure he gets his daily walks and lots of playtime.
He’ll also appreciate having you close by. Boxers love snuggling next to you as you watch TV on the couch.
-
Cleanliness
Boxers have short hair that requires minimal grooming. They don’t like being dirty and are constantly cleaning themselves. If you live in a small apartment, you won’t have to deal with a stinky dog that sheds a lot and makes messes everywhere.
In addition, because Boxers are large dogs, they will require fewer potty trips outside than small dogs. Boxers are also suited to apartment life because they don’t bark, howl, or yap much. Your neighbors won’t be complaining about your doggo’s noise.
-
Climate-controlled interiors
Because they are short-haired dogs, Boxers are sensitive to very hot and very cold environments. While they would have more freedom in a farm setting or in a house with a huge yard, they would also be exposed to hot and cold weather in the outdoors. Another advantage of keeping a Boxer in an apartment is the protection from extreme heat and cold.
Tips for sharing an apartment with your Boxer
Preparing to bring a Boxer pup home to your flat? Here’s how you can keep your Boxer happy in a small apartment:
-
Consider moving to a lower floor
Your dog will need to make lots of potty breaks outside. According to Apartment Guide, if you live on a high floor, your poor dog’s legs and bladder could suffer. Before you acquire a Boxer pup, you may want to think about moving to a lower floor or to a unit closer to the lift.
-
Outdoor time every day
If you don’t want your Boxer to get bored (and become destructive) or stressed (and become sick), you have to make sure that he gets lots of exercises every day. If you are unable to take him on a walk at least twice a day, hire a dog-walker.
-
A change of scenery
Keep your pup excited and entertained by switching your route every week or so. A new route will give your Boxer new smells and sights to experience and will keep him from getting bored with your routine.
-
Regular playdates with other doggies
Boxers crave the company of other dogs. If you’ve observed that your pupper enjoys having some canine company, consider setting up a playdate with other dog owners in your neighborhood. This is a great way for your Boxer to socialize and to expend extra energy.
Can Boxer dogs live in an apartment? Yes, as long as you give him his own doggy space, provide lots of exercises, and give him opportunities to hang out with other dogs. Go ahead and share that penthouse view with your pup!
