Are Pitbulls Good Apartment Dogs? (What You Need To Know)

Pitbulls are a beautiful and loyal- yet often misunderstood- dog breed. They can be very protective, but they also have an amazing ability to love unconditionally.

They are also a highly popular breed, but are they suitable for an apartment? 

We are going to be taking a look at whether the pitbull can be considered a breed that is able to be kept in an apartment safely and in a way that keeps the dog healthy and happy. 

Let’s get started!

Are Pitbulls Indoor Dogs?

The answer to this question depends on what you mean by “indoor dogs”.

If your definition of “indoor” means only spending most of your day inside, then no, pit bulls are not indoor dogs.

They need plenty of exercise and attention outside, as well as lots of mental stimulation. 

When it comes to apartment living, a pitbull can be kept within one, so long as you are willing to put in the time and effort to keep up with an outdoor exercise regime.

If you do not have the time to make this commitment, this is not a breed that will work for you in an apartment or a house. 

How Do You Take Care Of A Pitbull In An Apartment?

When it comes to the kind of care that you need to give a pitbull if you are dead set on owning one whilst living in an apartment, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. 

The first thing that you should consider is how much space you have available within your apartment.

If you don’t have enough room to allow for a fair amount of exercise, you will need to make sure that you provide your pit bull with adequate access to fresh air and sunshine by taking them outside often. 

This would include getting them out of the house every morning before breakfast and again after dinner.

It is important that you do this for exercise purposes but also because the sun helps stimulate the pit bull’s immune system and provides them with vitamin D which is essential for their health. 

Regular walks will also help them burn off some energy and increase their chances of catching some rays.

Finally, you will want to ensure that you provide your pitbull with plenty of toys and games to play with.

These will help your pit bull develop its cognitive abilities and prevent boredom from setting in.

Can Pitbulls Be Left Alone?

Another common misconception about pit bulls is that they cannot be left alone for any length of time. This is simply untrue.

There are many breeds of dogs that are more independent than others, and pit bulls are definitely included in this category. 

This doesn’t mean that they should be left for hours on end, though, as this can lead to problems such as separation anxiety.

Is It Cruel To Have A Pitbull In An Apartment?

This is a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, having a pet in an apartment may seem cruel to those who think that pets are meant to have constant access to the outdoors. 

But on the other hand, keeping a pitbull in an apartment does not necessarily mean that you are neglecting them or keeping them cooped up. 

There are many ways that you can keep a pitbull safe and happy while still providing them with all the necessary care that they need within an apartment setting.

As long as you are attentive to your pitbull’s needs, an apartment is certainly not a cruel place to keep them

Keeping A Pitbull Happy In An Apartment

Here are some tips for making sure that your pitbull stays happy and healthy in your apartment:

Make Sure That Your Pitbull Has Plenty Of Exercise

A pitbull requires a lot of physical activity to stay fit and healthy, and this is even more so when living in an apartment where access to the outdoors might be limited. 

Make sure that you take your pitbull out regularly to get them some exercise. Walk them around the block, or just go for a quick jog together.

The point here is to get your pitbull moving and burning off some excess energy.

Provide Them With Enough Toys To Keep Them Stimulated

Pitbulls are a very intelligent dog breed, so keeping them mentally stimulated as well as physically stimulated is extremely important.

They thrive best when given lots of mental stimulation, and so you should try to find ways to engage them. 

This is even more important with a pitbull living in an apartment, where they won’t have constant access to outdoor activities.

Consider purchasing a variety of toys and games for your pitbull to use indoors.

Don’t Forget About Their Mental Health

It’s easy to forget about your pitbull’s mental health when you’re busy trying to keep them physically active.

However, it is vital that you remember to keep your pitbull mentally engaged too, as mentioned above when discussing using games and toys to keep them thinking.

A lack of mental stimulation in a breed like the pitbull can lead to depression and anxiety.

So make sure that you spend time playing with your pitbull and engaging them with new challenges and puzzles.

Are Pitbulls Good For First Time Owners?

Pitbulls can be a great option for first-time dog owners. They are very friendly and easy to train.

However, they are still a big dog breed and therefore can be intimidating for new owners.

Therefore, it is always advisable to get help from someone who has experience with pitbulls before getting one yourself.

Are Pitbulls High Maintenance?

When considering whether, or not, to own a certain breed of dog in an apartment, it is important to consider if they are a high-maintenance breed.

The pitbull is considered to be a high-maintenance dog for various reasons, such as their size and temperament.

However, the pitbull can make a great pet for an apartment because of their intelligence and trainability, despite this high maintenance. 

Do Pitbulls Have Separation Anxiety?

Whilst we are on the subject of possible anxiety in pitbulls, let us discuss what exactly separation anxiety is in dogs.

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog experiences distress whenever they are separated from their owner.

This can range from mild stress to full-blown panic attacks. It is most commonly seen in puppies, but it can also affect adult dogs. 

The symptoms of separation anxiety vary depending on the severity of the problem.

Some dogs show no signs of anxiety whatsoever, whereas others display extreme fear and aggression.

The best way to deal with separation anxiety is to work closely with your vet so that you know what to look out for. 

You should also try to identify the triggers that cause your dog to become anxious.

Once you understand why your dog becomes distressed, you can start working on eliminating these factors.

So, are pitbulls a breed that are prone to separation anxiety? Well, the answer to that is yes and no.

Yes, because they are a highly sociable breed that loves human interaction, and so they might naturally feel the separation when left alone. 

However, they are also a relatively independent breed too.

Each dog is different, so be attentive and act accordingly if you believe your pitbull could be suffering from separation anxiety. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Having A Pitbull?

The pros and cons of owning a pitbull are pretty much the same as those of owning any other breed of dog. 

The main difference between pitbulls and other breeds is that they are bigger than average. Therefore, they require a lot of space.

If you live in an apartment, this might not be ideal but if you follow the advice we have given in regard to keeping a pitbull in an apartment, they should be fine. 

However, some dogs may just not want to be in an enclosed space without constant outdoor access.

It all depends on each dog’s individual temperament, so keep a close eye on their behavior and reactions.

The biggest advantage of owning a pitbull is that they are loyal and loving. They make excellent family pets and can be extremely affectionate and gentle, despite the negative connotations of aggression associated with them.

They are also known to be protective of their families.

However, there are a few disadvantages associated with owning a pitbull.

Firstly, they are very strong and powerful and so can sometimes be difficult to control, particularly for first-time dog owners, particularly those with little to no experience with dogs.

Secondly, they are very territorial and are known to be stubborn due to their high intelligence.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dog that is both a loving pet and an excellent guard dog, then the pitbull is definitely worth considering. They are extremely intelligent and loyal, but they are a bit of a handful when it comes to training.

Therefore, it is best to get help from experienced dog trainers before bringing home a pitbull. 

When it comes to keeping a pitbull in an apartment, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Just remember to keep them safe and secure by providing them with plenty of toys and food and giving them ample amounts of outdoor exercise. 

Thank you for reading!