Looking for the right kind of dog...?

Question

Hey everyone I am thinking about getting a dog..first time owner...well I live in a one bedroom apt on the third floor so I want to make sure I can keep said dog happy so even though I would like a larger dog I know I should not get one. But what kind of dog do you think would sound right? Please I don't want a dog smaller than a gerbil so don't suggest one of those small fries. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hmmmm....Lets take the factors in order

You will want a happy, malleable temperment that is pretty trainable. For your first dog, it would make the experience more fun for both you and him if he isn't from a breed that has the top 'o the walk attitude towards his owner and during adolesence when given a command look at you and say "And who is going to make me? You and what army?"

Now, you didn't say whether this is an apartment building or a house divided into flats with a yard. If you have access to the yard, you can go with a little bigger dog. Wouldn't try some of the more active breeds if you don't have the yard and have to rely upon walks and jogs and romps.

A nice compromise is the medium sized (under 22 inches at the shoulder and under 50 lbs) breeds who have the heart and attitude of the bigger guys.

Now you are going to hear Goldens, Labs, Border Collies, and Australian Shepards a LOT. Aside from the fact that Goldens and Labs are large breeds (all though hard to tell these day since the over-breeding to meet popular demand is producing some weedy runts), they are all high energy and active dogs. Goldens and Labs are hunting dogs bred to go all day and are in what the AKC calls the Sporting Group. Border Collies and Australian Shepards are in the Herding Group and are bred to round up livestock all day long. Border Collies in particular never quit - they are the hyperactive obssessive compulsive of dogs - an obedience and agility competitors dream, and very exhausting as a pet even in a house with a huge yard.

As a side note, the more popular a breed, the more you have to be very careful in selecting a dog. For example, the current popular favorites of Goldens and Labs are sufferring from the effects of being loved too much by too many. Goldens now have the dubious distinction of being the No 1 breed in biting the vet because they are wimps about pain - and then there are the rampant health problems - hips, allergies, a cancer rate in the top 3.....(Love them to death but after 28 years of having them, I gave up because of the way the breed had deteriorated.) The poor Labs are having the same problems now - the hips, etc and I noticed the other day, that the temperment problems must be increasing when I saw the Lab National Breed Club had posted on its breed rescue page "Lab Rescue does not work with aggression. A dog that bites will not be brought into the program." Hmmm... now what brought that on, eh???

In the Sporting Group, the one who might be happy to kick back and live in a smaller space are the Cocker and the English Cocker. You may hear stories that start "Cockers can get nasty - when I was a kid..." Yep, back in the 60s the breed had some problems because they were as popular in the late 1940s and 1950s as Goldens and Labs are today. Once the rush of "gotta have one" ended, the serious breeders who cared about their breed went to work and salvaged the breed over the past 40 plus years..

http://www.akc.org/breeds/sporting_group.cfm

In the Hound Group, well, another high energy get-up-and-go bunch. Hounds were bred to run miles upon miles after game. We are talking out the door and does the road with you running after them. The two in that group who could settle into smaller spaces happily would be the Dachsund (who come in two sizes and 2 coat lengths) and the Bassett Hound (who does this WOO -WOO-WOO wail.) A Greyhound retired from racing makes a lovely pet - just never ever take them off leash outside and if you want to give them room to stretch their legs, use a long line made from 1/4 -3/8 inch soft nylon and a snap (hardwrare sstore for the stuff.)

http://www.akc.org/breeds/hound_group.cfm

The Working Group are most of all the BIG guys - Great Pyreenes, Mastiffs, Great Danes.......Nearly every dog in thei group is 100 lb or more. These are the breeds that were used for guarding,, herd guarding and sledding. Take a look - these are for the future when you have that big house and lots of land.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/working_group.cfm

Terriers have a boat load of personality - and the tenacious temperment to match. They do not give in or give up and adore chasing anything that moves. They were originally bred for chasing and killing vermin.. I would give the Airedales, Irich, Welsh and Lakelands a miss - big guys and not for the first time owner because of the "yeah, right. Not doing it, if I ignore you, you'll go away.) This group has a lot of smaller breeds - the size that hit you about 6-8 inches above your ankle: Australian, Cairns, Minature Schnauzers (can get very yappy) and several others. At least if they want to be stubborn, it won't be a wrestling match.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/terrier_group.cfm


