What breed is for me?

Question

I am a single 35 year old male living in a small apartment in Dallas. I understand greyhounds are very lazy and run around for about 20 minutes then sleep all the time. I want a lazy dog. Maybe an italian greyhound? They say pets have a calming effect on owners. Seems valid to me.

And it would not be hard to have an exit strategy with a fine dog like that, am I wrong?

Answer 1

It sounds to me as though what you really need is a dog with the personality of a cat - maybe even one which uses the litter tray. That calls for a fairly intelligent little guy, and since it's for an apartment, ideally one that's a bit cleaner than your average dog, and doesn't lose as much hair. My tip to you would be the Shizu. It's smallish dog from japan or originally China I think, unusually intelligent, but mellow, and doesn't lose hair at all (also makes it low allergenics - can be a plus).

Answer 2

I disagree about the breed being lazy. Why do you think they race them. All large thin dogs are very energetic. You need something like a lab, or a collie or something like that if you must have a large dog. But, I think a small apartment deserves a small dog because even the bigger lazier breeds as puppies are not lazy, they are puppies just the same and their waste is large and gets larger as they grow. You really need to make sure you don't take more than you are willing to handle. It's the first 2 yrs. that are the hardest, they learn and you train during that period and they calm down a lot during that time. I lost a large mixed breed dog that I had for 14 yrs. health reasons, and someone gave me a little terrier mix, small but very wired up. I had to find him a home. I now have a 2 yr old Schnauzer who is a teenmager. He's about 15 lbs. has energy but is able to get exercise in the house with toys and chasing a ball and things like that plus I have a fenced in yard. I find he is at the best stage. I enjoy him sooo much and he isn't too big to handle or too wired up either. So, maybe go to the no-kill animal shelter in your area and see what they have. Mixed breeds are the best. You'll be surprised at how many full bred dogs people have to give up because they didn't think it out or for other reasons. They will also be able to point you in the direction of the perfect dog for you, you'll be helping the dog and not giving money to a puppy mill or a breeder. I think we should take care of what's here first, they are all precious. Good luck whatever you do.

Answer 3

Many greyhounds are very happy to live in an apartment, the big ones as well as the little ones. The big greyhounds tend to be far lazier than the little ones, and make great companions, as long as you commit to a 20 minute walk every day. You can also do a dog a great service by adopting a retired racer from the track. There is a wonderful book called "Adopting a Retired Racing Greyhound" that gives you information about this. You can also find a lot of info on the web.

Answer 4

I have 3 greyhounds and while it's true that they are extremely quiet in the house, they are far, far from lazy. You definitely can't just let them run around for 20 minutes either. It's never safe to let a greyhound off the leash unless he's in a securely fenced area. Greyhounds need a fenced yard and no rescue group will let you adopt a greyhound if you don't have one (and yes, they do home checks). Furthermore, no dog who's by himself is going to run around like a maniac for 20 minutes and exercise himself. They need a really good walk every day. Italian greyhounds are quite hyper, like most toy breeds, and they too need walks.

Pets do definitely have a calming effect on owners, providing you have the right dog for you.

Answer 5

All dogs have a calming effect on people but you have to think of the time you will have for the dog. Dogs need to be walk and as far as i know Greyhounds have alot of energy and would take a lot of time so make sure you have it or don't get a dog.

Answer 6

Italian greyhounds have a completely different behaviors then a Greyhound, they are much more energetic and hyper.

My suggestion is to go to local shelters and find a dog there. Though some breeds have certain characteristics, not every dog sticks to those, and you don't know what kind of dog you'll end up with.

Answer 7

Do NOT get an Italian Greyhound. They are hyper, harder to house break, and can easily break legs jumping off of furniture.

I used to have retired racing greyhounds from a rescue, and they make excellent pets!

We call 'em 40mph couch potatoes!!!!

You would not be disappointed rescuing a greyhound. They need martingale collars, so check out the ones you can get done at http://www.collarmania.com

http://www.libertydogtraining.com

Answer 8

Well if you live in an apartment a greyhound probably wouldn't be the best... you could always go with a smaller lazy dog that loves to sit on your lap and sleep in your bed with you... like a yorkie, minature poodle, or a dachshund...

Answer 9

I recommend you buy a Shih Tzu. They are toy dogs, and they do not require a lot of exercise. My dog is a true couch potato. She hates going on long walks and she rather take a car ride. Also, she loves spending time with me. This breed is known for being stubborn. However, I train my dog to do many tricks for food. My Shih Tzu uses a litter box. What I like most about my Shih Tzu is that she is independent and she can entertain herself with toys when I am busy.

Answer 10

will u have time to walk a dog cause u would need to if the dog is going to live in a small apart no matter how lazy the was.