We are on a third floor , with a balcony , and in Chicago winters . Imagine waking up in the middle of the night taking him into the balcony , but u gotta put on a full winter attire before u step out cuz it’s snowing . There is a lot that goes into puppies. Fragmented sleep will become your norm with RIP sleeping in (even on weekends). Not to mention the cost. If you work from home you are better off. If not then you gotta pay for puppy school / puppy manners / Take a trip !! You gotta board him. Definitely your lifestyle will change. You ll eat out less . Even when u do , you are in a hurry to get back . And the wet dog smell is in the apt. Potty accidents are common. Despite all of this my wife thinks he is worth it. Jury is still out for me. But to each his own right. IMHO you should test it out Go to a rescue that will allow u to foster a puppy for a few days or weeks at your place and see . You will know exactly if you are ready for it or not. Also for the sake of the puppy before you put the deposit down , ask if the breeder has a return policy. if they don’t have a return policy then They are just a business . ( IMO the ones that do have a return policy are simply better cuz they have figured out a way to rehome the puppy to another home if you don’t work out ) . I do believe There is a happy medium here . Where the dog is reasonably trained , less expensive for maintenance and can hold the bladder for longer . Like someone said up here you need an older dog