In the Herding Group, the two breeds that could live in a 1 bedroom apartment happily would be the Shetland Sheepdog and the Corgi (Pembroke - short tail or Cardigan - long tail.) Highly trainable and happy dispositions. Both are short breeds who really were breed to do the big jobs. Corgis herded sheep, cattle and horses. Shelties herded sheep and goats.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/herding_group.cfm


Then there are the Non-sporting. In this group for a first time owner I do not recommend the American Eskimo, or Chow-chow as both can get a little nippy with approaching stangers. They originated as guarding breeds whose job was to alert to intruders rather than take them out. It still shows in their wariness. Dalmations - ah, the Dals - thick as two bricks, run forever if they get out.... I'm hard pressed to remember a Dal getting obedience titles at even the lowest level in my 43 years in AKC training and showing. The 4 breeds in this goup who are the BIG dog in a little package are the Boston Terrier, the Bulldog, Keeshond and Schipperke. The Bulldog rolls on with his bowlegged gait. Bostons, Keeshonds and Schips strut down the street with "oh ya, don't try me on" to passing dogs. All very loving and devoted breeds - we are talking velcroed to your side.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/non-sporting_group.cfm

Now a breed that you will hear mentioned a LOT is the Jack Russell - not yet AKC. Well....we are talking about non-stop yap, yap, yap from a perpetual motion machine. They were created in England to kill rats. Say Jack Russell to an obedience trainer and you will see them gulp, close their eyes and say a prayer and then say "well you realize that you can't expect much from a ...".

Now there are some huge breeds that will kick back - Wolfhounds etc. I wouldn't recommend it for a first-time owner to try to adapt to having one those big boys in a small space. In the large/giant breeds, one of the most common reasons for them going back to their breeder or landing in breed rescue is "I thought I could manage having one that big. I didn't realize how really HUGE they get or what it would be like!"

Now on each of these links I have given, click on the picture of the dog to read more about them. When you click on the picture of the dog and go to the page for that breed, on the left is a column. At the bottom of the column, is a link captioned "National Breed Club". Click on it - that takes you to the link to the National Club for that breed that sets the breed standards. The Clubs' websites will give you an ENORMOUS amount of information about the breed - the good, the bad, and the why or why not to get that breed. The clubs websites also have:
(1) a breeders list - all of whom have agreed to abide by the breeders code of ethics (which you can read)
(2) a link to the breed rescue for their breed

(You can get the rescue list for every breed from here: http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm )

(I wouldn't trust the AKC Breeder Classifieds. Anyone can put a dog in it - including backyard breeders who don't do all the exams and things, and puppy mill breeders who just haven't been caught and turned into the AKC yet.)

Do give serious thought to adopting from an adult from a breed rescue. The clubs' breed rescues go to a great deal of trouble to determine the dog's temperment, personality, likes and dislikes (particularly kids and cats and other dogs in the household), health, and level of training. They make a huge effort to match the right dog to the right home - and if they don't have one they think will be suitable for your home, they won't place it. Great way to avoid the puppy training, newpapers, chewing....... The breed rescues also take in dogs that are only part-breds on their breed so they have both purebreds and part-breds.

If you decide to get a puppy please use one of the breeders who are members of the breed club. A well-bred pet puppy may not be a candidate for the show ring (that nose being 1/8th of an inch to long or something else very picky) but they will be very healthy, the parents carefully screened for hereditary health problems, and from a breeder who has devoted a great deal of time to understanding the breed and bloodlines. A responsible breeder will have a written contract with a health guarantee for hereditary problems; require that if for any reason you ever have to give up the dog that it comes back to them; and always be available for help, assistance and advice about your dog. Such a breeder will tell you if they don't think their breed is right for you based upon your needs. They want a perfect forever home for the puppies - not the money. (In 43 years in the dog show world, I have never known a breeder of that caliber who has made a profit on their dogs - it is labor of love.)

A puppy from such a breeder costs no more - and often less - than from a backyard breeder who doesn't do the health checks, knows nothing about the breed or bloodlines, doesn't give a guarantee, never wants to hear about the puppy again and has breed from mediocre or poor quality dogs.

IF YOU TALK WITH BREEDERS OR BREED RESCUE ABOUT A BREED AND THEY TELL YOU THAT THE BREED IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUR SITUATION, BELIEVE THEM.


Now, educating yourself about the breeds is a very good thing even if you prefer to go to the nearest shelter and adopt a mixed breed in desperate need of a home. Once you understand the breeds, you will be able to interpet the meaning of "part foxhound/part mastiff" and what they ahlf-grown dog will mature into. Mixes can be GREAT pets just as much as the dog with the pedigree loaded with AKC championships. In fact, most dogs who have been abandoned at a shelter or breed rescue, after they feel safe and that you won't leave them, are even more intensely loyal and bonded to you than one who has had the perfect life. Please consider it.

