Best dog for me?

Question

Hi, i got a new 1 bedroom apartment and will eventually want a dog. Since its a small apartment it really wouldnt be fair for a large one. But i also want the dog to possibly scare away any possible intruders. So my question is, What is a good, small, not so loud to annoy neighbors, dog? Also, a short haired dog. I hate fur all over my belongings.

Thanks for the responses! Yeah, im sort of picky. Anyone have experience with a bulldog? Would that possibly fit my description?

Answer 1

Oh! I was looking up some breeds that might work. Have a look at a breed like a Toy Fox Terrier. They're short haired dogs. You can train them easily, and I'm sure it will be protective to you.
Maybe look up the breed a bit. Here's a link to a wikipedia article that has other links and info about the breed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Fox_Terrier

Also, if you don't like that breed. Maybe look at this link. You said you wanted a small dog; this has a list of Toy Breed (small dogs) that you might want to look at. Hope it helps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_dog

Answer 2

I'm not sure because a dog that would scare away intruders would probably bark a lot which would not be good in an apartment situation. (Landlord may force you to get rid of barking dog.)

Also short haired dogs can still shed a lot. Depends on the breed.

But not all dogs are high energy. An older dog could fit in well with an apartment. My senior yorkie (whom I adopted when he was 9 years old) was not high energy and could have lived in such a small apartment easily.

Try to adopt an older smaller mixed breed... that could be mixed with a good guard dog like a german shepherd... ? A senior dog would likely have lower energy requirements.

Example below is a dachshund mixed with german shepherd: result is a 30 lb dog. Not sure of energy requirements. But there are dogs like that in shelters.

Answer 3

I recommend a bischon frise. They are small and loving and don't require a huge amount of exercise. They are typically good for people with allergies and don't shed much; however, they do require daily brushing. If you want a calmer dog, no matter what breed, consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter or rescue group. Try petfinder.com.

1. keep in mind that even the calmest breed will require at least a few short walks per day

2. short hair does not necessarily mean non-shedding - German Shepards shed horribly

3. aggressive behavior such as barking should not be encouraged with any breed dog

Answer 4

You said something about a bulldog, what kind of bulldog (American, English, Old English, British). Probably not your best choice. I like the American Staffordshire terrier Idea there not to big, love there families, great with kids, will scare away bad guys, can be very wonderful companions. They are closer to being a medium dog but there not that big. Boston Terrier's are also a wonderful choice. They fit into your small dog category and they have attitude to boot. Smart, independent and wonderful to children. Can be very protective, they might be small but they are not scared of anything.( except mine he is kind of a sissy, but I made him that was and plus our boxer does the protecting) Boxers are great apartment medium dogs as long as they get plenty of exercise and attention. I can't think of anything a boxer can't do except maybe love you to much. Other good choices are Jack Russell's, Scotties, and maybe even a big Great Dane.

Answer 5

I believe that dogs and cats will adjust to their living situations. I have a black lab mix and he weights about 75 pounds, When we first got him we lived in a small one bedroom apartment. Now we do take him to the dog park at least once or twice a week (depends on the weather and work schedules) and he is fine. Some people think that its cruel to do that, but the dogs dont know any different. Now i have that black lab and I have a black lab great dane mix 1120lbs. and we live in a two bedroom apartment and those two run around and chase each other. and they are both fine. Again, they wouldnt know any different.

Answer 6

I would not consider a Toy Fox Terrier as they do bark a lot. I love the breed though but they are even more yappy than most terriers and terriers can be very vocal. I don't know how small you mean but toys are the smallest group. You might want to look into a basenji also though (they are in the hound group but not a typical hound). Here is a link to the AKC breeds

Answer 7

Despite the fact that you live in an apt. you may want to look at a Mastiff breed. There are numerous types and although then tend to be on the larger side their temperament is perfect for an apt. They require very little exercise and are relatively low maintenance. As far as intimidating there size speaks volumes. As always it is a good idea to get any dog trained

Answer 8

Check your local shelter. Ask the people at the shelter to help you find your perfect dog. Who knows all your picky stuff may fly out the window when you lay eyes on the right pup for you. You will know who is right if you really want a dog. You will feel it your gut.

Take your time and chose right. Make sure your are committed to keeping that dog for the rest of its life.

Answer 9

I am not experienced with bulldogs but I do have pit bulls. My breed of pits are a medium size. A small apartment would be no problem as long as you have no problem taking them to get exercise. Plus...My Pits dont bark unless they see or hear an intruder. A bulldog would be good but u have to exercise them.

Answer 10

your one comment caught my eye immediately.
"i hate fur all over my belongings."
even with a shorthaired dog you will have doghair everywhere! its horrible and i hate it. that is one of the reasons we are now the proud parents of a miniature poodle. apartment size, good temperment, loving, smart as can be.
so what about a small schnauzer? or a poodle? or a kerry blue?
these dogs are beloved pets of anyone who has respiratory problems. they simply do not leave hair everywhere! our poodle sleeps in our bed and rarely do we find any evidence of him having been there.
even a small dog is a good burglar alarm. soon as the burglars hear a dog they tend to give up and try the next house! or in your case, apartment.
so look into breeds that do not shed! you will be thrilled with them. by the way, if you find a dog that is half poodle or schnauzer, or kerry blue and half something else they generally don't shed either.
good luck, remember to take him/her on plenty of walks and make sure the water bowl is always filled with fresh clean water. treat him well, show him lots of love and your new mate will not only give you years of love and affection~ he'd give his life to protect yours!
cheers!