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RE: Good apartment dog?

dobermom — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:03:17 GMT

a coonhound??
A coonhound, are you for real?
A breed with extreme Hunting instinct and drive, you want to stick in an apartment ?

gesh.

RE: Good apartment dog?

hnoaynny — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:58:00 GMT

I you raise,socilize and train this breed right from puppyhood inside the house and if it will not be left alone for all day a coonhound may make you a great dog note: there nose leads them into trumble sometimes

RE: Good apartment dog?

crittermix — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:36:46 GMT

HI.

I know you mentioned a puppy, but have you considered adopting an older dog? We had the opportunity to help someone find home for an older Dalmation. Nothing was wrong with him, he just needed a home due to the situation. He is doing great in his new home. Someone may point out that you may not have the older dog for much longer or that there are costs for medical problems, but that can be said about a younger dog also.

Just a thought.

RE: Good apartment dog?

huskies r perfect — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:04:58 GMT

kkhuskylover (11/7/2006)

Has anyone mentioned the Basenji or a Havanese? I don't have personal experience with these breeds, but I hear the Basenji doesn't bark (but I don't know about a yodel) and that the Havanese makes a good companion pet.

Not trying to yell at you or anything, but I just want to say that yodeling is NOT something you want in an apartment. I heard Misty yodel a while back, and it was one of the WORST sounds I had ever heard in my life. Her howl and bark are nice, but not that yodel.

Don't have anything to say about the Havenese, if you don't mind the long fur, then that might be a good choice.

RE: Good apartment dog?

dobermom — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 20:30:54 GMT

ok, not to bash all Poms, but the ones I encounterd were Satans Henchmen.
Something so vicious, I have never met, and they give Dobes a bad rap.

RE: Good apartment dog?

kkhuskylover — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 15:14:04 GMT

RE: Good apartment dog?

daisy may — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:16:14 GMT

I would say a pomeranian. They are caring dogs. But, they are fluffy and they shed, so they might not be the dog for you. they are small, too

sorry

RE: Good apartment dog?

skelaki — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 23:03:06 GMT

I would keep away from herding breeds such as Corgis unless you have the time and desire to give them the exercise, training and jobs that herding breeds must have.

If you want a small to medium-sized dog with short hair, some possibilities are Italian Greyhounds, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, Manchester Terriers (toy and standard), and Toy Fox Terriers. If you wouldn't mind some grooming there are Tibetan Spaniels or Tibetan Terriers. Whippets could be a possibility as long as you could find a safe, fenced area for the dog to run once or twice a week.

Generally the main problem in apartments is barking. That problem depends partly on the breed but mainly on the training given. Yes, small dogs tend to be yappy but if you don't treat the dog like a spoiled human infant and spend some time giving it the training and discipline it needs and desires, the problem is manageable.

RE: Good apartment dog?

Mutt Luv1212 — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:27:50 GMT

huskies r perfect (10/6/2006)

I don't have experience with this breed, but I suggest a Boston Terrier. They're small and smooth-coated.

Yes Bostons can be nice but they are a little independent and stubborn plus they have the scrunched up nose so they arent good in very hot weather and they can have breathing problems.

I still recomend the Pap, if they get leaves in their fur you can easily brush it out and there fur doesent tangel THAT easlily.

Here are some pics of the Papillon

This is what a pup looks like.

They are GREAT little dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: Good apartment dog?

huskies r perfect — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 12:05:51 GMT

I don't have experience with this breed, but I suggest a Boston Terrier. They're small and smooth-coated.

RE: Good apartment dog?

Mutt Luv1212 — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 21:34:16 GMT

I would have to say a Papillon pronounced PAP E ON. They do have a coat but easy to maintane. Then dont need a hole lot of excerise and if you dont excerise them for a day they are ok. They are good with kids and a playfull fun breed they are 8-12in and I'm not sure on the weight.

Be sure to do a lot of research but I think a Papillon would be a good choice the only downfall to them is that they can be hard to house train ( but that is true for lots of little dogs ) and they dont like to potty in the rain. But thoes are they only bad thing about them!!

