Finding pet-friendly housing can be a real challenge for dog owners. Many landlords and some local laws restrict certain breeds based on size, reputation, or insurance concerns.
While these restrictions often rely on stereotypes rather than actual behavior, knowing which breeds face the most barriers can help you prepare for potential housing challenges.
1. Pit Bull Terriers
Muscular and loyal, these misunderstood pups top nearly every restricted breed list despite their historically gentle nickname: ‘nanny dogs.’ Insurance companies often refuse coverage for properties with pit bulls regardless of individual temperament.
Unfair media portrayal has cemented their reputation, though temperament tests show they’re no more aggressive than golden retrievers.
2. Rottweilers
Built like furry tanks with hearts of gold, Rottweilers face housing discrimination due to their powerful appearance and protective instincts. Many don’t realize these working dogs were originally cattle herders and cart-pullers.
Their imposing look belies their typically calm demeanor when properly trained and socialized.
3. Doberman Pinschers
Sleek and athletic, Dobermans carry an intimidating reputation from their history as tax collector guardians. Their streamlined bodies and attentive expressions often trigger landlord anxiety despite their trainability and loyalty.
Behind that serious facade hides a surprisingly sensitive dog that forms deep bonds with family members.
4. Akitas
Fluffy yet formidable, these Japanese treasures face housing challenges due to their independent nature and protective instincts. With bear-like faces and thick double coats, they’re often misunderstood as aggressive rather than dignified.
Originally bred to hunt bears, today’s Akitas retain their watchful demeanor while being deeply devoted to their families.
5. Alaskan Malamutes
Imagine trying to explain to a landlord that this wolf-like arctic powerhouse is actually just a big fluffy goofball! Size alone puts Malamutes on many restricted lists, despite their typically friendly nature.
Their impressive strength and endurance – capable of pulling heavy sleds across frozen landscapes – makes property owners nervous.
6. Chow Chows
Behind that adorable teddy-bear facade and distinctive blue-black tongue lies one of the most frequently banned apartment dogs. Their aloof, sometimes stubborn personality can be misinterpreted as aggression by those unfamiliar with the breed.
Ancient Chinese nobility prized these fluffy companions for their lion-like appearance and dignified demeanor.
7. Wolf Hybrids
Wild ancestry makes these canines particularly challenging for rental approval. Even dogs merely resembling wolves face scrutiny! Their unpredictable nature and special care requirements justify some concerns, unlike other breeds on this list.
Many jurisdictions classify wolf hybrids as exotic animals rather than domestic pets, requiring special permits or banning them entirely.
8. Great Danes
Gentle giants that they are, Great Danes face discrimination purely based on their enormous size. Standing nearly three feet tall at the shoulder, these ‘Apollo of dogs’ barely fit in some apartments, let alone landlords’ comfort zones.
Ironically, they’re actually lower energy than many smaller breeds and typically quite content as couch potatoes.
9. Siberian Huskies
Those striking blue eyes and wolf-like appearance make huskies both irresistible and unwelcome in many rental properties. Their vocal nature – famous for ‘talking’ rather than barking – triggers noise complaint concerns among property managers.
Add their legendary escape artist abilities and high energy, and landlords often say “no thanks.”
10. Presa Canarios
Imagine a dog so powerful it was originally bred to work with cattle and guard farms against wild dogs. That’s the Presa Canario – a massive guardian breed that sends shivers down landlords’ spines.
High-profile attack cases have cemented their reputation, though responsible ownership makes all the difference with these powerful companions.
11. Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Compact powerhouses with heart-melting smiles, Staffies often face rejection due to being lumped together with pit bulls. Their muscular build belies their reputation in their native England as ‘nanny dogs’ perfect for families.
Breed-specific legislation rarely distinguishes between different bully breeds, creating housing challenges for these affectionate companions.
12. Bull Terriers
Recognize that egg-shaped head from the Target mascot? Despite their commercial fame, Bull Terriers face serious housing discrimination.
Their unique appearance – with those tiny eyes and distinctive profile – often triggers unwarranted fear. Playful and sometimes clownish by nature, these dogs are typically far more interested in fun than fights.
13. American Bulldogs
Stocky and strong, American Bulldogs face housing challenges despite their working farm dog heritage. Their muscular build and determined expression often get them confused with pit bulls by untrained eyes.
Athletic and protective, they’ve historically excelled at catching feral pigs and guarding property – skills that now ironically make finding property difficult.
14. Tosa Inus
Rarely seen outside Japan, these massive mastiff-type dogs face some of the strictest bans worldwide. Historically bred for fighting, Tosa Inus can reach a staggering 200 pounds – a size that would make any landlord nervous.
They’re actually completely banned in several countries including Denmark, Norway, and parts of Australia.
15. Dogo Argentinos
Gleaming white coats can’t hide the hunting heritage that makes these powerful dogs unwelcome in many communities. Originally bred to hunt wild boar and puma, their athletic build and determination make landlords wary.
Their striking appearance draws attention, while their listing on many dangerous breed registries ensures housing challenges for responsible owners.