I want a dog that is a great companion loyal and a good guard dog but it has to be able to live in a apartment

Question

i am open to any suggestions, i know pitbulls are not allowed in alot of apartment complexes along with rotties and dobers and other breed that would fit my need and description and be able to stay in a apartment. I like medium to large size dogs this dog is going to be left alone for 5 hours tops each day

Answer 1

It would depend on how large a breed you want to go. German Shepherds (depending on the bloodlines) can be extremely loyal and calm companions for the house, but if you do decide on one, make sure you have time for walks in the evenings so they can stretch their legs. Another big dog is actually believe or not, the Great Dane. They love nothing more then to be giant couch potatoes. Do some research by visiting the AKC or the CKC websites and click on their standards. Every dog has it's own purpose and temperament. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have a Mini Schnauzer and he's small (20 pounds) and a good watch dog. Since he's so small he's not a guard dog (won't attack an intruder) but he sure does let you know when someone's outside or if someone's a threat. They are a very loyal breed and very tidy because they don't shed. They require maintenance like grooming every 6-8 weeks but nothing too much. And I live in an apartment with mine. He gets a bit restless because they are a quite active indoor dog but I take him to the dog park and walk him many times a day to get some of that pent up energy out.

Answer 3

I have a rat terrier/jack russell mix. She is a wonderful companion. As far as a guard dog, she will let you know if someone is at the door before they have the opportunity to knock or ring the doorbell. I also live in an apartment, & she knows the people that live in our building, so she doesn't waste time by alerting us when they come home. She is not what I call a yappie dog, barking unneccassarily, but a wonderful dog to alert you when a stranger approaches.

She is also great inside during the day while at work. I taught her how to use a litter box. I don't have to worry about accidents while at work, & she doesn't have to stay in a crate for 10 hrs. But plenty of exercise is essential to maintain her good behavior.

Answer 4

Rottweilers and/or Shiloh Shepherds [however i feel all breeds are amazing companions and guard dogs but these two have to be to of my personal favorites.] I had a rottweiler [passed away at 10 years old past Halloween :'[ , she was my baby and was an AMAZING guard dog of both my house and our family. However we didn't socialize her as much as we should have when she was a puppy [big mistake on our part] and she literally only liked us and immediate family so we had to put her away whenever someone she didn't like came in. I seriously can not live without a rottweiler in my house. They're amazing companions. I cant wait to get another beauty. NOW i have a Shiloh Shepherd. They're cute and amazingly intelligent and are great guard dogs. They're like a German Shepherd but larger.

Answer 5

I have a small home and two male boxers they basically sleep all day while we are at work, they are extremely good with children. very playful and cuddly. They are intuitive to the needs of there people. When i am feeling low, they come to bed and sleep, but are ready to go for a run at the drop of a hat. They do bark when mail is delivered but i dont forsee that problem in an apartment. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

It all depends on what the rules are for your apartment complex. Where i live you are allowed to have 1 dog as dig as you want, and i know rotts are allowed here. I have an English mastiff mix and he is left alone for about 8.5 hrs, and he does pretty good. I know mastiff's are good, i don't really too much about bull mastiff's but i hear they are pretty good. I would also say German shep's are also good. what ever breed you decide on make sure you tons of research and either buy from a good breeder or try a rescue.

Answer 7

i personally dont consider small dogs as watch dogs.....and toy dogs are usually bred for showing and are dumb...all dogs are loyal to their owners...for ur requirement a labrador or a german shepherd is the perfect choice...why?? because they are medium size dogs with good temperment and they are very intelligent.....they are very good as gaurd dogs too....u can leave them at home for hours together without worry...i suggest u dont get a larger dog than these coz large dogs are meant to be in the open and need a lot of activity....they usually get depression as a mental problem....physically too large dogs are gr8ly affected.....the floor in the apartments are slippery and a large dog will develop arthritis and other hip joint problem....a lab or german shep is the best choice.....
hope that answers ur query and helps u make a decision.....cheerz

Answer 8

I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback. He is all you ask for - except mine is (for the breed) a tad cranky. I got him at age 8 months from a rescue shelter, and have no idea what he had been through but he has never fully recovered. Normally though, the RR is just what you seem to be looking for.

Answer 9

I suggest a German Shepherd. They are wonderful dogs (temperaments are great, smart, protective), and would fit about the size you're looking for. Good luck!

Answer 10

I live in a two bedroom apartment with an 85 pound male pit bull and we don't have any problems...Texas.