Dog breed suggestions?

Question

I love dogs. I am single male the lives in a large apartment. There is plenty of play area in my apartment complex in around it. I want a smart dog the likes to do tricks because I like training them. I also would like the dog to be low key so that it will do its own thing. A dog that doesnt need my attention all the time. Any information will help. Thanks.

Answer 1

i would highly recommend a lab. they are fiercely loyal, incredibly smart and easily trained. they spend lots of time laying around sleeping, but will become energetic the moment that you want them to. they are independent yet playful and adapt very well to apartment life.

whatever breed you pick, enjoy your new friend!

Answer 2

Rather than answering this question the way that several others have done, I am going to give some different advice. I suggest that you go to the pet store or the local book store and pick up a book called Perfect Match. This book gives lots of good information so that you can make an informed decision on what breed works for you. It gives things like health clearances, temperament, train ability, protectiveness, shedding and other information that you will need about any breed of dog that you are interested in. It covers most all the breeds large, medium or small. I suggest that if you are serious about getting a dog that you take a look at this book. My husband and I bought this book five years ago when we were trying to decide what dog to get. The book led us to the Boston Terrier and it is the perfect breed for us, that does not mean that would be the perfect breed for you. Good luck in your search to find your perfect match.

Answer 3

Whatever breed you choose, please be sure to learn all you can about the breed BEFORE bringing your new companion home. Read the books at pet stores, read breed websites, talk to owners and breeders.

Adopt an older dog (1 yr +) from a breed rescue or shelter - they require a lot less attention than a puppy. Most breeds have rescue organizations, you can give a wonderful doggie the chance for a wonderful life.

My concern is that you want a dog that doesn't want a lot of attention and can do his own thing. That isn't what dogs are. Your canine companion should be a part of your family and your life. He should receive no less attention than you would attend to any member of your family, living with you. Do NOT get a dog if you do not have 1) the time 2) the energy 3) THE HEART to dedicate to him.

Kudos to Skier girl. Good reply.

Answer 4

I don't know all breeds, but think you are in a dilemma. You want a smart dog that does tricks - that means a smart dog. That smart dog needs to be mentally challenged every day, and most likely physically challenged too. Border collie is a great trick dog - but they have HUGE amounts of energy aside from being very smart. No smart 'trick dog' will "do it's own thing" unless you give it a farm to tear up.

So my question to you is - why do you want a "trick dog" yet don't want to be bothered in its life, because you want a dog that is "low key...will do its own thing...doesn't need my attention..."

Dogs that learn the "cool" tricks are active and require LOTS of attention and work. They have high energy levels. Dogs desire to learn and pay attention and they obey based on energy level. An apartment is great, but are you willing to put forth the 2+ hours a day exercising the dog?

Finding a dog that matches your needs is great. I think your needs might be mutually exclusive, however.

Answer 5

I might suggest a boxer. They can be slightly hyper, but they are very smart and take to training very well. The space you have in your apartment and around the complex would be enough for them. My family has a boxer right now and she is alone all throughout the day and does just fine. They have tons of personality and are great if you don't think you want a small dog, but don't have enough room for a huge dog. There are also many boxer rescue groups located around the country where you can adopt a boxer that needs a home.

Answer 6

I would suggest a Labrador. their the cutest and most loyal dog; at least i think so. Also because they love learning new tricks. But i would suggest you get a puppy if you want to train it. Although it may want your attention most of the time. Just saying. Oh and you really should NEVER have a dog in an apartment; they love being outdoors playing around. Get a cat instead and try to train it. It might work :)

Answer 7

Then get a cat. I have never seen a dog that did not want attention I have three dachshunds, and they are small dogs, great for an apartment, but they love attention. All the dogs I have seen do, unless you want a blood hound. They look very laxy, and seem to do their own thing.

You can even train cats, and now they are animals that will do their own thing, want attention when they want it, and can even snub their nose at you.

But I love my dogs and wouldn't give them up for anything. They sleep with me, and curl up in my lap. they love to play, can teach them tricks, but any dog if you practice long enough, will do tricks.

There a small poodles, beagels, bassitt hounds, Jack russells, pugs, pom, chihuahua's, yorkie's, shih tzu's, miniature schnauzer's, maltese, minature collies, wipet, and there are others, but right now I can't think of anymore or what they are called.

But any dog will want attention. They want love, and if you think you can get a dog, and not give it attention, your wrong. Because they will creep into your heart, and you won't be able to resist the puppies loveable face, and their big eyes.

I hope this helps you out some. And I wasn't hollering at you, if you think I was. It is just dogs are a loveable creature, and like any one they wat love. I hope you have luck finding one, and let us know if you do and what kind you got. Have a nice night.

Answer 8

Don't get a Pug because they are people dogs and like your attention. Also, Pugs do not do well in the heat so you will have to take that into account especially if you live where it's hot. I have had four Pugs so I kind of know what I'm talking about. You should do some research on dogs. Some of the dogs suggested do need a lot of exercise. Are you able to take the dog for a walk every day if necessary; think about your lifestyle.

Answer 9

Since you live in an apartment, there will be minimal times that the dog can go run. All dogs need attention...they are about the equivalent of a 2-4 year old kid. Cats are more like teenagers. They don't need that much attention and you don't have to let them out to use the bathroom. You want a "smart dog that like to do tricks". Well....just about any dog is capable of learning to sit, stay, lay down, but since you said that you don't want to give it your attention all the time, that says you don't want to be bothered with the dog unless it's your idea and on your terms. Sounds to me like you haven't had a dog before. To get a dog to learn tricks takes time, patients, effort, and ALOT of attention. They take working with them over and over to get the results that you want. Because a dog has an overwhelming desire to please it's owner, they will be willing to do whatever you want. But if they are left to "do their own thing" chances are even greater that you will get a result that isn't so desireable. Such as tearing up you shoes, furniture, getting in the trash, whatever just to get the attention that it needs from you. I think to just get a dog to teach it tricks, but only when you want is selfish of you and irresponsible. If you just HAVE to have a pet.....get a cat. You can train them to fetch, walk on a leash, or pretty much whatever a dog can do. Plus, they don't have to be in your face all the time. They get love and affection when they want and do their own thing the rest of the time....you only need to provide the litter box, food, and some toys and scratching post to keep them occupied.

Answer 10

For one a dog needs your attention all the time where a cat doesn't, but you cant train cats too well, so I suggest my favorite dog an American Pit Bull Terrier. I own 5 of them and breed them too. They caught a bad rep because of bad owners. They are very smart but some can be alittle hard headed. My dogs all know tricks from sit to crawl. Select a pup that is alittle older so you can see its temperment. They can be anywhere from hyper to calm. There are also some great books out there too.

Answer 11

American Bull Dogs -- not pits, not English Bull dogs, but a real live American bull dog. Crazy smart -- you can teach them anything. My dog knows right from left. They are also very loyal, have extremely solid behaviors and stable personalities. Very protective of their own people. Great apartment dwellers. They're not small, yappy dogs that cry and whine for your attention but they are very loveable. Have a life span of 16 years+. Generally very healthy and easy to take care of. Also super fantastic for families.

These dogs can top out at over 120 pounds at full maturity and can pull 300 times their body weight -- 3,000 pounds.

I stress, though, they are very protective, so if the maintenance man needs to come fix the dishwasher, whatever, make sure your dog is in the other room because his instinct will be to protect you.

Here's a link for some photos and information -- these dogs are great!

http://www.bybeesambulls.com/

Good luck!

Rebecca
http://www.ipowergrfx.com