looking for a dog?

It's not the size of the living space that's important, it's how much exercise and stimulation you can provide. You'll have to provide a lot for a Rottweiler whether you live in an apartment or a house.

Edit. One thing to consider is that some apartment buildings do discriminate against certain breeds, including Rotties. Some insurance companies do as well, so make sure you're willing to deal with the restrictions.

ORIGINAL: inne

It's not the size of the living space that's important, it's how much exercise and stimulation you can provide. You'll have to provide a lot for a Rottweiler whether you live in an apartment or a house.

Edit. One thing to consider is that some apartment buildings do discriminate against certain breeds, including Rotties. Some insurance companies do as well, so make sure you're willing to deal with the restrictions.

Yea, i am aware of the insurance restrictions, i'm just kind of looking at a scenerio where everything is taken care of.  The only problem being the lack of living space.

ORIGINAL: inne
One thing to consider is that some apartment buildings do discriminate against certain breeds, including Rotties. Some insurance companies do as well, so make sure you're willing to deal with the restrictions.

most of the apartment complexes around here dont necessarily discriminate against the breed of dog, but they do have size limitations. might check around and see what kind of restrictions the apartments in your area have.

Exercise at least once a day and lots of training. It can be tough on a big dog living in an apartment, as opposed to have a yard to run and poop in. But it can be done. I used to visit a site of a couple in Denmark that own two Alaskan Huskies and they take them to the park everyday for walking and playing and training.
 
If you get a puppy, you will have quite a time potty training. And keeping in supply with poop bags or a scooper. An 80 to 100 lb dog can put out quite a pile.
 

Little dogs are dogs too!  coughcough
 
Seriously, though, I'm possibly looking for a dog or pet next year and in an apartment situation.  Most apartments I see limit pets to being 25 lbs or under.  It might be hard to find a nice one that allows a rottie sized dog.  Just a thought to keep in mind.   

In Frederick, MD where I work I had the hardest time finding a rental for my two ridgebacks (at the time) and myself. NOBODY was renting to big dogs. I finally had to pay through the nose to rent a townhouse with a fenced yard because that was the only manangement company who allowed big dogs. So I say get your apartment first, learn the lay of the land and THEN get a dog. It is reckless to do it the other way - too many dogs end up at the pound simply because their owners could not find a rental that would take the dog. I think this should be a real concern of yours considering you're looking at a rottweiller.


Paula

Thanks for all the help so far!  My real first choice is actually a pitbull, i've loved everything i have read about them, and it's obvious they are misunderstood, like myself. But parents are totally and completely against it... I also liked the german pinscher and boxer though.

I also have scanned the internet for apartments that allow dogs, and seen the huge number that have size restrictions. I agree that securing the apartment would be the first step before even looking at any dogs.
 
Assuming that is all possible....  the Rotties I know are pretty lazy and sleep a lot, but that's not necessarily a good thing (they are also overweight). I don't know what the exercise needs are for an actual in-shape athletic rottie.
 
For a large dog that doesn't mind being a bit of a couch potato, what about a greyhound rescue or a great dane?

ORIGINAL: paulaedwina

In Frederick, MD where I work I had the hardest time finding a rental for my two ridgebacks (at the time) and myself. NOBODY was renting to big dogs. I finally had to pay through the nose to rent a townhouse with a fenced yard because that was the only manangement company who allowed big dogs. So I say get your apartment first, learn the lay of the land and THEN get a dog. It is reckless to do it the other way - too many dogs end up at the pound simply because their owners could not find a rental that would take the dog. I think this should be a real concern of yours considering you're looking at a rottweiller.

good point, i should of mentioned that if for some reason i could not find an apartment that would allow me to bring my dog, my parents would keep it

Yes, this is a big decision and I'm concerned for you deciding on a Rottie.  Great dogs and I don't know if you're a man or woman.  I don't want to be sexist but IMHO I've seen to many ladies overwhelmed by dogs of all sizes.  You must be firm and a leader for some dogs and its a hit or miss what you're going to get.  If its a dominant dog your going to have your hands full whatever sex you are.  Many people treat them as their kids and just want to snuggle with them.  Heck I sleep with mine but some dogs need to respect you before they'll let you treat them as snugglers.  Again if they are dominant they will have problems.  Problems being dog agressive, people aggressive could be anything.  Please do alot of research and ask yourself if you're willing to change yourself to make the dog happy.  Otherwise one more dog in the pound.  How sad.  Remember this is a 10 year commitment, vacations, running home from work, weekends at home, etc.  A board Rottie can make quick work of a couch!  Counter point they can bring some of the happiest moments of your life and might even save your life for that matter.  Thing long and hard.  If you like to party alot wait till you're married with kids.  Best of luck in your decision. 

ORIGINAL: Scout in Canada

I also have scanned the internet for apartments that allow dogs, and seen the huge number that have size restrictions. I agree that securing the apartment would be the first step before even looking at any dogs.

Assuming that is all possible....  the Rotties I know are pretty lazy and sleep a lot, but that's not necessarily a good thing (they are also overweight). I don't know what the exercise needs are for an actual in-shape athletic rottie.

For a large dog that doesn't mind being a bit of a couch potato, what about a greyhound rescue or a great dane?

 
The only rottie I've known was insanely active through her entire life.  She was out working cattle at the age of 11.  She was one of the best working dogs I've ever seen.  Wonderful girl. 

Or just a mutt? There are TONS of Rottie mixes at my local shelter that would love to have a home and could possibly end up a bit smaller than a full Rottie, not to mention possibly slipping in under rules about Rotties given the mixed heritage.

Here's my parents' "mini Rott", Gryffin. He was adopted from the local shelter 2 years ago at 20mo old; he weighs in at a whopping 50lbs. []

I am a man, but even so, i realize a 100 pound rott would be all i can handle and more.  I just like everything i have been reading about them.  Maybe best bet is to look for something smaller for teh moment. eh

i'm a small woman and i can handle my 2 dogs who are both well over 80...anywho, i guess it depends on wehre you live. Around here, it's hard to find an apartment that will allow pits, rotts, or dobes, some places you can't even have a GSD. There's plenty that will let you have a dog up to at 100 lbs. I used to live in an apartment with my dogs (one being a very energetic shepherd) and i think it's fine if you are really willing to devote A LOT of excersice time along with a lot of mental stimulation. I think your biggest problem will be finding a place where you can have a rott (they are awesome by the way!)