Answer 2

I lived on the third floor in a one bed apartment and had a doberman pinscher. I walked about 4 times per day in the park across the street and ran with the dog. He did fine.
Many of hte larger breeds are more couch potato types and do not need that much space.
Greyhounds are one. The people who place the retired racing ones call them the 45 mile per hour couch potato. They love a good run but than are quite happy to gaurd your couch all the rest of the day.
Irish wolf hounds are like that too as are many great danes.
Before you get a dog look at www.akc.org and read the breed profile for the dog and maybe talk to a breeder or two and ask how they think the dog would do in your situation.
Many dogs do fine with several walks per day and can adapt to apartment living quite nicely.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Either get an older dog that is used to a smaller area..or prepare to do plenty of dog walking in the upcoming cold winter months. Some of the small dogs are real bad for apartments...such as Jack russells...because they are so high strung. If big dogs appeal to you, get a big dog with a laid back temperment. Older dogs that a family had for a year or so and had to part with are often much better...they have been housetrained...which is a big thing to have to undertake...especially for a first time pet owner. The are also usually over the chewing stage which is also a big thing to deal with. Go to the pound and see what appeals to you. Then if you see one...ask to play with it in a private room. See if it is real easily excited...more so than expected.. If it wants to romp around rather than have its belly rubbed...look some more. Also make sure to have the pet spayed or neutered. I personally believe mutts (mixed breeds) make the most friendly, easy to care for and fun to be with dogs.
Good luck. Be careful with your choice...its a commitment.

Answer 4

Aw, exciting! Okay, I can tell you from experience that there are certain dog breeds you'll do fine with in your little apartment, and certain breeds that will make you want to throw the dog out a window. You need a chill dog. Boston Terriers are small but chill, they're okay in little spaces and they aren't so tiny you'll kill 'em if you step on 'em. Greyhounds are big, but sleepy. Although they are incredibly fast, they like to lie around on the couch all day and they don't need lots of room or even exercise. Plus, the greyhound rescues are such great organizations, and you can just ride out there and see which dog likes you the best!

Have fun!

Answer 5

most of the hound breeds are quite lazy and enjoy nothing more than cuddling up on a rug or better still a sofa I have a friend who breeds irish wolf hounds,they must be the laziest dogs ever. if she say walkies they look at her as if to say "me not a chance"Jack Russels a big dogs in small dogs clothing, so would be worth looking into.many people are now taking on retired greyhounds, after learning how they are so often badly treated. I myself am now on my second one. they are very loving and quiet dogs. they spend much of the time that they are not sleeping, saying thank you for giving them a chance at a normal loving home life . good luck with your choice.

Answer 6

Sounds familiar! We live on the 3rd floor to so we were worried about potty training. But... it's all working out! I recommend a yorkie. We have 2 and they are both potty trained to potty on puppy pads for now. The next step is litter box training. Our dogs are both under 5 lbs and healthy and playful as can be. They hardIy ever bark. know just because ours worked for us doesn't mean thats what your looking for. Look on www.nextdaypets.com they can give you information on size and other important things you need to know. You can get bigger yorkies though. Best of luck!

Answer 7

You might want to look into getting a Lab. They are very intelligent and do well in apartments as long as you can take them out for exercise at least twice a day. I live in an apt on the 3rd floor and my yellow lab is great. I would check out petfinder.com or look in your newspaper in the classifieds. Good luck.

Answer 8

Golden Retreiver

Answer 9

Try a local animal shelter. They'll help you find one perfect for you, you won't spend a fortune on a purebred, you'll still get a great dog, and you'll be saving an animal! Please consider.
try http://www.petfinder.com

as for breed mixes or a purebred, try corgis, dachsunds, or any other small mix. beagles are small and cute but really hiper. books of dog breeds will help evaluate size needed for home and energy level of breeds.

Answer 10

Siberian huskies, really. Sometimes long-coated German shepherds or Shiloh shepherds can look rather wolf-ish, but the husky is about the closest-looking dog to their cousin, the wolf. They have many primitive characteristics, as well.

Answer 11

Congrats! I own an Old English Sheepdog lovable and hairy. He doesn't do much. he loves to go out side espaecally in the colder months. they don't shed but they do require work to keep them from getting matted. we keep him in a puppy cut and that helps. Hope you find some furry friend to love