I'm thinking about getting a dog, but I'm not sure which breed to get.?

Question

My boyfriend and I already have two cats. He wants a dog too. The dog must be a black dog. We live in a pretty good sized apartment. He doesn't want an "ankle biter" and we can't take care of a large breed. Which breed of dog would be best considering these details?

I'm not trying to choose a dog based solely on it's colot. It's just that our cats are black, we wear dark clothes, and our furniture is dark colored. Having a black dog would just be easier. I'm more focused on the right breed.

I'm not worried about the dog shedding. I know that animals shed. Remember, we have two cats. It's just that the dark fur would be more "camouflaged" on dark clothing and furniture.

Answer 1

You need to consider your lifestyle. How often are you home? Are you active or is your boyfriend active? Do you like the outdoors? Dogs have very large time commitments and remember the one very important thing - they are pack animals and would consider you and your boyfriend part of their pack. If you leave them alone for long peroids of time they will get bored and most likely destructive. I use to live in an apartment with a Great Dane and he only needed 1/2 hr. walk twice a day to be happy. A big myth is the bigger the dog, the bigger the space it needs when depending on the breed the exact opposite is true. You might want to start at a shelter to find the right "breed". Many times mixed breeds with the type of personality you are looking for is your best bet. I adopted a 2 yr old. husky/shepard from the Humane Society and he has been one of the best dogs I have ever had. His energy level is medium, he loves everyone and is good with my other dog (another Great Dane) and three cats. The great thing about the shelter is you don't find them, they find you. If your heart is set on a specific breed my suggestion is to research breeds that appeal to you to find out if the charateristics of that breed matches your personality and lifestyle. There are hundreds of breeds so I'm sure you will find one that fits you perfectly (the internet is great for this!). Be sure to also research breeders to make sure their dogs are healthy and free of any genetic problems that are common to certain breeds. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Go to the local animal shelter. It will be your cheapest and best option. Here is why... You will be getting dogs that are already potty trained, you can pick out the black ones, and you can pick out the exact size and temperment you want. You can't do that with new litters of puppies. The most important thing though is that you have to be willing to let this dog be part of the family (not kept outside all day) and you HAVE to be willing to take it for decent or better sized walks every day. People give away animals all the time saying they're too high energy when they fail to realize all the dog needs is a nice long walk.
Good Luck and I hope you make the right decision!

Answer 3

I really don't have an answer for you....but I just wanted to let you know that getting a black dog if you have dark furniture and prefer dark clothes is a VERY wise idea. We have two beagles....GREAT dogs, but our comforter is a mess with all the white hairs and I have retired most of my beloved black fleece. When people come to our house wearing black they leave covered in white hair...it is kind of embarrassing. Stick to your guns on the black thing...there are plenty of good dogs out there that are black.

Answer 4

If you are concerned about the dog being to large, shedding, and are looking for a very friendly/great temperment dog my suggestion would be a Bichon Frise. They are white dogs but they do not shed and are also hypo-allergenic. We have a daughter that is allergic to animal hair and dander. Their hair is more like human hair and it needs to be cut. We purchased Penny, our bichon, a little over a year ago. She is the most wonderful dog we have ever had. She was easily trained. Loves to sit on your lap for you to pet, is not very hyper at all. She gets along well with other animals large and small and is great with my 7 month old niece. She is so good that we are considering training her to be a therapy dog to take to hospitals and nursing homes. She has been a great addition to our family. She just loves people and other animals!!!!! Check into a bichon. I do not think you will be sorry.

Check www.akc.org for bichons or www.bichon.org or search bichon's on wikipedia

Answer 5

Lab's are the best around other pets. You might think they are a large dog, but they seam to only grow up as big as their space. I live in a trailer, and he's not that bad. Try getting one from the pound please, to many unwanted pets. You might want some kind of Scottie, their small. Make sure you really want a dog, don't just tie it up outside and forget about it. They are pack animals and need company. Take it out for walks, and play with it! Have fun with your dog! When no one else is around, he will aways be there for you.

Answer 6

I have a Min Pin, that I love granted she is small, but she gets along great with other animals, and she is great with kids and I never find dog hair anywhere. She is high energy though, so I don't know if apartment life would suit that particular breed.

Answer 7

HeyThere! I have a cockapoo (cocker spaniel and poodle mix) and is great with my cats! Cockapoos or another poodle mix may work for you guys. Mine is well tempered, about 12 pounds but fluffy so looks bigger, he is gentle with the cats and is not a big dog but is not too foo-foo either!LOL! Also poodle mixes like the cockapoo you can find in a range of shades including black and they don't shed so great for clothes and allergies. Good luck with your search!

Answer 8

think about your lifestyle, its pointless you having a large dog that needs lots of walking if your not up for doing it but you know all this already, think about neighbours aswell as a yappy dog could start alot of problems, theres alot to think about that no one even realises then the worst thing happens when the cant carry on, they give it away which isnt fair on the dog. sit down and put pen to paper with all the things youll be able to do for it and what you couldnt do then start looking on 'tinternet' for breeds which could fit in your lifestyle

Answer 9

labs are great dogs!
super friendly
some dogs you have to train and give alot of attention to make them good dogs (like pitbulls)
but labs are well mannered by themself
very smart and loyal
you would want a black labrador

here is some info on them

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labrador.htm

but if you dont want a pure breed (cause they can cost alot)
muts are always goood to
and you can find one that is black
most dogs are great god exept for little ones that seem to have anger/tempure problems

also if you get a mut(a mixed breed dog)
legally(atleast in cali) not sure where you live, but i think its everywhere, they cant charge you any money for the dog unless its a full bread. they can only charge you doctor bills(like shots the dog got, that you would have to get them, if they didnt do it, and nuter/spaying)
hope i helped!!

Answer 10

I say get a mutt. You can go on www.petfinder.com and see all the different breeds. I just adopted a small black lab terrier mix from there and i've never been happier!