Go to dogbreedinfo.com for more info on the Papillon ( Very good informative site for any breed )!!!!!

RE: Good apartment dog?

Roxy — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 18:39:53 GMT

MayaWolf (8/11/2006)

Well, of course I'm going to recommend a dachshund. The nice thing about dachshunds is that they come in two sizes (standard and miniature), 3 coat types (long, smooth, and wirehaired) and more colors and patterns than any other akc recognized hound. Each coat variety is great in its own way. Long hairs are slightly easier to potty train, while the smooth haired is less grooming and is more of a one person dog. Wire hairs are the clowns of the group, and a little more energetic, but great for the allergy sufferer because they don't shed. Dachshunds do have some energy, and a walk a day will keep them content. They are a little independent, but love to please, and LOVE to be in the company of their owner. Even a standard dachshund is a short dog, and they are just great for apartments. As with any hound, you absolutely cant have them off leash, because they can, and WILL follow their nose. I would recommend that for any breed you chose, you should spend a great deal of time learning about it before actually introducing it into your home.

I agree Mayawolf but Doxies are a stoburn breed of dogs, they definitaly have a personality and early socialization is critical to help them like people and dogs.

RE: Good apartment dog?

leopardgurl_2004 — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 10:50:24 GMT

Thanx for the info. I do the canned food thing because I am scared to give mine anything raw. I don't want to risk them ingesting e-coli or other bacteria infestations and them getting a stomach virus. Too many cleanups and trips to the backyard! I worked in a vets office for a few years before becoming a Groomer, and I was desensitized by the stuff I saw, but also learned what I should and shouldn't do, as to not end up there unless I had to! You could boil the meat before you give it to them, because that would kill any bacteria. And be sure and pull any sharp and pointy bones off . I don't like risking those sharp pointy bones getting in my dogs stomach. They have cost me too much to risk anything like this: It could puncture the lining of the intestines or stomach, causing them to bleed inside their body and resulting in a very painful death. The canned food is cheap and convient, its only like 89 cents a can or so, so if you wanted to try it, it would cost less than you doing the meat thing, and I think your dogs would eat it, as it would be a new treat for them. And its not a big loss if they don't. My dogs wont sit still while I am mixing it in with their food! Once they see the can come out of the refergirator its all over! The whine and they speak a lot! They can be very vocal when its something they really like! I only give it to them on Wed. nights (a mid week thing) and on Sunday nights as we usaully have a big dinner then, so I treat them as well. I keep it spaced out as to not let them get fat or anything and the extra protein is good for them, but not to often or to much!

RE: Good apartment dog?

2 big dogs — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 23:30:34 GMT

leopardgurl_2004 (8/16/2006)

wow. you got a big dog ahead of you, but you knew this when you got it right? he., he... Anyways, changing the subject: just curious what do you feed them, and how much food do you go through in a month? Also do you know of any other canned food flavors that have a higher protein content? I thought about switching to the High Protein Formula in the dry ( I think its a red bag, and it has the pic of the greyhound on it), but I want to keep the skin and coat pretty. Any Suggestions?

Leopardgurl,

Yes I knew the size and temperament of the breed cane corso before I got my puppy. I actually found a breeder here in Houston and I went to see the dogs and spend some time with the breed, because I (at the time) only seen pictures in books (books on the breed are hard to find) and had gone to websites, but never seen one in person. Down here this breed is "rare" because of the heat. Up north they are more common. I spent 4 hours with the puppies and both parents, before deciding on getting one. I did my major research before I went to see the dogs in person. I wanted to make sure this is a breed that would fit into my life style. I have been happy since.

