What type of dog should I get?

Question

I was thinking an Italian Greyhound, a Miniature Pinscher, or a Daschund, for an idea. I want a small dog, not one of those that you carry around all over the place, but you can still pick up. Short hair is preferred. I like the look of the streamlined head of the Greyhound and the Pinscher. Like a mini hell hound.

And it also had to be under 35 pounds because of the apartment complex's rules.

Answer 1

Consider the needs of the breeds you are interested in. The IG may not be the best choice if you are in an apartment - only advising this as several breeders told me that the balcony could pose a hazard if they were to try to jump over it.

Min pins can be noisy and bosy. Barking may not be the best thing in an apartment.

I love dachshunds! I have worked with them, and the only thing I can think of at the moment is stairs (if they are prone to back problems, especially as they age, stairs could be an issue).

Why not try finding breeders online, and asking them if they feel that their breed would suit your lifestyle. You need to consider many things: how often you are home, can your dog run around outside everyday, do you have stairs or an elevator, how quiet is your building, are there children in the building, do you have a lot of company over, do you sleep in late, stay out late, party a lot, etc. Go over these things with a breeder and get their opinion. Keep in mind that they are biased of course, but most only want the best possible home for their pets.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It depends on your lifestyle, look at what breed would suit it. Look to the reason the breed was brought into existence to predict what characteristics it will have. Daschunds were used to hunt burrowing animals. You have to keep their claws clipped, they were designed to dig & many are indeed diggers.....you yard, your couch, whatever.
Greyhounds are an exception. An old racer will not want to run anymore, they're pretty much run out.
As an example, Dalmations love to run, you would have a hard time keeping one in a city yard. The breed was developed to run under carriages. Dogs have always loved to chace vehicles driving by. That was the same when they were drawn by horses. The Dalmation would protect the horses of his carriage, that's why they're firehouse dogs. Fire ingines were drawn by horses, so there was a Dalmation at every fire house, to protect the horses on the way to a fire. They had ot be runners!
I have a Wiemereiner. They were bred to hunt large game in Germany. They are extremely protective of their masters. Mine won't let any man or large dog near me w/out giving him a strong warning & watching him the entire time. Good dog to have as I travel alone in my motorhome. But, they don't do well being left alone for long periods of time. We call them a Velcro dog, because they will stick as close as possible to their owner. You wouldn't want a dog like that if you work long hours.

So, for the breeds that you are considering.... look at what the breed was developed for. What charactictics would make the dog good for that purpose? Don't just look at coloring! many people get Wiemies because of their cool coloring, then dump them after they just get too much to handle. Don't get a digger if you're not going to be around. Bored diggers.... dig. Terriors tend to be very smart. A bored, smart dog is a distructive dog!

Answer 3

Hi, I'm a veterinary technician and I just wanted to give you a quick heads up about Jack Russel Terriers, they are not very good apartment dogs. Many Jacks wind up in rescue organizations because people think they are the perfect apartment dog. Don't let their small size fool you, they require a ton of activity and they like to have space. I think any of the dogs you mentioned would be great choices. I hope that helps a little.

Answer 4

I own and breed American Pit Bull Terriers. The standard for the Pit Bull (female) is only 45 to 55 lbs. They are not a fatty type dog and are short hair. They are very good in agility and weight pull comps. They have alot of energy so that would need to taken into concideration on your part. Here take a look here- http://www.freewebs.com/hometownkennel/ There is information as well as other links for you to take a look at and do some research. :)

Answer 5

I just 5 months ago got an apt dog. It was a daschund I have two of them they have a great personality are small in size and fit well in an apt. I love the dashund they come in nine different colors...even blue! I have a black and tan piebald myself. I'll send ya a picture of mine later.

Answer 6

I love the min pins. great little dogs but they are barkers. i have a miniature dachshund she is the love of my life she goes to work with me every day. i work for a vet. both of these dogs would be great the Italian Greyhounds are a little fragile. and both the doxie and min pins can be biters.

Answer 7

the Italian greyhound have high energy so they need lots of exercise..Daschunds are yappy ..I have westies 14 -16 pounds not yappy they do shed but their other qualities more than make up for the hair ...

Answer 8

A toy chihuahua with a smooth coat are very low maintenance pet. Plus, their very loyal too. But, take your time finding your perfect dog for your lifestyle.

Check out your local animal shelter too.

Answer 9

the dog you should get depends on your personality and your schedule if you don't have time for a dog right now then you shouldn't get one... and if you get a puppy make sure your well knoweldged about the dog and the training... alot of people aren't and thats is why dogs are left at the pound because of behavioral problems.....

Answer 10

why not try a Boston Terrier or a Jack russel terrier. Both are great lil dogs and they are very loyal and energetic.