Dogs

[slyc_willie]

I wanna get one.

In three and a half months, I'm moving. I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I've decided I want a dog after I move to my new apartment.

What is a good breed, as far as intelligence and loyalty, among medium-sized dogs? I don't want a dog taller than, say, two feet or heavier than 75 pounds. I've been thinking something like a Boxer or some kind of Collie, maybe Golden Retriever.

 

[carsonshepherd]

Do you have a lot of time to exercise and train a really energetic breed like all those you've mentioned? They're all wonderful but need tons of time and energy.

 

[slyc_willie]

Do you have a lot of time to exercise and train a really energetic breed like all those you've mentioned? They're all wonderful but need tons of time and energy.

That's a good point. I typically work 6-8 hours a day, sometimes as much as 10-12 hours, but not often.

 

[carsonshepherd]

That's a good point. I typically work 6-8 hours a day, sometimes as much as 10-12 hours, but not often.

I have a German Shepherd. I raised him in an apartment, and it wasn't easy. I walked him every morning before work, on my lunch hour and every evening after work for the first year as well as obedience and agility training on weekends. It was worth it, he's almost 7 now and he's a fantastic best friend, but still requires a lot of exercise and loads of attention.

Know that a high-energy breed like the ones you've mentioned will become very destructive if bored and frustrated from lack of exercise and mental challenge. Please research dog breeds carefully. There are lots of breeds who don't require a whole lot of exercise (greyhounds, smaller "toy" breeds, etc.) Lots of German Shepherds and other very energetic breeds end up in shelters or rescue because their owners don't realize how much attention and time they need.

There are tons of resources for people looking for the right dog. We all want good matches between dogs and owners.

 

[slyc_willie]

I have a German Shepherd. I raised him in an apartment, and it wasn't easy. I walked him every morning before work, on my lunch hour and every evening after work for the first year as well as obedience and agility training on weekends. It was worth it, he's almost 7 now and he's a fantastic best friend, but still requires a lot of exercise and loads of attention.

Know that a high-energy breed like the ones you've mentioned will become very destructive if bored and frustrated from lack of exercise and mental challenge. Please research dog breeds carefully. There are lots of breeds who don't require a whole lot of exercise (greyhounds, smaller "toy" breeds, etc.) Lots of German Shepherds and other very energetic breeds end up in shelters or rescue because their owners don't realize how much attention and time they need.

There are tons of resources for people looking for the right dog. We all want good matches between dogs and owners.

Indeed we do. I would require a breed that would be able to stay at home on the occasional days that I am at work for half the day without chewing the place up. I'd also like to train him or her so that a leash would not always be necessary, except when it is mandated.

 

[carsonshepherd]

Indeed we do. I would require a breed that would be able to stay at home on the occasional days that I am at work for half the day without chewing the place up. I'd also like to train him or her so that a leash would not always be necessary, except when it is mandated.

are you thinking puppy or adult dog? If puppy, a crate is a must. Google "crate training" for explanations why. You should read and research before you get a dog to make sure your dog doesn't end up in rescue or a shelter.

If you live in a city, most people would agree that a leash is always a must, to keep the dog safe. The best thing I ever did was take my dog to puppy kindergarten and obedience when he was still tiny. I learned a lot about dog ownership I never knew before, and I would recommend it to anyone with a new puppy.

 

[slyc_willie]

are you thinking puppy or adult dog? If puppy, a crate is a must. Google "crate training" for explanations why. You should read and research before you get a dog to make sure your dog doesn't end up in rescue or a shelter.

If you live in a city, most people would agree that a leash is always a must, to keep the dog safe. The best thing I ever did was take my dog to puppy kindergarten and obedience when he was still tiny. I learned a lot about dog ownership I never knew before, and I would recommend it to anyone with a new puppy.

Not sure if I will get a puppy or an adult. Probably the latter since I'd like to find a young dog at a shelter. There are too many such dogs that are forgotten in pounds and shelters.

I do intend to do my research. That's why I started this thread now, months before I plan on getting a dog, so I know that I've made the right decision.

 

[starrkers]

Indeed we do. I would require a breed that would be able to stay at home on the occasional days that I am at work for half the day without chewing the place up. I'd also like to train him or her so that a leash would not always be necessary, except when it is mandated.

That definitely wipes Labrador off the list then. They chew the daylights out of a place when left alone for an hour, let alone half a day!

 

[carsonshepherd]

Not sure if I will get a puppy or an adult. Probably the latter since I'd like to find a young dog at a shelter. There are too many such dogs that are forgotten in pounds and shelters.

I do intend to do my research. That's why I started this thread now, months before I plan on getting a dog, so I know that I've made the right decision.

Good for you! from me and the pups.