I feed nutro-natural choice high protein formula (it comes in an orange bag and yes it has a picture of a grey hound on the front of it) to my doberman. This food is the chicken version and I think it has lamb meal in it as well, but the lamb is further down the list. He gets 3 cups in the morning and 3 cups in the evening. Sometimes he doesn't eat. He has been known to go a day without eating or sometimes skipping a meal. Dogs will not starve themselves, so when he does this I don't worry. If he ever goes 3 or more days in a row without eating I would defiantly get him into the vet to make sure there is nothing wrong. He also gets a raw pork neck twice a week. This is great for extra protein that the dog food doesn't offer. The pork neck is great for the teeth as well. I use the pork neck as an actual meal. When I give him this I don't give him dog food. Sergeant gets veggies everyday, probiotics everyday, cottage cheese or yogurt everyday (I alternate these two) and fish oil everyday. He also gets a raw egg 3 times a week. This is another great thing for extra protein. I get his dog food from petsmart. It is 40 lbs for $ 31.99 + tax. I am not sure on how long it lasts me. I just buy it when he starts running low. I don't feed him any canned food. I am sorry for not being able to help you on that. I do know that nutro-natural choice does make a canned version of the high protein formula (it too is in an orange can). The reason why I don't feed canned food is because it will go bad after 20 or 30 minutes and with me not knowing if Sergeant is going to eat for sure I don't want to waste his food. If there is any part of what I do for feeding Sergeant, just ask and I will go more into detail. I have been feeding high protein formula for over a year now and Sergeant's skin and coat look amazing. When I take him out in public the first thing people tell me is....What a beautiful dog, what do you feed him. His coat is so pretty and shiny.

Now on to my cane corso puppy. I feed him nutro-natural choice large breed puppy. Chicken version, not the lamb and rice. Right now he doesn't get all the extras that Sergeant gets. He is a growing puppy and I don't want to supplement him until he is 1 or 1 1/2 years old and his bones have fused together. If you give puppies (while they are growing, especially large or giant breeds) supplements you could run the risk of giving them to much calcium and that would deform his growing legs and body structure. When he gets older I will be switching him over to the high protein formula and giving him all the extras that Sergeant gets. I free feed him all day. He eats several times a day. I give him 3 cups in the morning and at night I give him 2 cups. By the time we go to bed he will have eaten all the food. I don't feed him canned food. Since his food stays out all day the canned food would make his food go bad in a short time. When he gets older I will put him on the same feeding schedule that Sergeant is on. Jake will defiantly eat more than Sergeant does, so when I switch him over to the dog food that Sergeant is on I will be buying dog food much more frequently. I get Jake the 40 lb bag as well and I am already buying Jake's food more times than I buy Sergeant's.

To avoid bloat (both of my breeds are prone to this problem) I feed them in the morning and wait at least an hour before we go out and play. In the evening after we have been playing hard I wait at least an hour most of the time I will go 2 hours before feeding them.

RE: Good apartment dog?

leopardgurl_2004 — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:06:48 GMT

wow. you got a big dog ahead of you, but you knew this when you got it right? he., he... Anyways, changing the subject: just curious what do you feed them, and how much food do you go through in a month? I go through the big bag of Nutro Large Breed Lamb and Rice in about a month. I had to go with the Lamb and Rice because my vet said that these breeds are sucepetable to some skin problems because of their short coats. Mine eat 2 cups twice a dat which I split into a cup in the morning and a cup at night to try and avoid the Bloat. And they somtimes get canned food. I know I shouldn't but they love it! Its flavored Lamb, Duck, and Pasta right now for my Rhodesian and the Lamb and Rice Lite for the Vizsla Mix which is on a little diet they get it twice a week, on Wednesday nights, and on Sunday Nights as a treat, and to add on some extra protein to those hams. They both love to run, and I hope I am doing the right thing supplementing them. I am a first time larger breed owner, and was wonderignif you knew any other tips, as you have had big dogs before. Also do you know of any other canned food flavors that have a higher protein content? I thought about switching to the High Protein Formula in the dry ( I think its a red bag, and it has the pic of the greyhound on it), but I want to keep the skin and coat pretty. Any Suggestions?

RE: Good apartment dog?

