Does anyone have any dog breed suggestions for me?

Question

I live in a small apartment in a busy metropolitian. I'm looking for a small low-energy dog that doesn't require a lot of maintenence. It is necessary that the dog doesn't bark excessively. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Answer 1

Sheesh - a border collie is a high-energy, highly intelligent breed which is bred to work all day and not get tired. Definitely not suitable. A basset hound is one of the stubbornest and hardest breeds to train, and being a hound it has a very loud bark.

Whippets are very well suited for apartment life as long as they get to run free on grass twice a day. They don't require long walks as they are sprinters. They are very quiet and loving by nature and like to curl up on a chair and snooze more than anything.

Pugs are also a good choice if you want a cutesy dog. They are not too bright, so they don't get bored easily, and their exercise requirements are minimal. They are very playful and loving dogs.

I would avoid pomeranians, shelties, yorkies and chihuahuas as they are all rather highly strung and tend to be irritatingly yappy. I'm sure someone will now respond and tell me about their perfect little dog who never ever barks, but this is the exception rather than the rule in these breeds.

Answer 2

Definitely an English Bulldog. They are great for apartment living and are quite lazy, lol. Ours actually hides when she see's her leash. Many neighbours are surprised that we even have a dog because they never hear her bark. She's also super affectionate and great with our kids. You can do a search for English Bulldog Rescues also, or maybe contact some reputable Breeders, who will let you visit where they are raised and will give you references. Sometimes they also have older Bullies who they are going to retire from breeding, which may be good for you, then you don't have to go through house training a puppy and they are more mellow, with the occasional burst of energy, lol.
Getting an English Bulldog was the best decision we ever made as I researched for 8 months before getiing our dog, as it's a very big commitment. Good luck in your search and I hope you find the right dog for you. ;)

Answer 3

are you kidding me !! a border collie is the last dog you want to get living in an apartment . They are working dogs they belong in an environment that they can burn the immense amount of energy they have !!! A small breed dog like a Pomeranian or a Pekingese or Chihuahua . There are other small breed dogs if you don't like the fluffy frilly dogs as well . From experience you do not need a border collie in an apartment . Trust me I had 2 of them and I lived on an acre and they made me crazy because they were bored .

Answer 4

Yorkies are high maintenence. I have two. You have to brush their hair daily so it doesn't get matted or knotty. They do bark a lot. They are rated excellent watch dogs but of course low guard dogs because of their size. They bark at every noise they hear. Mine run around the house for exercise...I don't walk them.

Maybe a pug would be a good option. They have short hair so there would not be a lot of brushing. Not sure about the barking though, but if you need a quite dog I wouldn't suggest a Yorkie. They are very loving but wild!!!

Answer 5

A RESCUE MUTT. SAVE a NICE TEMPERED DOGGIE FROM THE GAS CHAMBER. MOST SHELTERS CAN GIVE YOU INFO ON THE TEMPERAMENT AND SOME ALLOW A TRIAL RUN ADOPTION.
SOME VERY SMALL DOGS CAN BE LITTER TRAINED TOO. BUT MAKE SURE YOU HAVE TIME FOR AN ANIMAL THEY ARE AS MUCH WORK AS A CHILD EVEN THE LOW MAINTENANCE ONES. AND good, decent care is not cheap.
it sounds like maybe you'd like a set of hamsters or chinchillas or something caged better?.. they are still cute and can play with you..
good idea to discuss the realities of training and ownership and appropriateness of the situation with the shelter or rescue or a vet or good pet store before you make up your mind..
good luck!

Answer 6

I have 2, My personal favorite which I have 2 of right now are Chessapeake Bay Retrievers. They are wonderful dogs, they are smart, loving, and playful dogs.They get along with everyone and are very easy to train. There is a breeder that you can access at www.lakeshorekennels.com Also Golden Retrievers are great dogs. They are loving, smart, but they are kind of lazy. They love to get up on your lap and try to get you to pet them. They are a little bit lower maintnence than Chessapeake Bay Retrievers also. I had one for 9 years but passes away 4 years ago because of a tumor in his ear. You can access a breeder at www.lvgoldens.com Also there is a way that you can have a vet do surgery on your dog, and touch it's voice box this does not hurt the dog it only lowers it's tone of bark. Niether dogs bark a lot though

Answer 7

You definitely do NOT want a Chesapeake Bay Retriever - they are 60+ pounds driven, high energy, intelligent dogs - great dogs but NOT for your situation.
You might want to look at the breed clubs for min pins (mini pinscers). Also maybe maltese - they are usually a little more mellow than the other small dogs.
Please do NOT get a retriever of any sort - way too much energy!

Answer 8

Small dogs are usually pretty yappy. All dogs want attention and will act out if they don't get it, especially if you're gone all day at a job. They will bark, chew, poop, and do all kinds of irritaing things if they don't get enough attention. They need lots of long walks too, to be happy.

You might want to get a dog who is a few years old already and trained. Watch for ads in the paper for people who can't have their dog any longer or go to the pound and observe the dogs there.

Take your time and do your research.

Answer 9

Why not try a maltese terrier or shihtzu, they do require to be brushed but they are pretty relaxed dogs. I have one and she hardly barks at all. Make sure you do some really good research contact your local rescue homes as they are pretty good with that kind of advise. Just let it be known though that any dog requires plenty of attention, maintenance is essential with any pet. Have you thought about a cat instead of a dog?

Answer 10

My cousin has a Bichon Frise. They are small, don't bark (at least hers doesn't), doesn't shed. However, they may be high energy. You might want to check into that. Or how about a Yorkie? They have teacup Yorkies. I don't know about their energy level, but I would think if you get a pup or really young dog, the dog is going to be energetic.