What's the best breed of dog for me?

Question

I have a one bed apartment on the second fall. Having a large balcony and a cat (I know), I work from 7;30 - 15;00 and have lunch at a time where I could walk the pauppy as I work five mins from home. I don't want a Massive dog but I'd like a small but masculine type pouch. I have loads of enegry and have no worries about walking him/her at any time in the morn or night. Pitballs and staffs are not an option. Thanks

Answer 1

I'd look at a Manchester Terrier or Schnauzer (miniature or standard). Both are smallish, but not yappy little dogs and have masculinity about them. One does require more grooming than the other.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/terrier_group.cfm

Answer 2

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Since it is obvious that you do not have a clue about obedience training, your services should be for free. You cannot train even an adult dog for 8 hours a day. About the most that can be done at any one time is 10 - 20 minutes and that is with an adult dog and not a puppy. The attention span on this baby is extremely short and training session should be no more than 10 minutes and twice a day. Additionally, there isn't going to be much learned if you will only be training for 5 days. Obedience training is cumulative and is done over a much longer period of at least several weeks to several months.
What you can charge is determined by your experience, reputation, and accomplishments and in a case like this, should also include guaranteed expectations. Just working with dogs over several years, is not the experience that is necessary to be a dog trainer. There are too many people who are putting that title to their name and fleecing the public. Don't be one of them.

Answer 3

There are lots of smaller masculine type dogs, however, another concern for you is if you choose a more energetic dog, to match your energy level, you may have issues with barking and destruction in a smaller apartment. Thereby, annoying your neighbors.

If you're a first time dog owner, i'd strongly suggest an adult dog for you. A year or two would be fine, or even older (adult dogs have a much harder time finding homes than puppies). The bonus of an adult dog is that typically, they've already been housetrained, are past the chewing and mischief stages, you'll know just how big the dog will be, You'll be able to see the upkeep you're in for (hair length for brushing/bathing etc), you'll be able to see the dog's temperment and energy level before you even bring it home, you'll actually save money by not having to complete those series of shots when their young and the sterilization, and most importantly, you'd be saving a life!!! Not to mention, many times mixed breed dogs have fewer genetic and hereditary problems caused by inbreeding.

Check into your local animal welfare groups. Talk to the people who work there. They want to match you to a dog with similar qualities as you so the match will work. Tell them what you've got in mind.

If you're against this idea, i highly recommend you do LOTS of research into breeds and talk to many breeders. Remember how much work animals, puppies in particular, are, and don't forget to spay/neuter your dog!!

Answer 4

You sound perfect for a terriet, probably a jack russell.
They are great dogs when trained and socialise correctly, and they are VERY masculine (if u get a good old fashioned one instead of those parsons things).

I would say get a slightly older dog if you can, maybe from a resuce centre. A puppy needs attention at least every 2 hours at first, which may be a bit harder than just poppibg back in ur lunch hour.

You sound like you will be great fun for a dog, hope you get one soon.

Answer 5

I think a Shih-Tzu would be a great choice... they have energy and still when it is bed time they will go to sleep... they are not too energetic though. They have great personalities and get along with people really well. I think a female would be a good choice and if you don't want to worry about her coming into heat you can get her fixed. They are really good dogs. I raise them from puppies, so I have seen many go to good homes. What ever kind of dog you choose, try to find one that has a personality like yours. Also if you get a puppy, house train it from the start. I recommend using puppy training pads and rewarding them with a soft treat that they would be able to eat. After they start getting the hang of the potty pad you can start taking them outside right after they wake up or after they eat.

Answer 6

I live in an apartment and have a Miniature Daschund. I can't stress how great she is, I also have a good friend who has a little boy mini daschund and he's perfect as well.

They don't need nor desire masses of exercise but they are social dogs and demand a lot of attention. They do have a a habit to bark a bit like any small dog but if you keep a calm house it shouldn't cause a massive problem.

Be carefull of buying Terriers as they really do need a lot more exercise than a hound regardless to their size.

Answer 7

A Jack Russell Terrier or Border Terrier are happy lively , loyal little dogs with loads of personality. All dogs can be raised with cats if you get them as puppies. One of my cats used to evict the family dogs from their bed when the fancy took her.

I recommend puppy classes for any dog you get. Good luck

Answer 8

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Yorkshire Terrier
West Highland Terrier
Miniature Doberman (so cute seen one on Crufts)

Answer 9

Jack Russell Terrier, they are smaller dogs and one of the smartest breeds out there, of course, a dogs smartness has alot to do with the dog's master, so lets just say they have a great ability to learn things.

Others: dachshund; beagle;

Also, Please go down to the pound or the animal shelter and talk to them and see what they have available. It would give you a better idea of what's out there and you may be able to adopt or rescue a puppy or younger dog.

Answer 10

I own a Miniature Schnauzer ... She gets along GREAT with our cat ... I take her out for a walk 3x a day ... (2x short walk and 1x long walk) ... In between she just goes outside to do her business and comes back in ...

When the weather is nice on the weekends, I take her to the dog park to run free without the leash ...

I've heard one of my friend has a small dog they train them to use the paper in the apartment ...

Answer 11

You shouldn't really be getting a dog if its going to be left all day Apart from 1 hour. Definitely dont get a Jack Russell or Collie as these need lots of stimulation and exercise. If you are adamant get a toy breed (small peoples dogs bred for this kind of thing NOT plastic ones) which is less likely to destroy your flat through boredom.