2 big dogs — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 10:40:08 GMT

leopardgurl_2004 (8/15/2006)

I'm not to familiar with the Corso though (is that how you say it) I did see one on T.V., on that show The Dog Whisperer. A lady had some who had literally had chewed her out of her house and home. She had that old wood trim stuff in her home, in which the dog (s) had eaten corners off on the hallways, and windowsills, and even ate the rubber door stoppers off and some of the wall behind it! I have wondered if yours likes to chew that much?

Leopardgurl,

Yes you pronounce it Cane Corso. I did see that show you are talking about. The breed you saw on the t.v. show is a Neapolitan Mastiff not a Cane Corso. Both of these breeds come from Italy. They both were used back in the roman times. The Neapolitan was bred strictly for guarding while the Corso was bred for guarding and cattle driving. The Neapolitan is taller and weighs more. They are not as agile as the Corso. The Corso is very agile and athletic. My Corso will be at least 125 lbs and be around 27" tall. The Corso came over to the united states in 1988. It has been on the AKC-FSS since 1996. My avatar picture is a picture of my Corso's father. That is what my dog is growing up to look like. If you would like to see a bigger picture let me know and I will upload it for you. Mine doesn't chew that much. He is still going through the chewing phase because he is teething. I am at home all day with him and he doesn't chew on the walls. I have bought him several toys to play with and chew on.

RE: Good apartment dog?

leopardgurl_2004 — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 10:16:56 GMT

Oh thats very interesting...I heard that the dobie was the only dog named afetr a man (dobermann to be exact) on the AKC Dog show of 2005. The announcer had said it. Oh well, can't believe everytng you hear on t.v...

RE: Good apartment dog?

Carol — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 04:55:52 GMT

leopardgurl_2004 (8/15/2006)

I grew up with a doberman when I was little. I loved her a lot. Did you know that the breed is the only one to be named after a man?

I don't think so. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Parson Russell Terriers. Jack Russell Terriers. Teddy Roosevelt Terriers. Dandie Dinmonts (the last is named after a fictional character...) Maybe some others that I am not thinking of right now.

RE: Good apartment dog?

leopardgurl_2004 — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:04:58 GMT

yeah true,

Two big tough breeds. I grew up with a doberman when I was little. I loved her a lot. Did you know that the breed is the only one to be named after a man? I'm sure yours guards your taxes\ money! (if you know the history on the breed, you know what i'm talking about) Although she lived outside all the time, she was a great guard dog, and chased several intruders away that tried to steal stuff from my dads old tool shed! I'm not to familiar with the Corso though (is that how you say it) I have heard of them, but never seen one in real life. I did see one on T.V., on that show The Dog Whisperer. A lady had some who had literally had chewed her out of her house and home. She had that old wood trim stuff in her home, in which the dog (s) had eaten corners off on the hallways, and windowsills, and even ate the rubber door stoppers off and some of the wall behind it! I have wondered if yours likes to chew that much?

RE: Good apartment dog?

2 big dogs — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 11:40:27 GMT

leopardgurl,

Yes I have two big dogs that are protective of me and the property. With the couple in the apartment they probably won't be allowed big dogs that could protect them and scare off any intruders. Most apartments have a weight limit and band certain breeds. They are going to have to check with their apartment to see exactly what stipulations they have. I did suggest my two breeds the doberman and the cane corso, but they won't have any room left in the apartment with these two . They also won't be able to have them because of serval reasons.

RE: Good apartment dog?

leopardgurl_2004 — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:28:35 GMT

