Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently took a job working with a new airline and had to move to a new city. I found an apartment that accepted dogs with one exception, they don't allow vicious dog breeds. No problem there my little Jack Russell(Gordy) wouldn't hurt a fly. But to my dismay they said all terriers Were not allowed because it is a vicious breed. How could this be the only apartment in the area that allows dogs, and they won't let terriers in. Most terriers are under 20 pounds and the only thing they could hurt is the occasional mouse or insect. This seemed Ridiculous to me, What am I suppose to do with Gordy who has been a big part of my family for 3 years. Is there anyone who has any ideas on what I should do? Please help, I don't want to part with my energetic budddy!

First check the laws in your state/province.. In Ontario it is illegal for any landlord to have a "no pets" clause in the lease, and if it is there it is unenforcable unless the animal has damaged the property or is making enough noise to annoy the neighbours. They can however turn you down for a lease if they know ahead of time that you have a pet. Here it is considered a basic right that all people can have pets.

Secondly terriers are bred to kill things and most will chase anything relatively small, including children, which may be why they don't allow them. And despite their size, pomeranians and chihuahuas have done considerable damage to people, and they only weight less than 10lbs, and are not bred to chase and attack things. A pom can kill a 5 year old child if it wants to. I'm not saying I agree with their policy but I understand where it is coming from.

Maybe getting reference letters from your current landlord, friends, and neighbours would help to convince them that he's a good dog. Maybe they would allow you to show them how he behaves around children and other animals in the building? Does he have any training certificates, like a CGC or puppy classes? They might help as well..

Good luck, whatever happens..