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i live alone, i live in an apartment with a descent size backyard. I like playful dogs. i would want my dog more than anything to be loyal, i must have a loyal dog. I had a labrador as a kid and i loved him but he is more of a family dog, and i live alone and work from 7 to 5

2007-09-13 16:22:15 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets Dogs

24 answers

a miniature pinscher! i needed a dog for the same reasons. She is extremely playful and boisterous. She loves to cuddle and sleep right up next to people. she is fiercely loyal. this is the ultimate big dog in a small dogs body. they are fiercely proctective of their family. they only weight about 10 pounds and are extremely low maintenance as far as grooming.

2007-09-13 16:27:38 · answer #1 · answered by tda1 3 · 2 1

A lab would still be a good dog for anyone, even if they live alone. They are loyal, loving, playful, and not too much grooming is required. However, there are a few things to consider. First, you didn't say how old you are. Having a puppie of any kind is a lot of work and requires a lot of attention for the first year. Some older people are unable to provide the training and care that a puppy requires, especially a large breed like a lab. In addition, a large breed dog can be dangerous only because they are clumbsy and can (in their enthusiasm) knock people down. An older person would have to be very careful.

Second, any dog left alone all day in an apartment or a house, will need considerable exercise in order to prevent naughty behavior. A good obedience class is a must for any dog.

Third, cost should be considered, as large breeds can eat a lot of food. Also, boarding, if you were to go out of town, can be more expensive, as most kennels charge by the size of the dog.

Also, are you irritated by yapping dogs, or hyper dogs? Most puppies do both. The larger breeds usually grow out of it, except Golden Retrievers. As beautiful and wonderful as their personalities are, they are quite active and require quite a bit of exercise and grooming. The smaller dogs can be quite noisy and hyper.

In the end, any dog can be an exellent companion for an apartment dweller who lives alone. I'm guessing you are not elderly, and that you do like a playful dog. So my suggestions is a lab, if you can put in the time to properly exercise and train him. Or, a West Highland White Terrier would be nice, however they do require a bit more grooming. In fact, if you go to the local Humane Society, or no-kill shelter, you can observe some wonderful dogs, and pick one that appeals to your personality. In the end, you would be giving an orphan a good home and gain a loving companion at the same time.

2007-09-13 23:55:28 · answer #2 · answered by Linda P 2 · 0 0

A dog is a pack animal and will not do well being by itself, and being left for 12 hours is too long a time. The only way around that if you are intent on getting a dog, is getting 2 dogs. If you live in an apartment, Great Danes are considered to be apartment dogs. They aren't very active, though, but do well in confined space. Don't, as somebody else said, get a Border Collie. They are so active that the poor animal would go crazy being left in an apartment, and a yard is just too small. They need to run a lot. An adult dog from a humane society, or from a breeder (they often have adult dogs looking for homes) is your best choice, as a puppy definitely cannot be left for long periods of time. Having a dog is a responsibility, not to be taken lightly.

2007-09-13 23:40:04 · answer #3 · answered by sheltie 3 · 0 0

A VERY loyal dog is an American Pitbull Terrier. They are not the "viscous" dogs every describes. They are lovers. They have about as much energy as a lab though. The females have more energy than the males. The females are more on the go as the males are more lap,cuddle with me dogs. They are not a dog that can be left outside for long periods of time. They CRAVE their owners attention and love if you leave them outside they will be unhappy and sad and most likely whine alot.

They are not a good guard dog though. They suck at that. They are a breed that would let a perfect stranger in the door/lick them to death and then show them where all the jewels and money are kept. The are all talk.

Most pits full size weight is between 45 and 60 pounds. They don't shed alot either. They have very short stubby fur that does not require alot of care.

Go to your local humane society or shelter and find out how wonderful they truly are.

2007-09-14 00:10:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

Well I'd echo the thought of perusing the pounds and shelters and talking to the rescue workers. You can avoid a puppy, just not a good plan with your work hours don't . There may well be an adult dog, mixed breed or otherwise out there who is used to your lifestyle. Is it possible to have outdoor facilities for your dog whilst at work? Thats a long day.

I suggest this because of what happened to a neighbour of mine. He wanted about the same thing, finally adopted a 5 year old Black Lab who desperately needed a good home, a hard age to adopt out and he was big too. BUT, he was quite content to be alone all day, had been raised that way. Sarge was his name, turned out to be quite a fit, he just watched the world go by from the garden (all lazy like) then when his new human came home he lit up and was all happy etc, sure beat lettin him get put down.

Good luck!

2007-09-14 00:09:56 · answer #5 · answered by ponokadawg 2 · 1 0

Try checking out your local shelter or looking on petfinder.com. Don't bother with a puppy- they need you around to potty train them for the first few months. They can' t hold it all day while you're at work. Get an adult dog, at least a year old. If you get a rescue dog, you will see how fast and strongly they bond with you. Some of them have never been loved before, and when you care for them and spend time with them, they really latch onto you. I foster dogs, and each one has been extremely loving and loyal. After all they've been through, they really appreciate the good home you have to offer. And you can meet each one before hand and see if they're playful enough, and have the personality you like. Good luck!

2007-09-14 00:18:57 · answer #6 · answered by Bambi 5 · 0 0

Labs are definitely not apartment dogs since they require lots of space and need plenty of play time. You might consider getting a dog who is already house-broken and not a young puppy since you work from 7 till 5 daily- also you don't need to get a very playful dog if you are gone that long- dogs need much more attention than that and could get bored and start ripping up your furniture.
Go to www.dogbreedinfo.com and on the right hand side click "take quiz". Just answer some questions and it gives some breeds that fit your lifestyle.

2007-09-13 23:30:51 · answer #7 · answered by Madison 6 · 4 0

Well, I'm in a similar situation and I believe that an Aussie Cattle Dog is the perfect dog for an active individual who likes happy, playful, energetic dogs. They are excellent watch dogs and guard dogs but exercise is very important so please don't consider this breed if you can't give it an hour a day. If you can however, you'll have a pal for life!!!! Probably the closest comparison I can come up with is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Very similar disposition, higher activity level and just as loyal. Look em up. ACDs are great!!!!!

2007-09-14 01:28:12 · answer #8 · answered by Michael R 2 · 0 0

i would say a chihuahua or a great dane depending on the size you want. when i say chihuahua i suppose a small breed like a shihtzu or maltese or yorkie would be good too but i have experience with chihuahuas and they are the definition of loyal. both chihuahuas and great danes are considered apartment dogs. they do not need a lot of space or exercise but all dogs must be walked. another bonus, it is quite common to train a chihuahua in a litter box or on a pee-pad so thats really great for training, cold weather, and not having to worry when you are gone. i had a cat for a while and my cat and chihuahua would play so it was companionship for my chihuahua when i was away. i have two dogs now which works well also but hes also just fine when hes all alone.

2007-09-13 23:29:54 · answer #9 · answered by ladyfang 2 · 2 1

Dogs left alone for 10 hours a day is pushing it, especially a playful dog.

You will need to have someone come and let him out every day. I would not leave him outside in an apt.

Go to your local shelter. They can point you in the right direction.

If you have never had a dog, they are a LOT of work.

2007-09-13 23:30:09 · answer #10 · answered by maxmom 7 · 3 0

A small breed dog that's already house broken. Your work hours will make house training hard. The smaller breeds are more likely to be a one person dog. I have a wire hare terrier mix and she is very loyal to me.Just be sure to give you new dog allot of TLC. That helps them be loyal.

2007-09-14 00:32:27 · answer #11 · answered by chloreneheidi 2 · 0 0

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