Hey I wasn't gloating or anything! I was just suggesting, since a few people kept on suggesting long haired dogs. Had to call them to the carpet on those! She was only looking at short-smooth coated dogs! And yes, since I am a Dog Groomer, I know there is only a select few that are short coated. Most of which aren't small breeds. And yes they don't all act the way their breed was intended to, but deep down they are all realted to wolves, in which their natural instincts will hold true. This includes her havng to consider what type of life style she will lead. She couldn't get a small dog and leave it locked up all day. I have seen those kind come in my shop with poop all over them because they were left locked up all day. Dogs need to get exercise! Breed would need to be considered when coosing how much exercise you can give to it. Wild dogs hunted for food, thus walked for miles and even days at a time. And no, they did not give up if food wasn't found that day, they kept on going, or they would have staved. Its no wonder we have so many unbalanced minded and destructive dogs in the world today! I now live in a house, but in my apartment, I heard of so many dogs lacking exercise they needed. Our neighboors had all their stuff destroyed by their dogs, a wide variety of small and medium sized breeds. In my last reply I wasn't doggie profiling on my Vizsla Mix or anything. I had just gotten her, and she did fine in my old apartment. A 30 min. walk around the complex was good enough for her. She liked to have passed out afterwards for the rest of the day! I had someone come on my balcony while I was home one day, and she tore up the screen door trying to get to him. And you have a couple of big dogs don't you? Do you feel alot safer when your out? I was only suggesting a bigger dog for her sake, (not my type in particular), for her safety. Apartment complexes tend to have high crime rates, so she could feel safer, knowing her dog is truly guarding her property! Here is somehting to think about: The order in which to think about when picking out a dog is 1. dog (wolf, canis major), 2. Breed Characteristics (personality traits), 3. Then name you choose to call the dog. She is basically bringing a wild carnivore into her apartment, and not for a while I read in her reply. I'm sure she'll do just fine picking out one.

RE: Good apartment dog?

Carol — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 08:01:07 GMT

Another dog that might meet your criteria and, while little, has a big dog attitude, is a staffordshire bull terrier. They are cute, friendly with people and hardy. Unfortunately, a lot of them are somewhat dog aggressive, so dog parks are out for exercise. Also, they are often (unfairly, in my view) lumped together with "pit bulls," by insurance companies, landlords and governments so you might face either having to move, or pay a lot for insurance. If you live in an area with a lot of pit bulls at the local shelter, I wouldn't risk a SBT, because you are only a headline away from possibly having your dog banned.

If you live in an urban area, by the way, and if you plan to ever use dog parks for exercise (and they can be wonderful) pay CLOSE attention to how dog aggressive a breed (and a line of a breed) you choose is. Breeders and shelters often act as though dog aggression is no big issue, but even if you aren't going to go to dog parks, it makes life with a dog substantially more complicated and it can make a lot of the most fun things you can do with a dog impossible.

RE: Good apartment dog?

2 big dogs — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:24:28 GMT

luvmyspringers (8/11/2006)

[quote]Amen Mandy I was thinking the same thing.

Luvmyspringers,

Thank you. I am glad someone else agrees with me.

RE: Good apartment dog?

dobermom — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:00:06 GMT

before we bought our house, we had to live in a apartment, and wanted a dog again.
So we decided on a miniture schnauzer, great apartment dwellers, hyper little guys , but all dogs need excersise.

Tenacious D is now almost 9 , and happy as can be, now tht he has a yard toshare to PLAY in with our Dobe .

RE: Good apartment dog?

Angel8 — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 16:14:26 GMT

A small dog like a dachshund or a chihuahua.

RE: Good apartment dog?

luvmyspringers — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 15:09:47 GMT

leopard gurl,
It doesn't matter what breed anybody suggests. They are going to have to do a lot of RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH on the breed they want or is thinking about. Just because you have heard or seen some breeds being bad and destructive doesn't mean all dogs of that breed are that way. Vizsla's are a hunting dog and need A LOT MORE EXCERISE then you said. They DEFIENTLY don't belong in an apartment. You need to stop shooting down everyone's idea of a good apartment dog. Not every dog will act the same, you should know that since you say you are a dog groomer. So far YOUR dog is the only perfect dog for an apartment. You have managed to shoot down everyone else.

Amen Mandy I was thinking the same thing.

My first instinct was to reply that if you aren't home and can't exercise maybe you should wait to get a dog. However, I would like to now say that there is a right dog out there for you. As previously stated research is the answer. Any breeder worth his salt will not sell you a dog if the dog is not appropriate for apartment living. Choose your breeder carefully and be honest about how much you are home, where you live, and your ability to exercise.

RE: Good apartment dog?

