In your experience which type of dog (small) makes a good apartment dog?

Question

I'm usually at work from 7am to 7pm (only 4 days/week though). I know certain breeds are not good because they're so high energy and mischievous (e.g. Jack Russell Terrier).

Any suggestions for breeds (small dogs) that are pretty laid back and okay with leisure time? Of course, I'll be walking him/her in the morning or evening when I'm home.

I'm drawn to pomeranians, beagles, shih tzu, and havanese. Any other suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Answer 1

i have a shih tzu..shih tzus are hard to potty train. however with patience and consistency it'll work out. i've had my shih tzu since december and she is just now starting to "get the point", lol.

i also agree with the lady that said larger dogs are lazier, a larger, older dog might be more able to handle your schedule.. i've had bigger dogs too and they are less frantic. but for an apartment you're probably making the right choice by looking for a smaller dog. good luck with whatever you choose!

Answer 2

chihuahua's are great little dogs, I know because I have four. But I can tell you from experiance they need a lot of attention as does any dog. My four chihuahua's are box trained so I can leave them all day and don't have to worry about them having to potty because they go in their box. Purina makes a dog litter box and I use flat newspaper in it instead of the litter purina makes because I was fearful they would try to eat it plus newspaper is free. If you get a small dog be sure to train it and socialize it because you don't want a barking little nippy dog that goes to the bathroom where ever it wants. Many people who have small dogs let them get away with too much and don't train them properly and they end up with a poorly behaved dog. Even though they are little and cute they still need to be trained. Check into the breeds that you are interested in before taking the big step and getting one. Each breed is different.

Answer 3

A pug! They are laid back, comical, and just fun little dogs. They are usually pretty quiet, and when they do bark it's not a yappy sound, it's much more like a normal bark. They are small enough to be trained to use a litterbox or pee pad while you are gone. They are also easy to groom with their short coats, and they won't complain about snoozing on the couch all day as long as they get plenty of attention when you get home.
They do have more health problems because of their pushed in faces, however. You have to keep their wrinkles clean, make sure to keep an eye on their dental health, and make sure that your apt. is air conditioned--they can't handle the heat. I think they are well worth it though!

Answer 4

Pomeranian are barkers and may annoy your neighbors while you are gone. being gone for 12 hours a day is a long time to be away without walking a dog. You may want to paper train a small dog. I have a cockapoo who is a good size for an apt. You can always look into rescue dogs who are a little older too and calmed down.

Answer 5

well i have 2 maltese dogs (male and female) and i think they both would be a wonderful addition to your home. Really, they dont need any extra attention just grooming (haircuts brushing... ex.) and i a walk a day would be just enough exercise for them, they only problem would be potty time...what do u expect your dog to do for twelve hours about bathroom. my fogs go about 8 hours a day with hardly any accidents. but twelve hours is quite a long time. maybe a doggie door or newspaper training would be a better option. But i advise you to choose a maltese. they are wonderful dogs great company woul do anything to please their owners. and are very easy to train and are eager to learn. it only took me 2 days to potty train princess (my female) and 3 days to potty train gizmo (my male) and they are very lazy dogs too. even on the weekends when we are home all day they still just lay around and sleep for most of the day. but they do love company and play times. so i hope that this has helped in your decision making and im sure that whatever breed you pick will be a wonderful choice. but i recommend the maltese!

Answer 6

i have a pug, minature pinture mix and he is an awesome dog.he hasn't been fixed and he makes a good pet.the problem is,is that he can get very hiper.another dog i want which seems similar in looks is a pugle(halfpug half beagle)they are awesome and don't get to big.i also have a shih tzu and it is a calm dog but he is also boring.i hoped this helped

Answer 7

a Shih Tzu is the best. i live in an apartment and my shih Tzus do great. But being gone that long i recommend pad training especially if you live in a state with snow in the winter they freeze there pads.

Answer 8

a bichon frise. we have one and since most of the time every one is at work or at school he is by himself. they do not shed. and they stay pretty small. my dog is 7 and about 20 pounds. he needs to be taken to the groomer like once a month and needs to have his paws cleaned after he is outside alot, but he is a very good dog. he is like havanese (but better) i think.

:D good luck!

ps our dog is leisurely minus when someone comes to the house. he is very teritorrial. im not sure if this is true of all dogs, but he will just bark. he is very affectionate and we love him to pieces

Answer 9

Well i would probaably get a chuchuha (I think i spelled it right) becusea the do not require a lot of excersize. I love dogs and have a couple of books about them so if you need any more help then give me a buzz i would love to help.

Answer 10

so - - do you have to have a small dog? i have always been a city dweller (boston and san francisco, now LA), and i have two big dogs. big dogs are often lazier / less frantic (personal opinion - have been a dog mom for over 12 years).
but another wonderful small dog is a pug. two friends of mine have pugs, and they have great personalities and can be pretty relaxed.