 

[slyc_willie]

That definitely wipes Labrador off the list then. They chew the daylights out of a place when left alone for an hour, let alone half a day!

Lol.

Note to self . . . .

 

[English Lady]

Greyhounds are the sweetest most loyal and lazy dogs I've every had the pleasure to meet.

My Dad used to kennel them for a professional Greyhound racer and honestly, they'd lay about all day quite happily, Dad'd have to rouse them for their walks *L* And friendly? Oh, there's not many friendlier pets. Once I was feeling down in the dumps (I'd have been about 10) and I was sat in the back garden, crosslegged on the grass when one of the greyhounds came out for a bit. He came straight over to me and lay down with his head in my lap to comfort me -and it worked!

They do go for things that are small And fluffy, so you have to be careful. Small and fluffy things can even include other dogs And definitely keep a greyhound on a lead -my goodness, you don't want to be chasing one

 

[slyc_willie]

Greyhounds are the sweetest most loyal and lazy dogs I've every had the pleasure to meet.

My Dad used to kennel them for a professional Greyhound racer and honestly, they'd lay about all day quite happily, Dad'd have to rouse them for their walks *L* And friendly? Oh, there's not many friendlier pets. Once I was feeling down in the dumps (I'd have been about 10) and I was sat in the back garden, crosslegged on the grass when one of the greyhounds came out for a bit. He came straight over to me and lay down with his head in my lap to comfort me -and it worked!

They do go for things that are small And fluffy, so you have to be careful. Small and fluffy things can even include other dogs And definitely keep a greyhound on a lead -my goodness, you don't want to be chasing one

Aren't Greyhounds larger dogs, though? Or are they still considered medium-sized dogs? There are a lot of apartment complexes that won't allow large dogs in one-bedroom units.

 

[English Lady]

Aren't Greyhounds larger dogs, though? Or are they still considered medium-sized dogs? There are a lot of apartment complexes that won't allow large dogs in one-bedroom units.

I dunno, they're very skinny They may be taller than a labbut they're lighter thats or sure, they're all leg!

How abot a whippet then? tey're small and have a similar temperment as far a I know

 

[MrsDeathlynx]

Having worked with dogs, I used to work at a doggy daycare, I know quite a bit about them though not as much as a professional breeder. I highly reccomend crate training, allowing you to leave the dog in the crate while you are at work and can't let it run around the appartment. It may sound cruel but it's not, you just put a few toys in there and a blanket or towel for them to get comfortable on.

I reccomend going to a shelter, go based on individual dogs not necessarily on breeds. Smaller dogs tend to be full of energy, at least from my experience they do. Shepherd mixes make great dogs, I have a shepherd/terrier mix myself and while she can get a little hyper she's just as content laying down in the middle of the floor. Labs of any variety tend to be hyper and require a lot of exercise.

I know this may sound strange but if I would reccomend a single breed I would reccomend a Dachshund, little wiener dog. They tend to be mellow, especially for smaller dogs, and are intelligent and learn pretty quickly. They make perfect appartment dogs, especially since they are small.

But when getting any dog I reccomend socializing them with random people, get them used to seeing a lot of people so they don't get snippity when you have visitors. Depending on the breed of dog will depend on a lot, but personally I would go based on the individual dog rather than the breed. With any animal it's important to let them pick you, the two of you will end up much happier that way.

 

[Just-Legal]

Mark's parents have a purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He's pretty much a house-dog, and the poor thing is epileptic, but aside from that is perfectly content to stay at home as long as he has food and water *smiles* His breed name is Mark's Shadow, and the reason they picked him? When they went to look at the pups, Mark (about 10 at the time) was half-laid in the middle of them all. Shadow came over and latched onto his nose, and wouldn't let go even when he stood up!

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

Slyc,

You might consider a beagle. Like any dog they need people-time and exercise but unlike golden retrievers, border collies and such, they're relatively low-maintenance. When it comes to being smart, beagles ain't. They are, essentially, a nose with four legs, two long ears and a tail but can be a lot of fun. Check out the breed. Can't hurt.

There's an active Beagle/Bassett rescue operation here in Austin. Odds are one exists down your way. The people involved in these networks are volunteers who love dogs and can be a great support group.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[starrkers]

My brothr in law has a beagle. She ate the bottom out of their couch. She also digs up the yard. But she's also young. And getting better.

 

[ishtat]

Try a Whippett. Quite small don't need too much exercise and are unusually quiet which in an apartment is useful.

 

[carsonshepherd]

Great advice from the knowledgeable dog people here! I had several beagles and I love them. My beagle who got killed last summer ate cell phones, wallets, shoes, remote controls and an entire recliner. *laughs now, but not then* Yes Slyc, greyhounds are big dogs, but sweet and mild, and you can adopt retired racing dogs from rescues! A whippet would be wonderful but they are expensive, like any purebred dog... great advice from MrsDL on shelter dogs.