Carol — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 15:08:56 GMT

Kerste (8/11/2006)

Well, ideally, the whole point of my asking for tips about good small/medium sized breeds is so that I can do my research. I don't plan to get a new puppy for at least 6 months, and I will be using that time to research my choices and narrow down the search. A good size would be under 30 pounds, I think. I plan to exercise the dog at least once daily, if not more, and we do live in a warm climate where the temp can be well over 100 degrees during the summer months.

I did look at Pugs and Puggles because I've always wanted one, but their breathing problems worry me. I couldn't find much information about Puggles online, but I suppse that is because they are a fairly new "breed". If anyone has a good site I could go to for info on them I would appreciate it very much.

We've also been looking at Mini Pins, but I'm worried they may be a bit like the Chihuahuas. From what I've read they seem to be a bit larger which is good, but I haven't read up on their temperment.

My husband has told me that greyhounds and dogs of similar body structure are a "no go" as he's had them in the past and know their problems first hand. Also, dogs with longer backs and shorter legs would not fair well with us I'm afraid. Because we are both very tall most of our funiture is too. I'd be afraid they'd hurt themselves jumping from place to place.

Thank you for all the feedback so far. You've all been helpful!

I am not sure what "problems" your husband had with greyhounds. They actually have a very low incidence of hip problems (although a history of injury can change that, of course) and are not high energy/high exercise need dogs. But if he doesn't want a greyhound/whippet, then obviously they are out.

Puggles aren't a breed. They are an irresponsibly bred mixed breed dog. The bad thing about them is that there is no such thing as a responsible puggle breeder so there are already a lot of them turning up in shelters, because they are a fad "designer dog" that people buy, apparently not quite realizing that what they are paying lots of money for is a beagle mix. People hope to get the amiability and health of the beagle and the trainability and charm of the pug. Of course, many puggles will inherit the trainability of the beagle (last seen disappearing over the horizon as his owner runs behind him, calling to him in vain) and the health of the pug (Get a pug! Make your veterinarian very rich!). Of course, this means that you can almost certainly find a puggle (and plenty of other beagle mixes) at a shelter.

If you are open to a mixed breed dog, (and you must be, since you are considering puggles) and if you don't EVER plan to let the dog off leash, a beagle mix (from a shelter, not from a mixed breed dog "breeder" since giving money to breeders for breeding irresponsibly is an immoral thing to do) is not a bad choice, actually. Beagles are amiable and tend to live forever with few health problems. They are shorthaired (although they do shed) and they need some exercise, but they are sweet and cute little dogs.

RE: Good apartment dog?

2 big dogs — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:31:07 GMT

Kerste (8/11/2006)

We've also been looking at Mini Pins, but I'm worried they may be a bit like the Chihuahuas. From what I've read they seem to be a bit larger which is good, but I haven't read up on their temperment.

Thank you for all the feedback so far. You've all been helpful!

Kerste,

You have said you are looking into the min pins. These little dogs are HIGH ENERGY. If they don't get enough mental stimulation they will be very unhappy and will find things (that you may not like) to do. They can be nasty towards strangers unless you socialize early and keep it going. Your right about the short legged, long backs. That is a concern when they are jumping on or off things. Like I said before and it sounds like you are going to take the time and do it is research your breed.

Really and truly I would suggest the Doberman or Cane Corso. I have nothing but good things to say about these two breeds, but your in an apartment and the apartment complex isn't going to let you have them for several reasons. I thought I would just suggest my FAVORITES.

Just one more thing, If you decide to have kids (human) then you might keep that in mind as to what kind of dog will best fit your life style. Not all dogs can handle kids.

RE: Good apartment dog?

Kerste — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:10:35 GMT

We've also been looking at Mini Pins, but I'm worried they may be a bit like the Chihuahuas. From what I've read they seem to be a bit larger which is good, but I haven't read up on their temperment.

Thank you for all the feedback so far. You've all been helpful!

RE: Good apartment dog?

