My roommate and I want to get a dog. What breed should we look for?

Question

We have a small apartment, no lawn, and we both work full time, but we don't really like many small (yippie) dogs.

Answer 1

Retired racing greyhounds do well in apartments. Contrary to popular belief they need very little excersise - they are sprinters. They have short bursts of energy and then sleep. Because of this they earned the nickname "the 45mph couch potato". Overall they can sleep from 18-20 hours per day. They do enjoy running but don't need to do it daily (really they can't do it everyday). Two short leash walks per day can provide them all the excersise they need, plus several other trips outside for potty breaks. If you are interested in more information go to http://www.greyhoundpets.org

Oh and it is very rare for greyhounds to bark, certainly not 'yippie' at all ;)

Answer 2

In my view, your current situation is no place for a dog. Yes, you can have a dog while working full time, though it is a lot of extra work to ensure that they get enough time and attention from you at all other times to make up for being gone all day. But working full time AND having a small apartment AND no yard? Get a cat.

But the whole big dog/small dog thing is sort of a fallacy. Some large breed dogs are major couch potatoes. Some small breeds are hyperactive terrors who don't come equipped with an "off" switch. And some the opposite. Some small breeds are quite calm and not at all yippy and some large breeds act like they've been fed nothing but caffeine and sugar their entire lives.

If you MUST get a dog, I'd recomend an older (over 4 years old) dog who has already lived in a home and been trained, and who's personality is already well-known and established. If you both work full time, there's no way you can handle a puppy or an untrained dog.

Just, ask yourselves one thing: If your best friend/boy/girlfriend calls you at work and asks you to meet him/her after work for a super fun fantastic night out, would you willingly say, "No, I'm sorry, but I've been at work all day and I need to get home to spend time with my dog. Maybe this weekend."

Answer 3

If you have a small apartment I would recommend a small dog, but labs aren't small and yippie. There are small dogs that don't have very annoying barks. Don't get a Pomeranian, most of them yip a lot, but if you get a book on breeds or search the internet you will probably find something. Oh, by the way if you want a small dog that is not yippy, you should probably get an adult dog.

Answer 4

Before you even think of getting a dog you will need to dicuss a few things first. If the friendship disolves who will take the dog. If you have never had a dog find out what you are getting into, mess, distruction, noise, etc. Who is paying for the care of the dog and who is taking care of it. After you have done the research of what to expect when owning a dog you will need to figure out what breeds of dog will suit your lifestyle. If you are not an active person then you don't want a breed who requires a ton of exercise daily. Do you mind hair everywhere, if not look for one that doesn't shed.
Whatever you decide on breeds be prepared to take this dog to training. You can get headed in the right direction from a questionaire about choosing a breed on the akc or ckc websites.

As for having no yard, whatever breed you choose you will need to do all of your washroom breaks on a short walk and you will need to do all exercise outside on a walk or in a park. This is not really a bad thing because it forces you to properly exercise your dog. Some people with yards don't offer their dog enough exercise because they think they get enough on their own but in fact get very little.
About small "yappy" dogs, they are only that way because they were never socialized and trained properly. They are not toys and should not be carried everywhere and they do need exercise like any other dog. If you treat these little ones like the dogs they are then they wouldn't be yappy. (proper training and socializing)

Answer 5

If you have no lawn and a small apartment, I would recommend a small dog. It's not fair nor right to have a large dog or a dog that needs alot of excersise when you don't have the time or space for it. Small dogs can easily adapt to environments like that, though alot can be yappy. Still, breeds like Yorkshire terriers, papillons, and toy/mini poodles would be perfect for you. If you really want a dog, think of it before you put it in your home.

I have heard of Great Danes living happily in apartments though. It may have been a large one..

Answer 6

Dogs are great but you will be glad you waited until you can get a place with a yard. I had a dog in an apartment and had to potty train him while living on the 3rd floor...it sucked. I had to run down the stairs in the middle of the night and he barked and tore the place up when i was at work. The landlord was mad and I had to move out. If you are willing to do it, thats up to you...but I think its best to wait. Good luck!1

Answer 7

well, you might want to take the fact of your location into consideration. Your going to have to train the dog, if you don't have a yard, that's going to be a pain to take him for a walk everytime he has to go. And if neither of you are there all day to watch him, he probably won't get the time and attention he needs, you really need to think about these things before you get a dog.

Answer 8

The best dog is a mixed breed. They have fewer health issues and they are cheaper and there are plenty out there. Check with a local rescue. Or try petfinders.org - We found our dog Luna on there and she is a Shepherd/Lab and is wonderful.

Answer 9

depends on the house you live in if the house or apartment is small go for a little dog and if the house or apartment is big then go for a big dog

Answer 10

most dogs need lot's of attention and a lawn to run in so it's better if you get a cat