Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning on moving from northern FL to Central Fl in November and I'm going to be sharing an apartment with a roommate (close friend of mine) we already talked it though on getting a dog. I'm not a complete beginner at dogs, have helped in raising our great dane (while she was alive-13 years-) and my parent's pitbull, but this would be my first true dog. I'm aware of the dominance thing with our pit we eat first, walking in a first, doing tricks for food and whatnot so he knows we are above him.
I work only 5 days a week for 4-6 hrs a day, and so far planning on crating while at work.
I like the larger breed dogs, and want a dog to play with, not to mention smart.
The only problem I think we might have is I think the breed is still classified as dangerous and most apartments wouldn't allow it. (not counting complexes that don't allow pet, or small pets only)Someone correct me on that

You would have to check with local Humane Society or Police Dept.to see what is considered dangerous in the area you are planning on moving. If the place allows any pet you may have a higher deposit. Also check with your insurance company on what dogs are high risk and if they will let you insure them.

Cheryl

what insurance? medical/health or renters? Renter's insurance would be the only thing I'd worry about.
But that's a good idea on checking there for if they are still classified as dangerous. I'd never have thought to look
Thank you ^_^

Most apartments do higher deposits if you have any pet that doesn't live in a cage. It's to shampoo carpets for fleas and whatnot when you move out.

Dangerous Dogs Of Brevard County

Below you will find a listing of all Dangerous Dog Owners within Brevard County as well as the information regarding their declared dog.

What is a Dangerous Dog? Any dog that, according to the records of county animal services and enforcement:

(1) Has, without provocation, aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered a human being, or has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property; or

(2) Has, without provocation, severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property; or

(3) Has been used primarily, or in part, for the purpose of fighting, or is a dog trained for dog fighting; or

(4) Has, without provocation, chased or approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in an aggressive, menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack; provided that such actions are attested to in a sworn statement by one or more persons, and dutifully investigated by the appropriate authority.

(5) A dog shall not be declared dangerous if the threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time, was unlawfully on the property or, while lawfully on the property, was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or its owner or a family member.

(6) No dog may be declared dangerous if the dog was protecting or defending a human being within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified attack or assault.

as a general rule, Dobermans do not make the best apartment dog. They are very high energy, require a lot of exercise (more than you can provide on a leash), a lot of training also. Having a yard to run in is almost a must for most of them.

Most apartment complexes have strict rules about pets. If they do allow dogs it might only be small dogs, or they might have a list of breeds they will not rent to. This is sometimes tied to their liability insurence - most insurance companies do not insure Dobermans amoung many other breeds.

Dobermans are not the best beginner dog, so I'd probably advise that you wait till you are out of school and in your own home before seriously considering one. I know it is not the advice you want to hear, but it is my honest opinion as a long time owner/exhibitor of the breed.

This would be my first dog in the since of all the paperwork says it's mine, but it wouldn't be my first dog. people keep talking about insure but they don't say which one: medical/health or renters (I think renter's in required in FL... anyways). I'm outta school and they only thing I actually do is work, and that's only 3.5-5hrs a day, five times a week, which is why I was considering this breed. But with that, I still don't know much about the breed.
Thank you for the concern though ^_^

The only insurance I am refering to is Homeowners insurance or renters insurance. The person who owns the property MUST carry liability insurance on it, no matter who lives on the property.

If your dog bites someone or otherwise injures someone, they can sue your insurance company - the liability aspect of the insurance normally covers against things like dog bites. However, many insurance companies specifically will not cover certain breeds of dogs. Dobermans are on the "black list" for a lot of insurance companies.

In addition, if someone goes to the Dr or hospital with a dog bite, they do require information about the dog - this is two fold: They want to be able to check with the owner to ask for proof that the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. The medical provider for that person (if they have medical coverage) will also look to be reimbursed by the homeowners liability policy for the amount it had to pay out.

Insurance is not what most people think about when they get a dog, but they need to. I can't tell you how many Dobermans end up dumped in shelters because they could not keep the dog due to a landlord not allowing it, or not being able to find homeowners insurance that will cover the dog. Even if you can find a place to live that will allow Dobermans, you have to think about the future - if you are not completely settled then your next move might be the one where you can't find a place to take your dog. As someone who has volunteered for my local Doberman rescue for the past 5 years, these are things I wish people would think about before they get a Doberman......or any dog.

When I was single and living in an apt, I had cats. Much easyer to find a place to rent with a cat......or a small dog. I'm just not a fan of small dogs so I waited till I had my own home to get my dog.