Im a single guy living in an apartment and be away at work 9-5. I am thinking of adopting a dog. which breed would fit that lifestyle? Also, I would be a first time pet owner - so probably a breed thats more friendly and doesnt need much experience.
2006-09-30 17:18:02 · 20 answers · asked by Debauchari 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
How about a Rat Terrier, they are so cute and lovable.
2006-09-30 17:21:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might consider adopting a retired racing greyhound. As many others have said, you really need to adopt an older dog who's bladder and temperment will keep your apartment safe while you are at work. Greyhounds usually retire between 2-5 years old. They may not have been in a house situation (if so they may not be housetrained)but they will be crate trained. Greyhounds are natural sprinters - they have been nicknamed 'the 45mph' couch potato because they can sleep 18-20 hours per day. They have low energy needs and do very well getting the majority (or all) of their excersise from leash walking. Two more benefits for apartment living are that greys do not secrete as much oil through their skin as other breeds so they don't smell and they are usually very quiet and almost never bark. There are a lot more benefits to owning a retired racer, but they also have some special requirements too. If you are interested in more information check out http://www.greyhoundpets.org , http://www.greytalk.com or feel free to e-mail me.
2006-10-01 06:02:04 · answer #2 · answered by Greyt-mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a Pug. Smart dogs, loyal and small size is apartment perfect. Plus they don't look very girly, being that you're a guy and a Pomeranian might not be your style.
You don't want a breed which wants to be outside a lot due to the lack of backyard. So sporty dogs would not be a good choice unless you run everyday to wear down their energy level. Beware that Terriers of most kinds are barkers, so you will need to work with a terrier puppy to make sure you neighbors don't complain.
Look at the AKC website and do some research. I foster for a rescue/adoption group, and the biggest reason we get dogs is owner give up due to the wrong dog type for their lifestyle. It's heartbreaking for dog and owner. I want to see happy dogs and owners. Good luck!
2006-10-01 00:34:40 · answer #3 · answered by BuffyFromGP 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are not home from 9-5 then i would suggest getting an older dog. it is very hard to housebreak a puppy when you are not home. also you can look into having a friend come let the dog out or hiring a dog walker.
as far as breeds go..many can fit into an apartment life. i would not suggest labs, huskies, dalmation, any herding breed. some large breeds do good. st bernards, great pyrnenese, greyhounds, GSD's, great danes, pit bulls are all pretty mellow dogs and would do good in an apartment life. also smaller breed dogs..i would stay away from terriers...they can be a bit on the hyper side. yorkies, maltese, chi's, shih tzu's, and alot of other small breed dogs. i would definantly recomend crate training..that way you know the dog is not getting into trouble while you are at work. check out some local rescue groups, breed specific rescues or your local dog pounds. also petfinder.com has lots of dogs that need good homes.
2006-10-01 00:48:20 · answer #4 · answered by ARMYWIFE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about the breed - think temperament! If you're thinking about adopting (which is great!), the term "breed" really doesn't mean anything (other than general appearance). You want a confident, friendly, easy-going, reliable, calm individual. Avoid the adorable puppies at your local shelter - with adult dogs, what you see is what you get, and they absolutely will bond with you.
One great way to find a pet would be to visit local adoption events and find a rescue volunteer who will guide you all the way from selection to ownership and beyond. Let them know your needs, your concerns, and your basic preferences (coat type, size, etc.).
Even better would be to start volunteering at a local shelter or rescue. Get to know the animals, be familiar with them, and get used to their behaviours: take them on outings, teach them tricks, and let them spend time in your apartment. This will simulate ownership for you. The next step could be fostering (temporarily caring for a homeless dog). If you take these preliminary steps, you will (a) save many lives and (b) become 100% sure of exactly what type of pet you can and cannot handle!
Good luck!
P.S.
I just read a couple of the other posts - it is NOT cruel to offer your love and apartment to a homeless dog! It is NOT cruel to keep a St. Bernard or other large dog in an apartment 9-5 (again, temperament says surprisingly more than size here). If you're willing to be a responsible owner, those dogs DO need you! Just start out small, please - volunteering first, adoption later would be perfect. And I don't mean "start out small" by trying things out with a smaller, less pocket-consuming critter (hamsters have feelings just like dogs anyway, for goodness sake!).
