What's A Good Breed?

Question

I live in an apartment, and am generally not home on weekdays for a period of about 11 hours. I've owned dogs for most of my life, and prefer larger breeds, such as German Shepherds and Black Labs. When home, I would spend a good amount of time playing with the dog, and would walk/run with the dog for 30-45 minutes every day in the AM. I like a dog that is good with kids, as my kids are with me a few nights a week. I also would obviously need a dog that would be "OK" being alone for the day during the workweek and would not get into trouble during that idle time.

Is there a breed that fits well with what I'm looking for?

Answer 1

Retired racing greyhounds are a very low-energy breed that do well in apartments and in working families. Greyhounds are sprinters, so they sleep 18-20 hours per day. They *can* be very playful but don't have the 24/7 energy of a breed like a lab. Training one into your lifestyle should not be difficult. They will learn to expend all their energy when you are around and sleep the rest of the day away. Retired racers have been well socialised all their lives so will naturally look to humans (even small ones) as their pack leaders. I have never met a grey who wasn't accepting of kids and most of the ones I know genuinely love kids. The only one of your requirements that a retired racer does not fit is running for 30-45 minutes a day. Greys are sprinters - they are bred to run 550 yards in 30 seconds or less. They can be trained to jog with their owners but it does take some time to teach them not to run full out and time also to build up their stamina. If you are interested in more information on the breed, or to find a local adoption group in your area go to http://www.greyhoundpets.org

Answer 2

whatever breed you get will need trained and many would not be suitable. A *trained* BC could do it but you need to be there (or have someone else there) to train...starting with a puppy will not be good. Ditto for some of the other breeds. Some of the spaniels might work well and would be small enough for an apartment. They're usually good with kids. But expecting them to be alone without training might be more than is possible...maybe. A bored dog is a troublemaker. If they have toys and such - and a crate - but training would still be an issue.

Liking a big dog and being able to have one is two different things...most apartments will not let in anything over 25 pounds. I found it impossible to find an apartment - in several states/locations - with a border collie, and a small BC at that.

Answer 3

If you want a bigger dog I would suggest a lab black ,chocolate ,or golden retreiver they are all good with kids and pretty mild mannered. Also good family defenders. If you were to consider maybe a medium size then i'd suggest a cocker spaniel I just got one for my son's b-day (he's 2) and this pup will let my son ruff house with him. My son is big on giving hugs to my dogs .. my pomeranian would prefer not getting the hugs but the cocker doesn't mind a bit.

but please do find someone to check on your dog and let him/her out while you are gone for 11 hrs.

Answer 4

Well I have a little chihuahua, and although people say they aren't good with kids, mine is and loves them to death. She never barks, so that sits well with the neighbors, and she also spends alot of time alone in my apartment. She was easy to train and only goes pottie on her puppy pads. However, I really don't think there is one specific breed to go with, it really depends on the dog itself and its personality. You should just pick out a dog you like and see how it goes, and hopefully it works out. If not, you can try to find it a good home and try again. I don't think there is any ONE breed that always behaves and is ALWAYS good with children. use your instincts. And get a chihuahua ;)

Answer 5

Eleven hours home alone is much too long for a dog to be in an apartment alone. If you hire a dog-walker or someone is there with him/her for a couple hours while your gone it will work out. A dog that has to hold their bowels that long will have intestinal problems and severe depression.

Answer 6

Boxer's are the best. They are very loyal and sweet dogs. They are also great with kids. I've had 3 of them and wouldn't want any other kind. They are very loving dogs. The one I have now, Lucy Lou, she doesn't even realize she's a dog. I honestly think she believes she's human!!

Answer 7

I would call your vet and ask them which big dog has a good temperament and also doesn't need a lot of activity since you live in an apartment. Vets always know best so choose the one that best suits your lifestyle

Answer 8

I recently adopted a Viszla...very good tempered dog..and I work 12 hour nights..awesome with my children ages 5 and 3 as well..

Answer 9

you should wait until you wont leave it alone 11 hours at a streach. no dog wants to be alone that long. can you hold your pee and such for 11 hours?? come on . your not ready.

Answer 10

Since you are a big dog lover like me i would suggest border collies or labradors. I have a choco lab named Java and when we are gone she just chills and she loves kids.