Finding a Home That Suits Your Large Dog

Do you own a large dog? If so, you might want to consider him (or her) when you look for a new home. Some communities are downright hostile toward large animals, while others aren't dog-friendly, and you'll find that some homes and neighborhoods are far more appropriate for large dogs than others. While your large dog shouldn't be the end-all, be-all of housing decisions, he or she should factor into your decision-making process.

Pet Height & Weight Restrictions

Some neighborhoods are governed by homeowners' associations that impose restrictions on the height and weight of your pets. If you have a large dog, he or she might not be allowed in your home. Make sure you check the CCRs (Covenants, Codes & Restrictions) of your neighborhood before making an offer on a house.

If your pet isn't allowed, you'll have to sell or give him away, which can be heartbreaking. These restrictions might also limit where you can walk your dog, what type of fencing you must maintain, and whether you can keep a dog-inhabited structure on the property (a dog house).

Neighboring Animals

If you have a large dog, you might not want to purchase a home next to a houseful of cats or in a neighborhood where other animals frequently travel unleashed. This can present obvious problems if your dog were to escape through the front door, and might tempt your dog to chase dogs or cats on the street. Furthermore, some people are wary of large dogs, and he might scare neighbors with small children or smaller animals.

Fencing & Confinement

Large dogs find it easier to escape their confinements than smaller animals, so you'll need a fence with sufficient height to keep Rover contained. A home with fencing that looks like it might fall down any minute might not be what you need, and you certainly don't want a house with no fence at all around the backyard. Some communities do allow invisible fencing (with electric shock), but these can pose a problem for neighboring children and animals as well.

Nearby Pet Facilities

As you probably know, large dogs need exercise, and they require more room than smaller pets. Plus, they need dog food, veterinary care, boarding facilities and a host of other things. When looking for a new home, make sure it is near everything you might need, such as a vet's office, an off-leash park and a pet store. This will make life much simpler and you won't have to drive out of your way every time Rover needs his heart worm medication refilled.

Size of the Home

Large dogs also present a problem regarding space and furnishings. For example, a tiny one-bedroom home or apartment with low ceilings and low counter tops might cause too many problems for your pet. Furthermore, your dog's nails will likely scratch hardwood floors and urine stains can ruin carpet, so find a home that seems pet-friendly on the interior as well as the exterior.

As mentioned above, your dog shouldn't be the only consideration when looking for a new home, but he should play a part in your considerations. The last thing you want is to move into a home and discover that Rover is miserable in his humble abode, or find out that you can't have him at all if you want to stay in the neighborhood.