which breed of dog?

Question

Which breed of dog would be compatiable with living in an apartment, with young children and small animals. I've been researching it and can't decided whilch one fits the description. My chihuahuah is very grouchy and doesn't get along with anything so I want something that isn't big enough to eat him.

Answer 1

English Bulldog...good companionship.

Answer 2

Hi!

You may try going to your local animal shelter or humane society and looking for a small dog there that might need a home. They do have purebreds and mixes of all types so you may get lucky and find a dog who is meant to be with you.

And dont worry about something eating your chihuahua. The chihuahua at my house lives with 3 dachshunds, a 25lb miniature Australian Shpherd and a 60lb australian shepherd. she thinks she runs the show and has yet to be swallowed by any of the bigger dogs. =]

oh, and another small dog you may look into would be a yorkie.
dachshunds are going to be too vocal for an apartment and if you live on the 2nd floor, thats alot of going up and down stairs for a breed that is prone to back problems

Answer 3

I saw a book on line that was all about dogs and the size of accommodation. What suited best.

LOL about the chihuahua. They do tend to have a rather dour personality at times. Like small men, small dogs have a point to prove regarding size! I always told my daughters it is as easy too fall in love with a tall man as a short man and that short men tend to bite more often out of a need to prove themselves. The same holds for dogs. A big dog rarely barks, little ones need to prove that they are big nassy old wolves despite their size!

My friend has a bichon frisse/shitzu cross and it has a delightful personality. Billie is small and cute and very brilliant. Her life is built around scampering and just being adorable. Her mission in life is to make people smile. But she does need grooming which is not always top priority when there are children to care for. They are light and happy creatures and bring joy with them. They are also very smart. I have yet to see any dog take Billie seriously enough to nip. She just makes everyone laugh.

Another delightful dog is the Havanese. All dogs need several daily walks even if they are apartment pets. You are wise to keep it small with smaller dogs.

Ahhhh I was looking for this link for you. This book might hold the answers you seek.

Everything Small Dogs Book: Choose the Perfect Dog to Fit Your Living Space
by Kathy Salzberg - 2005 - 304 pages

Good luck.

Answer 4

Go to the shelter and ask them about that:) I am sure that they have a dog there that you could get and even save their life!!
Just about any dog can live in an apartment:)
I have 2 puppies both 6 months old one is a German Rottweiler and the other is an American Pitbull Terrier:)
Small dogs arent the best for small children seein how they always have tempers... Like I said go to the shelter take you kid and if they let you take the other dog and see how they interact with each other:)
I say a big dog:) as lonf as they are friendly with other animals they wont eat your Chiuhaua:)
GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 5

There are a lot of dog breeds that are suitable for apartments and kids. A few of them would be Pomeranian, terriers, Papillon, Pekingese, Pug, Schnauzer. Look up Toy and Miniature breeds on the Internet. They will give you descriptions and traits.

Answer 6

I would recommend visiting an animal shelter. Most shelters have observed the behavior of dogs and know which ones get along with other dogs and are suitable for certain living situations. One of my favorites is the Shiba Inu. They are very devoted to the handler and independant. They would be apt to leave the other dog alone and devote his attention more to you. They are a medium sized dog but still small enough for an appartment. Basenji's are great dogs too. Also independant until social bonds are met. And of course the Basset Hound. They are rather lazy but affectionate but you have to frequently clean their ears.

Answer 7

Well I have a Maltese and she is just the sweetest. However with any dog you have to make sure your children will know how to treat it. (No pulling on the tail!) I have grew up with a mixed maltese and he was always the sweetest. My old puppy is still alive and when my 2 year old sister decided she wanted to pull his tail he did growl and then snapped at her but he didn't bite her...more of a warning. The maltese have pretty hair but does not shed very much and they don't get too big. Tallest I have seen is to your knee....if that. You can alos look up the yorkishire puppies they are small as well. Well good luck!

Answer 8

Several people I know have recently decided on Maltese dogs for their apartments.

However, I give my vote for the Rat Terrier. I had one until he passed away and, while I love all the dogs I've ever owned equally, my Rattie had to be one of the most entertaining, loving, and obedient dog I've ever owned or worked with. I will add though, that some of his litter mates that went to other families ended up kind of yippie. Mine always barked like a normal dog.

Answer 9

Your Chihuahuah is probably going to be alpha over a bigger dog anyway.

I watch 3 dogs; german shepherd, huge black lab and chichuahuah. Who do you think is alpha over the other dogs? The chihuahuah is!

You also, have to control this behavior and not let your chihuahuah not be so controling.

Check with your area rescues and see what they have to offer:
http://www.mypetnanny.info/pd/index.htm

Answer 10

You can try the Rat Terrier. I had two "grouchy" chihuahuas (both small) and a Rat Terrier and they all got along great! We also had two beagles, but they were both old when the baby chihuahuas made their apperarance. So they weren't as hyper as they were when they were younger. you can always go to your local shelter and make sure you check out the older mixed-breed dogs, they are usually past their hyper puppy stage, to they are less likely to knock the chihuahua over when playing.

Answer 11

Beagles tend to be a bit "barky" and vocal, so I'm not so sure that a Beagle would be a good bet for an apartment. I'll vote for a miniature doxie. They can be stubborn and a bit trying to house train, but in the end, they are very loving, loyal and genuinely want to be part of your family.