I want a puppy, never had one what kind shoud I get?

Question

I have an apt. and wanna get a pet never had one. I know I want a puppy. I hot all year around here. It needs to be independent, friendly and like affection please advise. Oh and small to medium in size.

Answer 1

Some dogs do very well in apartments. Toy breeds, especially, are more than suitable for apt living.

Do NOT buy from a pet shop as these dogs tend to come from puppy mills. Also, I don't recommend buying from a backyard breeder (someone who bred their dog to some dog down the street just to have puppies and make money). Reputable breeders and rescuing are the best choices.

With puppies, you tend to get what you pay for. Buying a puppy that is a bit pricier from a good breeder is usually better than buying a cheaper dog from somebody who bred their dog to the other dog down the street just to have puppies or make a little money. Reputable breeders know what they're doing and have experience in the breed and they probably show their dogs and take better care of them. And if you do get a cheap dog from a some puppy mill or backyard breeder, you may end up spending tons and tons of money for vet bills because you have a very sick and genetically inferior puppy.

They have some dog breed tests to help you decide what breed of dog is best for your type of lifestyle. For example, if you live in an apartment, you certainly do not want a rottie or a an american bulldog. Basically, pick a breed of dog that is a lot like you. If you like to run, get a dog with enough energy to run with you. If you prefer to sit on the couch, surf the net, read, get a dog that would love to be relaxed and laid back with you.

Some dog breed selectors. This is a good way to look at some new breeds that you might not have thought of. I suggest you try these out and see if they come up with a breed you like.
http://www.purinaone.com/dogcare_breed_selector.asp
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do?clik=animal_leftnav
http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

If these pages arent popping up...then do a search for "dog breed selector" on yahoo. Seem to been having trouble with the pages.

Here's a great site to read some information about the breeds:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/purebred.htm...

And here they have dogs listed in categories. Look under "Apartment Life"
http://dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm

Find some books and do an online search for puppy care. Do searches online for reputable breeders. Or save a life at a rescue organization. If you rescue a dog, they will be forever grateful. Dogs are no dummies. They know when they have got it good, especially after going through their own version of "hell" and mistreatment and abandonment. You'd be an angel to adopt, and you will be the dog's world.


Do research before purchasing! And a good breeder will help you out and give you tons of useful information and show you the parents so you can see what kind of dog the puppy might turn out to be.

Some small breed suggestions:
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Bulldog (English, not American...Americans are big, high-energy dogs)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
Pomeranian
French Bulldog
Maltese
Poodle (comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes)
Miniature Schnauzer
Pekingnese
Japanese Chin
Pug
Yorkshire Terrier
Silky Terrier
Shih-tzu
West Highland Terrier
Dachshund (mini and standard)
etc

The list could go on. Just look through and research. There are many differences between these breeds. Look for characteristics you like and can live with. Don't just go for a dog because you like the way it looks. Look at common health problems! For example, pugs are prone to breathing problems so you want to make sure that the puppy's parents, grandparents, and so on had minimal breathing problems and such. Also, do not get a puppy if it hides behind a couch and is shy...this could lead to a neurotic, shy, maybe even a biting dog. Look at the parents and see how their personalities are. You don't want a neurotic dog.

Also, do NOT buy into the whole "teacup" thing. It is just a marketing gimmick from terrible breeders (who breed bad puppies) to get you to pay A LOT of money for a not-so-great puppy. If you hear a "breeder" say "teacup," RUN AWAY no matter how cute the pups are. No one can guarantee the size of the pup. Please be smart, and don't buy into this. Here is the official statement from the Chihuahua Club of America concerning the so-called "teacups"
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/teacup.htm

Here's some site to help you:
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/tchoose.html
http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/vme/DrSue/picking.html
http://www.thepetprofessor.com/articles/article.aspx?id=67

There's lots of info on the net. And get some books. Books will come in handy when you have an emergency and don't know what to do, like if your dog has a hypoglycemic attack.

Good luck on your new pup (or adult dog). Dogs are so wonderful and they're a lot of work. Their loyalty is incomparable. Oh, and since you don't have experiences with pets, take puppy classes when you get your dog. You'll learn how to train your dog. Training is so very important. If you want to email me then feel free to do so. [e-mail]

Happy puppy searching...(it's lots of fun!)

Answer 2

I don't think you should consider a dog in an apartment. They need fresh air and excercise - ideally a yard to run in.
And what do you mean by 'independent?' Dogs must have an owner who will be around a LOT. You cannot and should not leave a dog unattended for hours - they are very like children.
You'd be better off to get a cat. They are very independent and give love and affection and can be a great deal of fun. All they need is food, water/milk and a litter box. They can be left for days with no bad effects.

Answer 3

You can go to www.puppyfind.com and do a search of all breeds in medium size and choose the best you like and then browse for the puppy you want. It has pictures of them, owner contact info, temperment... Everything.

Answer 4

Rat Terriers are my favorite. They love cats and kids. They are small and friendly. I love them. I breed them so I can give you more information than this. They are lap dogs and are so cute you can just squeeze them and hug them.

I think you should get any kind of terrier. I love them. I've had every terrier breed and they were all nice except for my Yorkshire Terrier who was a little bi*ch and I hated her. Don't get a Yorkie whatever you do. For more dog information on terrier go to the website below.

Answer 5

Don't get a puppy if you live in an apartment without consulting a vet. The vet will be able to tell you which breeds are most suitable for apartment life, and will adapt to your living conditions.

Answer 6

http://www.puppyfind.com
this is the best to find puppies there are 3 questions in the left hand corner at the top just say what u want and they give some different breeds of dogs

Answer 7

Shih-tzu are adorable and tend to live a long time! Maltese's are the cutest when puppies. Teacup yorkies are very cute but don't live that long

Answer 8

Don't buy a puppy, adopt one!
There is so many precious doggies that DO need a home...You can help them!
Check www.petfinder.com

Answer 9

if you want a pure bred puppy, boxers are great, i also have pound puppy who has been my best friend since i got her!!! pound puppies are very awesome!!! they know you saved them and will never stop repaying you!

Answer 10

I suggest a shih tzu, chuhaihua, beagle