What kind of dog should I get while living in an apt?

Question

My fiancee and I can't agree on the kind of dog to get. I want a smaller dog such as a mini yorkie. He thinks they are ugly. Any suggestions. Small dogs preferred.

Answer 1

You're right that a small breed is a good choice (both for the dog's interest and those of the neighbors below you), but just a breed is not enough to go on. Individual dogs' personalities vary.

Go to the shelter and see what's there. Let the adoption coordinator know that you're looking for a dog that will do well in an apartment. They can guide you to some good candidates, and then you can spend time with them and see if you hit it off.

Answer 2

One of the biggest misunderstandings is that size matters. Yes, smaller dogs like toys will fit into an apartment, but a greyhound that receives a walk in the morning and night - but camps out on the sofa the rest of the time will be just as happy.

The toy breeds are good for apartments. Some of the toys, like Chinese Cresteds can grow as big as 15 inches. So can the medium poodles.

Terriers are totally unsuitable for appartment living, even though they are small. Their energy level and difficulty training makes it too hard to slip in and out of the building unnoticed.

Long haired breeds are not a good choice. Most Apartments are on a central climate controlled system. These systems keep the people comfortable, but make the dogs shed constantly. Shedding must be cleaned up daily, or it might cause an unacceptable odour in an area as small as an appartment.

Also, you want to take into account the pooper scooper laws. No one wants to carry around the poop of a bull dog in a garbage bag.

Most important is the dog's guarding instinct. A breed that barks at intruders may bark at everyone walking down the hall. Instead, look for one of the breeds that do not raise the alarm.

This means that the non-sporting and toy breeds are best for appartment living.

Answer 3

I live in an apartment and I have a Pitbull Terrier. He gets his walks often but is quite content laying back on the home theater lounge or sleeping in his own bedroom on his own double bed. So really dont think that size matters. As long as you do the right thing by your dog feed them well, sufficient exercise, toys and plenty of loving I am sure your doggy will be happy no matter what size he/she is. I see these days as new estates are popping up around the place that the size of the backyards these days are no bigger than what an apartment would have to offer anyway. Go for a dog that will suit your personality !!!

Can I suggest you both go to a shelter and rescue a sweet dog and give them the blessing of a home they will love you for life.
Ps. I also think that maltese Shitzu terriers are pretty sweet little dogs if you are still concerned about big dogs.

Answer 4

Living in an apartment, you definately want to stay with a small breed dog. I wouldn't get too small of a dog if your not around a lot. Small breed dogs like to be underfoot and hate to be left along for long periods of time. This is where yapping and barking comes in to the picture when you have a small dog.

I currently own a yellow lab and a Rat Terrier. Its the Rat Terrier that I would recommend. Ours will only get to be 10lbs as an adult and she is wonderful. Easy to potty train, very protective, but at the same time a real lover. She loves to sit in your lap and play. Go to Puppyfinders.com and look up Rat Terriers. It will give pictures and all the information on the breed. Grooming is next to nothing too. She barely sheds.

Good luck on your pet decision.

Answer 5

Most people would tell you to get a small dog, but I don't agree.
Most small dogs are 'very' hyper and need constant attention.
They also tend to get bored much sooner than a large dog does>
I have had both when I lived in Apts, and from my own experience
I'd definately go with a larger breed.
I had two small terriers and they tore my place apart when I left for work every day. (never had them at the same time.)
I got rid of them and adopted a dalmation from our city pound.
He was a wonderful dog, great protector, very playful, but
'NEVER' did any distructive things while i was gone.
He got out one day and hit by a car (he died).
I got another lab-mix from the pound and I still have her eight years later. She never tore anything up either.
Give a larger dog a try, you'll be glad you did..

Answer 6

A cocker spaniel cross maltese poodle are the cutes, nicest, best-bahaved dogs you'll get, very friendly and love companionship. I know, I had one.

But do you really think you should have a dog in an appartment, left alone ALL day, in an enclosed space, with no-one to play with. What happens when you get tired of talking him/her for walks 2-3 times a day! Don't get a dog till you move into a house with a big yard and kids to play with.

It should be illegal to leave an animal in a house all day.

Answer 7

You should get a small dog because if your apartment complex charges a pet fee, a bigger dog will cost a bunch!

But I agree with your husband, yorkies are not cute. Sorry, every rich sorority daddy's girls have them at my school. It gets old.
I personally love the Pomeranian and the miniature dachshund

Answer 8

A West Highland White Terrier or "Westie"

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/fun/postcards/breedpostcards/Dogs/westie.jpg

Answer 9

Yorkie-they don't shed and they are a little dog that thinks they are BIG, at least mine did. I wouldn't get the tea cup size though-one that gets to be 6-7 pounds is best.

Answer 10

fox terriers are great dogs and not many people have them anymore. they are good for people with allergies too. basenjis are great but really too smart for their own good. you need to crate them if you aren't watching them. they don't bark so they won't bother the neighbors. italian greyhounds are pretty neat small dogs. i think your boyfriend is going to object to anything that could have bows tied on its head at the groomers. guys don't want to have to walk dogs like yorkies around the block.