My husky and I have lived together in an apartment for as long as I have had him. He gets constant exercise, though. We go on runs, bike rides, rollerjoring, and many, many dog park trips! He's only 1 year old, and while many husky parents have problems with their teenage huskies, he's really very calm. I have worked with him in obedience since I first got him and he will do almost anything that I ask.

We are hoping to move into a better area in a couple of months, and I am super excited.(The area i am in now is very dangerous, and I will not walk to my car at night without my dog). However, I have had the hardest time trying to find a place that does not have Huskies on their "Restricted breeds" list. I know it is for insurance purposes, and something that the manager cannot change, so I do not want to argue with them.

I have been looking already for several months, and I don't really know what else to do. I am very frustrated. My dog is quiet, has never destroyed ANYTHING, and loves every living thing, even my mom's cats. I do not know what else to do, so I have devised a plan. I know it sounds silly, but bear with me.

There are a lot of breeds that look like Huskies. Most of them are rare and unknown to common people. My plan is to bring my Husky into one of the apartments that have them on a "Restricted" list anyway for a couple of months. A few months in, I can tell them that I adopted a breed that simply looks like a Husky. A couple of uncommon breeds include the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Tamaskan, and the Greenland Dog. Since he isn't aggressive or loud, I think this may work. I hate to be dishonest, and I really really tried very hard to find a place that would simply allow my dog, but I have found nothing.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I have tried asking them to meet my dog, and they just reply that they simply cannot break the corporate policies. He has been through 3 obedience classes and has proof of all three, and even I could use our trainer as a reference. But I feel like if they won't accept any Huskies, that they won't accept them, no matter what. I am very stressed out and I want to get out of the area I am in!

PS. I am only *almost* 19 years old and I am NOT looking to buy a house until I am older.

I'm not sure how thing's are in you're area, but most apartments that I've talked to around my area also state "wolf-dog" or "wolf-like dog" and the breeds you mentioned may fall under that category if they specify that.

I would suggest you keep looking, try expanding the search perimeter and be willing to drive if you have to take an apartment further away.

Another idea is to look into renting a house. You may run into the same issue with some home rentals but there are some whose insurance will cover the breed and the owners may be willing to work with you.

I know it's hard and disheartening but there's got to be something out there. It could be worse, I once had the impossible task of finding an apartment that not only accepted huskies but that also accepted 3 dogs when almost all apartments have a 2 dog limit. And yes, I did eventually find one even if it was a good drive away.

In any case, I would not lie about the breed of your dog. Not everyone is as stupid as you might expect them to be, even if you fool one person don't expect that other residents who see you with a sibe won't say anything. You run the risk of getting the apartment manager in trouble and causing issues with their insurance company if you are discovered, and you risk being kicked out without any deposits refunded. At the end of the day, rules are rules, and you already know it's nothing personal. They cannot make exceptions for you but deny everyone else so please don't put them or yourself in a bad position. We all know the consequences of having a husky and this is unfortunately one of them, for better or worse, and lying is not the answer. Be patient and keep looking, something is out there waiting to be found.

Try asking your closest Husky rescue for Husky friendly apartments. I would also look for "less corporate" apartment buildings which may not have those idiotic lists. The big snazzy fancy apartments with flashy websites are usually the ones to stay away from.

In the one apartment complex I've been looking more into they say no malamutes, akitas, or Siberian huskies. It doesnt mention wolf dogs or wolf-like dogs. My husky is wolf grey and has a bar mask and could pass for several other similar breeds. I know it seems like a bad idea, but it is so tempting.

Also, I have tried other apartment complexes around the entire area and either I make too much to move in there, they have a stupid weight limit of like 15 pounds, or Huskies are on their "restricted breed" list.

Before I got a Husky I did a lot of research, but I had no idea that they would make it so hard to find a place to live. I think more apartment complexes should do away with breed restrictions and instead meet the dog, and evaluate the specific dog. Because while there are some Huskies out there that don't get the exercise they need, and because of that they turn out a naughty dog, that doesn't make all huskies bad. The dog is never at fault, it is the owner's job to know how to properly socialize and train any dog.

I feel your pain! Is there any way they can do an addendum or rider to your lease contract? Maybe an agreement including pictures and a description of the current condition of the apartment that covers damages to the actual apartment and also liability should your dog cause harm to other tenants. The issue with this is that if your dog ever does cause harm to another person or dog on the property (not that he would of course, but just saying) you would be financially responsible. Also anything in the apartment would be fair game in terms of losing your deposit, even if it wasn't caused by the dog.