 

[Emerald_Dragon]

Gotta love dogs!

I would personally recomend a Corgi. Mine is 9 months old and great. He loves to walk and romp but is a cuddler too. They are a medium size dog with very short legs. They were originally bred for cattle herding and are very smart.

He is not as much of a people pleaser as our lab is though, so some training is a good idea. He is a much calmer personallity than our lab , even as a puppy.

As for things like chewing you have to remember that dogs teethe just like babies do. Just provide them plenty of chew toys and let them know their boundries.

Crating is a good idea too. Cedric doesn't mind being kenneled up when we are gone. It gives me peace of mind too. We leave the door to the kennel oen when we are home and he often chooses to take his bones into his kennel to chew on them.

I have also heard that Greyhounds are great, low key dogs. I would love to have them but I would have to get it a fur coat for the winters around here. If you adopt an adult you might be able to choose one smaller on the size scale.

When our lab had puppies (11 of them) the adults ranged from 125 lbs to 55 lbs. A friend of mine adopted the one that stayed small and she looks like a half grown puppy compared to their other lab.

Don't forget to find out if a certain breed is more vocal than others, spec if you are in an apartment setting.

Good hunting, may you find the perfect best friend!!!

 

[Guest]

I've owned a variety of dogs in my life. The one that I loved the most would be the white shepard I had that saved my life. But I loved my yorkies and my pom. The smartest would be a dog I got at the shelter. He was part border collie and part shepard. That dog could escape from anywhere. I ended up calling him houdini. He also was the smartest dog when it came to learning tricks, and obeying commands, but he took a lot of time and commitment. I would go with a mutt, something part shepard. Low maintanance but excellent companions and most shelter dogs realize they are being rescued and end up being very loyal and very loving.

 

[3113]

I was going to vote for the whippet, but from this site: whippet-rescue, I gather that whippets are dogs who love to be with owners and can get separation anxiety if not given enough attention. They also can't be trusted off a leash.

So I vote for Corgi. I've heard some very good things about those dogs. And they make me chuckle just to look at them.

Here's what's said about them: "Corgis are extremely active and loyal dogs. They are highly intelligent and very obedient. As they are loyal to their owners they make excellent watch dogs. They make good companion dogs. Due to their herding instinct, they may not do well with small kids as they tend to drive them to a corner in the house, but this can easily be trained out. Corgis are very strong willed dogs and need a master who can take charge."

http://www.pups4sale.com.au/welsh_corgi_pembroke_03a.jpg

Besides, if they're good enough for the Queen of England, they're good enough for you!

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I have an 80 pound Rottwieler mix (Mostly Rottwieler with a little American Pitt Bull mixed in) when he was a pup he would chew just to chew -- his baby teeth were coming out. Now that he is over 1 year old he is just content to lay about the house and sleep until it's time to eat or go out.

I also have a beagle, she sleeps 90% of the day. The other 10% she is out in the back yard barking at everything that pass the house. Beagles do tend to yap a lot.

The Rottie doesn't bark until the door is opened. Of course it doesn't matter whether it is opened by someone coming in or someone going out, if it opens he barks and charges to the rescue. Otherwise he just lays there watching everything that goes on in the house.

When all is said and done I'd take my Rottie over the Beagle, they both greet you at the door when you have been away acting like you left them alone for the last 5 years, even if it was only 2 minutes. And they both love us (my wife and I) where I think they would attack someone who tried to hurt us.

It's just the Rottie is really loyal and obeys better than the Beagle even though they both went to school.

And that wivestale about Rotties turning on their masters only if they are mistreated will they do that. My grandkids have lain on the rottie, pulled on his ears, tail, feet, toes, nose, lips and poked him in the eyes...he just licks their faces, getting a little taste first, then just put his head down and lets them do what they want. If it gets to bad for him he get up and walks away.

Just my thoughts. Hope they help.

 

[cloudy]

It's a shame an Akita is a little too big for an apartment - they're perfect dogs: super intelligent, devoted to "their" person, and lazy as all get out.

(they have their dignity to consider...or at least mine did. You couldn't interest him in a ball, or toy, or even a run - too dignified)

One thing about an Akita: no one will ever break into your place while the dog's there, I promise. They don't like interruptions to their naps.

 

[rgraham666]

I've often wondered where the bad rep Rottweilers get comes from. I've never known a Rottie that was anything but the sweetest dog. And I'm not a big dog fan.

Oh wait, I know. It's the people that own the bad Rotties. They're usually compensating for something. A small dick. And so the Rottie's owner make their dog vicious to show they really do have a big dick.