2 big dogs — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 13:05:26 GMT

leopard gurl,

It doesn't matter what breed anybody suggests. They are going to have to do a lot of RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH on the breed they want or is thinking about. Just because you have heard or seen some breeds being bad and destructive doesn't mean all dogs of that breed are that way. Vizsla's are a hunting dog and need A LOT MORE EXCERISE then you said. They DEFIENTLY don't belong in an apartment. You need to stop shooting down everyone's idea of a good apartment dog. Not every dog will act the same, you should know that since you say you are a dog groomer. So far YOUR dog is the only perfect dog for an apartment. You have managed to shoot down everyone else.

RE: Good apartment dog?

leopardgurl_2004 — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 12:35:23 GMT

also mandy,

No Caviler King Charles Spaniels! She is looking for short coated dogs not one that need grooming every 4-6 weeks. These are also not good with many people. They like to be a one person dog. This may not be good if she were to walk it around her apartment complex. Ahe will encounter many people who will want to pet it. I have groomed so many who when they got dropped off where I work, they snapped at me. I took them anyway not wanting to miss making some money. I had them muzzled the whole time, even during thier bath. And they growled at me the whole time they were there. How sad and unfair is this for the scared little dog? And I don't have very many dogs that don't like me. I have often been called the "Dog Whiperer Lady" around my shop! I do good with some of the dogs that seem aggressive coming in, because they are great for me. I'm glad you told her to do her Homework. I had a medium sized Vizlsa Mix in an apartment for a while. She just barely fit in, and had to be walked everyday, because she scratched up my patio door trying to get at squirrels outside, which she loves to chase! Don't worry we are in a house now! I also searched for a year for my Rhosdesian Ridgeback. Its a big dog, but with only a few genetic diseases, and pretty laid back inside the house compaired to my Vizsla Mix. (see my signatureof my Rhodesian at the bottom) Its outside that they really know how to play! And they are a great guard dog and very protective. She is a doorbell\knocker barker. I can sleep well, knowing they are always on guard no matter what! I think she would be better off with a medium sized dog in her apartment. If she were robbed a small dog wouldn't have a chance!

RE: Good apartment dog?

leopardgurl_2004 — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 12:07:14 GMT

mandy,

F.Y.I.- I am a Dog Groomer, and I have seen many of these dogs and they shed alot. I think I remember she said she was looking for a short\smooth coated dog. Not a fluffy one like the P. or C. Corgi. I also recall someone recently trying to get rid of a pair because she had them in her apartment, and they were shedding hair all over, and barked all the time, and tore up things, and broke out of their crates, which the barking disturbed the neighboors, who called management. In an apartment you pay rent, so any damage that is done to the room is at your expense! I can't even imagine the money she had to owe the manager due to the dog being so trapped, and frusterated! She wasn't able to be with the dogs and give them the attention and exercise they needed. Believe it or not their origin is a herding dog, and they are just short enough so the cattle can't kick them and injure them. Thus explains their short, and cute little bodies! And they also need to run, something they would normally do. I have seen too many of these dogs get overweight, and it makes them have hip and joint problems later, and makes it hard to trim their toe nails. (they bite because it hurts to lift their legs up) They had given her a week to get rid of the dogs, and she put up flyers all over my area, saying that these were not apartment dogs no matter how small and cute they are! I wouldn't base a dog on size alone for apartments, consider their temprament, and coat type. I good suggestioin is to do you homework first! Its not fair to the dog to put them in a situation where he is not truly happy doing something close to what he was bread to do!

RE: Good apartment dog?

MayaWolf — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 12:05:57 GMT

RE: Good apartment dog?

2 big dogs — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 11:52:59 GMT

Kerste (8/10/2006)

My husband and I are looking to get a dog in the near future. Our only setback is that we live in an apartment, so size and temperment is a bit of an issue. Also, we don't have a yard so the dog would have to be content spending most of it's time inside, or out with either of us to get some exercise.

I know of a few of the smaller breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkie, etc.), but I was wondering if there were any other good small to medium sized breeds we should be looking at as well. I should also mention that we'd prefer a short haired breed as well.

