I live in an open but 1-bedroom apartment and for months now have seriously wanted to find some sort of pet. I realize that cats are always a good choice for someone who works 9-5....but I do have my heart set on a dog. i've been giving this some serious thought and can't seem to find the right answer...any advice on breeds that do well with an apartment setting?
2007-05-21 13:51:15 · 35 answers · asked by blondie026 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Since it seems like your dog will be spending a lot of time alone at home, I would consider getting an older dog from a shelter. You can get a loving small dog that will just sleep on the couch until you come back.
You can't leave a puppy alone from 9-5. They need to go potty often and you don't wanna come home and have your whole apartment chewed up!
As far as breeds, try something small and calm that doesn't bark a lot.
2007-05-21 13:58:11 · answer #1 · answered by Maria 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
there are several breeds that would do OK in an apartment, and in actual fact you will find that some of the really big breeds do just as well if not better than the little breeds. example Akitas and great danes can be very well mannered appartment dogs as long as they get a good walk every day.
Have a look at the pedigree for dogs site, they have a link where you can profile diffrent breeds against your requirements including the living quarters. You will be able to get a list of several breeds of all sizes that may be appropriate for you.
2007-05-21 14:08:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many breeds, large and small that do very well in apartments. Go to the American Kennel Club website and take thier personality profile. It will help you to determine what you are looking for in a breed. Then try to adopt an adult dog from a breed rescue if possible. Many will reject you because you are in an apartment. Try in an urban area as they are more flexible and know that "city people" take care of thier dogs as well as those who live in the counrty and have a white picket fence.
2007-05-27 05:46:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with an adult dog - puppies need more space than an apartment can give, and even a cooped up small dog puppy will race around like crazy driving you nuts! That and puppies need to go out more than a 9-5 job allows unless you have someone who can stop by twice while you are at work. Most medium sized adult dogs will do great with you - remember there are different temperments within breeds, so don't limit yourself. Try petfinder.com
2007-05-21 13:59:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most people will say "Something small." I'd go with something medium sized, because small dogs have just as much energy as big dogs.
Something in the 30-50 pound range. It will tire out on a good walk or two a day, and it doesn't need a HUGE yard to play in.
Small dogs get restless in an apartment setting and often have disciplinary problems because they aren't getting enough excersize.
2007-05-21 14:00:32 · answer #5 · answered by Kaci 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a small dog will be less confined and more apt to get enuf moving around in a small space. start by going to the AKC website for informational purposes. you'll want to match your lifestyle, not just buy the one u think is cute. for instance, jack russell terriers are high energy and need alot of exercise and stimulation, shih tzus really like to be with someone and have grooming costs involved, plus your time to daily brush.... etc. If its small you're looking for start reading in the toy group. then u can research breeders OR go rescue something in a particular breed or breeds that work for u!!
good luck :)
2007-05-25 13:22:22 · answer #6 · answered by mustlovedogs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everybody says get a small dog, but large dogs do just as well in apartments, as long as they get enough exercise and spend some quality time with you. I'd suggest a greyhound; despite their size, they are one of the mellowest dogs around, they're totally happy just lounging around all day, are great if they have to be kennelled, and seldom have problems with chewing, separation anxiety, etc. Also, there are lots of adult greyhounds that need re-homing after retirement from the dog racing world.
2007-05-22 12:07:08 · answer #7 · answered by sbt_seabuckthorn_international 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My shih tzu did well in an apartment. He doesn't hardly shed and hardly ever barks. Shih tzu's are pretty low maintence and don't require a lot of exercise, walks should be enough.
If you can't take a dog out for walks, you can consider getting a doggie litter box. Purina makes one that looks like a cat litter box (but for dogs): http://www.doglitter.com and there is this one that looks like a little "yard" for your dog: http://www.poochpotty.com/
I recommend rescuing a dog, and not getting a puppy! A rescue may already have shots, be spayed/neutered, and even housebroken. Our little dog was, and he even knew some basic commands. www.petfinder.com can help you find the perfect dog for you. Good luck!
2007-05-21 14:04:48 · answer #8 · answered by anniewalker 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am less worried by the apartment setting than I am by the fact that you are out all day at work. This is not fair on the dog. Are you planning to use a dog sitter? What are your arrangements so that the dog will not be alone all day?
2007-05-28 09:49:12 · answer #9 · answered by Gloria T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well my old baby sitter had a lil cat that stays in an apartment but my cats stay in our bastment when we leave and are a mess they throw up everywhere because cats are ment to stay out side so i dont recomend a cat! but if ur going to get a dog get a toy poodle or minature we have a toy poodle and we always go places to school or to work and he just roams around and is just fine and when u get back super excited just keep its hair long! ANd if its just a puppy keep it in its crate untill its potty trained!
2007-05-28 12:43:30 · answer #10 · answered by Sydney L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