I'm not a lawyer, or even close, but I have some renting experience. If you decide to go this way it would probably be a good idea to talk a real lawyer and get them to read over the document. Also if you're in college, a lot of campuses offer free or low cost legal advice to students. Just an idea.

In the end the easiest and safest thing to do would be to find a place that doesn't restrict owing a husky. Someone earlier suggested either a house or a non corporate owned apartment, where you can actually speak with the building owner vs. an employee of a management company, and I've had the best luck with places like that also.

I would NOT recommend lying. That may seem easy now, but if there is ever an issue (or even if there's not, and a neighbor complains, maintenance person sees your dog ect.) you could be in a lot of trouble, and if your dog is registered it would be pretty easy for a property management company or building owner to prove your dog is a husky. Even if he's not registered the costs of even fighting something like that would bankrupt you. Then you might even still be evicted (or forced to choose between your dog or staying in the apartment), but still have the obligation to pay the rent. There are so many implications to lying in a contract (I didn't even mention fraud), that its just not worth the risk.

I'm sorry, I really don't mean to be mean (I hope I don't seem mean ) or scary, I just think its important to understand how it could impact you. I really hope you can find a safe place in a good area of town that will allow your dog. If you're a student the campus may also have housing resources. Good luck! I know you'll find the perfect place. And sorry for the novel.

Be that as it may, that does not make it excusable to blatantly lie and act like the rules don't apply to you. Your dog looks like a sibe, not any of the other breeds mentioned and anyone who knows what a sibe looks like will be able to tell. And what will you do when asked to prove your dog is not a sibe but rather a Tamaskan or Eskimo dog? What documentation will you have to present? I should think any and all paperwork regarding your dog whether registration papers, adoption papers, vet records, etc will have your dog listed as a Siberian husky.

I totally agree with Val, its called 'bad faith'. This is not a 'your word, against their word' situation. And you're not just lying to an employee of a faceless corporation (not that that would be okay either), but you're lying in writing on a contract. You are putting your name and reputation on the line. When you sign the contract you are saying that all information stated is true to the best of your knowledge. If you lie, its considered perjury, you don't want that in your past (think of future employers), even if you think no one would ever find out, stuff like this follows you. Again, I'm not a lawyer. Only my

http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/the-consequences-of-providing-false-information-on-your-rental-application.html

Val had some great advice. I'm going through the same thing right now, and it's very frustrating. One place even had poodles on their restricted breed list? Crazy.

All I can do though, is keep looking. I'm expanding my search to houses and condos for rent, but if I can't find anything I'll stay where I am.

Even if you hate where you live, it's probably better than the money you could possibly lose if you got tangled up in some kind of legal mess.

I would look on Craigslist or people that are renting out apartments instead of going with corporate complexes. Those tend to be more strict and will not bend the rules for anyone. At least with an individual landlord they can make exceptions. I am not sure where your located, or I could do a search on apartments.com or something. I found myself looking at apartments and there were several that allowed Huskies, but some of them had restrictions on size.

I know what you mean though, I think it is crap that they ban Huskies. I recently found out that the Homeowner’s Association for the townhouse that I bought over a year ago has Husky on the list of breeds that are banned, and I don’t even rent! I didn’t know this until after I purchased it because they never gave me a list of rules, but if they ever ask I will just tell them that they are Malamutes since they are not on the list.

How is what your plan is any different than what my plan is? You would be lying if they asked, just like I would.

I hate to lie and I wish I could just be honest. Honesty is always the best policy. But I am stuck between a rock and a hard place here. I can't explain how frustrating it is, since my dog is so well behaved.

Actually, the apartment complex I live in now has them on a restricted list, but don't enforce it. I walk by the manager all the time and she always pets my dog and has never said anything about him being a husky.

I looked into renting a house, but in that area, there are almost none for rent, they're only for sale.

Your plan is not much different than mine. The only difference is I already live here and they have never said anything before, but if it came down to it I would not get rid of my dog for the stupid HOA people. They are not even on site, their office is 30-45 minutes away.

I am not suggesting one way or another to try to get into an apartment that has them on their banned breeds. My first priority would be my dogs.