Kerste,

Another breed you might consider is the cavalier king charles. They usually get between 13 and 18 lbs. They would need to be brushed every other day or at least 3 times a week since their coat is longer and will get matted or tangled easily. If you get them clipped and keep them that way their coat care will be easier. This breed is also good with kids and will hold up to them better than the smaller toy breeds.

Make sure you do lots of reaserch on the breed. You will be happier in the long run. Good luck on finding your perfect pet.

RE: Good apartment dog?

2 big dogs — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 11:30:32 GMT

Kerste (8/10/2006)

Kerste,

Maybe look into pembroke welsh corgi (without a tail) or the cardigan welsh corgi (with a tail). Both are small to medium and will work with the apartment life. Most only get between 20 and 30 lbs. I don't know if you have any kids or plan on having kids, but these two breeds will be able to handle kids better than chihuahuas or yorkies. The cardigan is said to be more easy going and laid back. The pembroke is more on the high energy side, they to can be laid back sometimes. Which ever breed you choose you need to make sure they get out of the apartment and get the proper exercise they deserve. Both are herding dogs so they will enjoy doing anything with you. When you get your new addition and you leave it home by it's self you might want to play the t.v. or a radio until the dog is older and is okay with staying home by it's self. The noise in the back ground will help drown out the dog whining and help make the transition go smoother.

RE: Good apartment dog?

leopardgurl_2004 — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 10:33:55 GMT

I lived in an apartment for a few years, and had my medium sized adopted Vizsla Mix in there. her weight toped at about 42 lbs at the time, now she is 52, but 42 was the limit then, but she was on the smaller side of medium so they let me keep her. These dogs have easy to groom short coats, needing only a weekly brushing with a rubber hound glove to remove dead hair. They also only need bathing once a month, and only need about 30 minutes of exercise a day! Why get a small "yappy" type dog? It will only keep ditsurbing your neighboors, as they do have a tendancy to bark often, and if you get robbed, most likely your little dog couldn't defend your place, a bigger dog would have a better chance! Most apt. complexes have high crime rates so having a dog would make you feel safer!

No, no retired greyhounds! It souns like a great thing to do but you would have to be a vey experienced dog owner! They only know life inside the track! They have no socialization outside the track, i.e. contact with other dogs, or just being in the normal home life setting. When you get one, its like you are starting all over with a new puppy except its in an older dogs body! And you only have a few more good years with this dog, maybe 3-5 left? And your also be putting up with aging dog things like what kind of sicknesses they develop over the years, i.e. meds to be on for diseases they develop, cancers from being exposed to the sun (they live outside in kennels when they are not running) joint problems from runnning most of their lives, ect. And you can't take them out much when they are retired, as most do develop hip and joint problems. I know, I considered adopting one a few years ago, and talked to a rescue org. and they gave me some info., and told me some of these things I am telling in this reply. And its very rare and unlikely to find a puppy, as most peoples yards don't come with a lot of room for many greyhounds to run (they need alot of exercise) even those who have 100s of acres, its stilll not enough for greyhounds to run on. If there are any in homes today, they are usaully overweight, or not quite fit, or have hip and joint problems. Your better off sterting from the beginning with a puppy so you can raise it to follow your commands, and teach it to do what you want it to do, and raise it how you want to. Make sense?

RE: Good apartment dog?

Carol — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 05:12:43 GMT

If you are willing to give the dog regular on leash exercise, I like either whippets or greyhounds as relatively low-maintenance (no dog is actually low-maintenance) apartment dogs. Both are short haired and surprisingly mild and docile in temperament.

If you don't want to take the dog on regular walks (at least), then you are pretty much limited to toy breeds. Pugs are great, and aren't so "toyish" and delicate although you have to be careful of them in the heat.

If you consider a track rescue greyhound, by the way, get one only from organizations that are clear that greyhound racing needs to be banned, not from those that say it merely needs to be "cleaned up" or "reformed." The latter are just greasing the wheels of an industry that slaughters thousands of greyhounds a year.

Good apartment dog?

Kerste — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 20:11:41 GMT