I would like to get a dog in the near future. I need a dog that will be adaptable to apartment living. I am also looking for a dog that would enjoy going on jogs and whatnot, but is not overly active. Would prefer a medium sized dog...any ideas?
2006-07-25 08:25:44 · 22 answers · asked by ? 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
you will need an "inside" dog, a border collie needs
TONS of space to run and "herd", a border collie also needs constant attention or they get bored very easily and will become destructive.
Go to your local pet shelter, they will find the best fit for you and you'll save a life.
Shelter and rescued dogs make the best pets.
2006-07-25 08:29:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Although there are probably many fine dogs in a shelter, I would not get a dog from one.
Except perhaps, if it has been fostered and the people who fostered it can give you the information you need about the dog.
I have not had success from shelters. They seldom know anything about the dogs habits or problems. And I have seen them not be able to identify the breed.
For instance, I got a Doberman from them and discovered it was a hard keeper. If they have a history of running, it's very difficult to keep them home. The shelter got her back. I was not able to handle a dog at the time with that sort of problem.
I've had several Dobies before, that I got from individuals. Only one had a history of running. I couldn't stop her either, but I got her from people who neglected her, so I anticipated problems.
I have a white Siberian Husky, that my kids found in the alley behind our house. The shelter identified her as a Spitz, solely based on her size. She doesn't look anything like a Spitz and has none of the characteristics of a Spitz.
All my research and the vet identified her as a white Siberian Husky. She's just small. Maybe she was a runt.
If they couldn't identify her (I think she was an easy one) how can they possibly identify mixed breeds.
I wonder how many of the dogs that the shelter adopts out, end up back at the shelter.
Getting a dog from an individual would probably be the best, That's been my best luck with dogs. They can tell you the dogs strengths, but especially the dogs weaknesses. All dogs have weaknesses, but they need to be ones you can live with.
I would think a Yorkie would not be big enough to keep up with you if you run. I would check that out. But I've heard they are a fine dog.
Boarder collies are a herd dog. I would check that out too. Might not be the best for an apartment.
I would think Dachshunds and Poodles would be to small to run with. Dachshunds have back problems and Poodles piddle when they get excited. And they are always excited.I had a medium size Poodle as a kid and my dad couldn't stand the piddling. And it was out doors. I can't imagine how nasty that would be in an apartment.
You will get a lot more advise. Do your research on the different breeds. And find some one who knows the dog as an individual. I really like the idea of a fostered dog if it's rescued. At least they can know the dog.
2006-07-25 17:09:18 · answer #2 · answered by donworybhapy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I concur with he idea stated by several already, to seek out a good animal shelter that has dogs i foster homes. These are usually 'no-kill' shelters. Many of them 'test' each dog, so know it's tendencies. They attempt to match the 'right people & situation' to the 'right dog'. This seems to work much better than adopting a dog from a situation where the main goal is to just place the dog, letting the people guess, often based on no real information or consideration at all regarding either the dog's background or the people's circumstances.
Another thing to consider are the breeds specific tendencies as to both health, temperament, & emotional needs. Some -in general- seem to show more adaptability in some areas than others. But most important is the individual dog's traits, history, & training (the latter which can overcome obstacles in the dog's history). Here are a series of short articles I think you'll enjoy, which might also contain some other suggestions for you to consider ...
Pets--How Do You View Them? :
~ Animals--A Gift From God
~ Pets—Keep a Balanced View of Them
~ Animals—A Pleasure Forever
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2004/2/22a/article_01.htm
Also, this is an interesting concept in helping quickly reunite 'registered' lost dogs with their owners, for free:
Fido Finder - Where Lost Dogs Are Found
http://www.fidofinder.com/
2006-07-26 08:08:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A miniature schnauzer is a perfect small to medium sized dog that would be very adaptable to aparment living. I had a schnauzer and they are great for company and walks. Also, they are active, but not overly active at all. My schnauzer loved to take naps as well as jogs! Read up on them a little to see if you think this breed is good for you.
Whichever breed you choose, make sure you know as much as you can about the breed before attempting to move in with your dog! lol
2006-07-25 15:34:25 · answer #4 · answered by thursday84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider a Greyhound. While they enjoy SOME activity, for the most part they are not very active. They are known to be good apartment dogs. Also it is easy to find one that is fully trained. Many rescue groups specialize in helping them. Look one up. They can help you decide. Also, as with any shelter/rescue dog you are saving a life. Nice bonus!
2006-07-25 15:30:49 · answer #5 · answered by danl747 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my suggestion is to get on Petsfinder.com and check out the dogs that are available from rescue groups in your area. Especially dogs that have been fostered in homes, as they will be able to accurately inform you as to the dogs activity level and what will or would not be a good home situation for it. I foster for a rescue group, and just last week adopted out a yellow lab that I have fostered for 2 months to a young couple in a small (800 sq ft) apartment. Now, most would say that is nuts to get that dog, but I knew Jake, and I knew he was really a couch potato who loved being indoors and that two decent walks a day would work just fine for him. He's not an old dog either, just 2 years old. You also benefit in getting a dog that is house trained and has some basic manners. If you contact a local rescue group, you can tell them what you are looking for in a dog, and they will keep you in mind if they get one that meets your requirements. You can also contact your local Petsmart, as they work with rescue groups who adopt their dogs in to loving homes. So, that is my suggestion - don't concentrate on a particular breed of dog, but the temperment, and personality of the dog its self.
2006-07-25 15:31:57 · answer #6 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not get a border collie or a lab. Go to your nearest SPCA and adopt a small to medium sized dog. They would be able to help you get the dog that's right for you and an apartment.
2006-07-25 15:33:27 · answer #7 · answered by jleidy51 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go to your animal shelter.. You will most likely find a adaptable dog because there are so many that are given up or abandoned which leads them to be put to sleep:( I think that it would be a good thing if you saved a dog... The dog will love you forever for that.
2006-07-25 15:40:53 · answer #8 · answered by Katie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dachsund is a great inside dog that is active when you want to be, but is just as happy being lazy. A miniture only gets to around 10 pounds give or take a few depending on how they eat, mine is about 13 pounds and isn't overweight and he is great with children which is a plus though he wasn't raised around kids he just naturally loves them.
2006-07-25 15:58:59 · answer #9 · answered by brandymcclain23 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a lhasa apso... http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=lhasa%20apso%20pictures&rs=1&gos=3&ei=UTF-8&fr=slv8-msgr&fr2=tab-web they do really well home alone and in small spaces... they start out tiny, but end up medium sized. I think they're the best dog ever. Best wishes
2006-07-25 15:28:39 · answer #10 · answered by colorist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