2006-10-01 00:39:05 · answer #5 · answered by audreyannlow 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are alot of small dogs that would be ok for apartment living. I wouldn't suggest large for sure. But no matter what you get, you have to understand that they need plenty of walks and attention. You may want to consider that you will really have to be diligent about potty training and regular walks if you plan to have the dog be alone for that many hours in a day without access to outdoors to relieve itself.
With that in mind, Daschunds have a good calm temperment....IMO. I had one in an apartment that was very good being by herself for the day while I worked. They're an active dog but usually easily trained. I'm a large breed person though so other than suggesting a Daschund, I can't think of any other small breed that would be good considering time away. Maybe a French Bull dog.
2006-10-01 00:27:11 · answer #6 · answered by Ginger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a dog owner of many years and having to move into an apartment recently, I speak from experience. There are no dogs for which an apartment is really, genuinely appropriate. It is cruel and unkind, especially if like me, you live by yourself. Dogs are social creatures who respond best in packs. They thrive on human company and the company of others dogs. Despite what many breeders and people will tell you there is no such thing as a dog breed suitable for an apartment. Certainly there are placid dogs who don't need tons of room to run and will put up with being in an apartment however they don't really have a choice now do they?
I have had to give up my dogs so that they can have a happy, healthy and fulfilling life in a house with a garden. If you really crave a pet and as a first time, get a hamster, birds or fish. I have had all of these as well. Ferrets are apparently good too or if you must, a cat. Do not get a dog!
2006-10-01 00:25:39 · answer #7 · answered by bugboy 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sounds like it might be better to start off with a cat.
Dogs require so much attention, walks, taking out for potty, play time, etc. But if you really want on in an apt, which is hard, I would opt for a very small breed of dog.
A cat might be a better choice for your situation. Cats only need 15 mins of attention per day and is fine otherwise. Bowl of food, water and some toys and you are done.
Single male, 37, self employed....I'd love to have a dog too but just not able to due to the work load of a dog. But have had cats for the past 20 yrs and have worked out great as compainionship. Just get their claws declawed or you will buy new furniture real soon.
Which ever way you go, save a pet over buying one. Hit up the local shelters, SPCA, even www.petfinder.com.
2006-10-01 00:22:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
a small dog would do best in an apartment. not a larger breed that needs more room and a yard to play in. also it would be unfair to a dog to leave it alone all day. they like human attention and will get bored, lonely or possibly destructive if left alone for such long periods. maybe start off with a different pet that is easier to care for such as a cat or lizard or something and see how that works out before adopting a dog.
2006-10-01 00:53:24 · answer #9 · answered by ProposedColt21 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not put yourself and the dog through that ordeal, doesn't matter which breed. The fact that you live in an apartment and that you will never be there (practically) will drive the dog to destruction (of your property) causing you to be in conflict with the dog - what about the poo, cause you will not be able to let it out during the day? Bad idea!
Rather get yourself a cat or wait till you move into an house with a yard.
2006-10-01 00:32:53 · answer #10 · answered by lew_lewisje 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well since u r in an apartment, a st. bernard wouldnt b any good. a small dog would b fine...not 2 mention grls love small dogs (hint hint)!!!!! maybe a chihuahua or dachsund...even a yorkie, but those puppies hav 2 b groomed daily. and u mite not have time 4 grooming evry day. if a purebred is 2 expensive, check out the animal shelter. u only hav 2 pay a small adoption fee and these dogs come filled with lots of love and playfullness. since u r a first-timer in an apartment, ask to see the older small dogs. u wont hav 2 worry about teething or finding little 'presents' evrywhere. i got one of my dogs from a shelter and he is sooooooooooo wonderful!!!! but i got my other dog from a breeder and she is great, 2!!!! so i am not saying one is bettr than the othr. go with what your heart tells you and good luck with your new poochie!!!!
2006-10-01 00:24:12 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