Like I said, I would try craigslist. You might not find a house for rent, but many people have apartments that are not in a complex, like a house converted to apartments or a duplex.

Myself, if my HOA says something about my dogs, I will tell them they are Malamutes, but it’s up to them whether they believe me, or if they decide to fine me or whatever, but honestly I couldn’t care what they do, because I wouldn’t get rid of them. And I own my place so they can’t evict me.

I guess the situation is different since you own your place. I would never get rid of my husky for someones stupid list. I guess I just have to keep looking. It's just so frustrating

Oh, I get it believe me! I can see how frustrating it is. I think that you should not be able to ban any breeds at all. It depends on the individual dog.

If you want to ban breeds, I say ban Chihuahuas because they bite more people than any other breed!

Have you considered moving to a different state? Illinois has some loose laws about dogs in apartments (except for Pitt bulls & Rottweilers) I know that is impractical, but it might be worth it, especially if you have no other options in your area. The leasing agent for my new apartment near Chicago was actually happy for me that I'm getting husky puppy.
A more attainable option would be to get a Canine Good citizen certificate for your dog and show it to potential landlords.
An even more attainable option would be to stay where you are now on a month to month lease until you find another landlord that doesn't care about ban lists as long as the dog is not aggressive.

I would move, but I am a student and I am kind of stuck where I am for right now. I have thought about it, though. I know in Michigan, they can't discriminate dogs by breed. I live in Virginia right now. Seems like the grass is always greener on the other side.

Where are you looking to move?

Mallory, where in Virginia do you live exactly? Maybe that might help people give you more helpful suggestions. I just cannot fathom that there are absolutely no options available to you unless you live way out in the middle of nowhere. How wide is your search perimeter and what tools are you using to search? Back when we had looked for a house to rent we used a realtor and pets was part of our search criteria. As I've said before, you'll need to be flexible and willing to travel...I know people who drive 2 hours one way to and from their home and work to put themselves in the best possible position for whatever their needs are. I'm not saying that will be the case for you but ultimately it comes down to sacrifices and what you are willing to do (and I don't mean lying) to make things work for your safety and ability to keep your dog.

Many of us have been where you are in trying to find a rental that will take our dogs. You're not the first or the last to deal with it, and we've all managed something without stooping to dishonesty. We all understand that you're frustrated but you're preaching to the choir here. I've said it before and I'll say it again, keep looking, expand your search perimeter and housing options. There IS something out there that will work. Maybe it won't happen as soon as you'd like (considering you mentioned you'd like to move out in a couple months, is there a particular reason why 2 months is the magic number?) but it will happen if you keep your options open and keep looking. Don't get discouraged, we've been there and done that and we've done it, you can too if you try hard enough.

2 months is the magic number because that's when my lease for where I am right now is up. I will figure something out. I know its hard for many dog owners, and they all figure it out one way or another, and I can, too.

I don't mean to preach to the choir. Sorry.

Mallory, where in VA are you? There are plenty of members on here that are in VA that maybe able to give you suggestions or even know of a place?

No need to apologize, we feel the same way as you do about huskies on restricted breed lists. But no matter how much we disagree with or gripe about it, it's not going to change because those lists are based on bite statistics, not whether the majority of a breed is dangerous or not.

Keep your chin up, you WILL find something.

If you care to share what city you're looking at it might help you get better recommendations from members. That's entirely up to you though.

Have you looked into townhouses, that is where we found relief?
Look for something that has more of a house look... brownstone,condo townhouse duplex.
Also try the looking on craglist or similar rent w a person versus a corporation.
Keep trying.
One last selection would be try for a larger place w a roomate the larger the place the less there is a size restriction.
Keep trying.

Well I currently live in Richmond, but that's what I'm trying to get out of. It's not super safe and being a girl living by herself who is only 18, I would rather be in an area that I feel safe in. The area that I'm mostly looking at is Mechanicsville.

I'm currently in a similar situation. There's plenty of places around here that allow dogs, but none of the "aggressive," aka popular, breeds. I've found a lot of places with HUGE fenced in yards that don't even allow dogs at all, which I think is stupid lol

It must be that time of year! I'm in the same boat. I'm starting the hunt and am not happy with the results. I was hoping to be able to talk to management at least to see if pet interviews could get me through, but it's the insurance that's stopping them from even doing that.

I just don't understand why they're allowed to discriminate between breeds. It's racism for dogs >=[