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Junior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 10/29/2009 11:33:55 AM
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Hello!
I came across the forum while doing some of my extensive breed research. I have read through much of the forum, and everyone here seems so willing to help us newbies find the perfect breed. PLEASE forgive the length of my post, but I wanted to get all the info out there. Here’s a little info on my situation.
Housing
I currently live in an 800 square foot apartment (1 BR) in Washington, DC. Summers in DC are HOT HOT HOT, while the winters are bitterly cold. I also live with my girlfriend, who’s family has a pug back at home. Our building allows dogs up to 100 pounds, although I think that would be a bit large for our apartment. We live on the first floor, so stairs aren’t a worry for a dog with shorter legs. We don’t have kids, neither of us has or wants a cat, and neither of us is allergic to dogs.
Dog Experience
Although I am only 24, I have spent my whole life around dogs. My family has had everything from Labs and Samoyeds to Akitas and Huskies, and we currently have a lab mix and a Scottish terrier back in Colorado. I have spent months as a professional dog walker (as an in-between job), and am comfortable working with all of the breeds and sizes I have encountered. While I have helped train all of my family’s dogs, this will be the first dog that I’ll train entirely on my own. I am currently reading “The Power of Positive Dog Training” by Pat Miller just to develop one cohesive overall strategy.
Exercise
My girlfriend runs often, but not always. Generally it’s about 3 miles, and happens about 3 times a week. She’s hoping that having a running partner will bump that up to 4 or 5 times a week. We are both active people, who enjoy hiking and skiing, but find ourselves relaxing on the couch many nights during the week. We’d want a dog who is happy just hanging out, but can pick up and run 3 miles or play fetch in the park (if it’s a breed that can be off leash in a city)
Availability
She leaves for work around 5:30am and returns around 3:00pm. I generally work nights (4 – 12pm) but sometimes work mornings (8am-4). One of us is generally at home, but I have an ex co-worker lined up to walk the dog on the days where we’d both be away for extended periods.
Preferences
A dog between 30 and 80 pounds would be perfect. I prefer larger dogs, she prefers small/medium.
Mild shedding is ok, massive shedding is not (unless it’s when a new coat is coming in and only lasts for about a week or so).
Willing to brush twice a week, and bathe 3 or 4 times a year.
The dog would be crated in the living room once comfortable with his “den”
No preference between male or female.
We’ll most likely be getting one from a shelter, so the more breed options that you can suggest for us the better, as we don’t know what’s out there. A breeder is another possibility, but it’s more of a back-up. We’re just looking for the perfect dog!!!
Thanks for any and all help!
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Supreme Being
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:47:53 PM
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when my husband got his medical discharge from the Army ( he is a 50% service connected disabelt veteran), we lived in a renthouse, 7 people , 1 cat, a schnauzer and a doberman, and it was 1100 sqft.
At that time, we were in the process of buying our first ever home, and we did it.
It can be done, as long as the dog gets plenty of exercise the dog will be OK.
WE did it for 2 Years.
If you do have the patience and the time to devote to the little guy get a pup, if not get a older dog from a rescue or shelter.
Our Dogs are not spoiled,we're just well trained 
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Supreme Being
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well I am probably a little biased (I own 4), but the shetland sheepdog (sheltie) is an excellent breed They do shed, but it's not too terrible the worst is when they blow coat, but that even isn't too bad. They would be a good jogging partner, yet they are also happy to just chill on the couch. They range in size from 13-16 inches at the withers (16-30 pounds), but there are many that are over sized so finding a larger one in a rescue wouldn't be a problem. They are smart and sensitive, they get along well with other animals and kids. They come in a variety of color to choose from (although sable is the most common)
the downside to a sheltie they bark!!! they are a herding breed so they are very sight oriented they will let you know if something doesn't look right in their opinion  or if they are bored! Since they are so intellegent they do need mental stimulation luckily they are easy to train, but positive training only please, they will shut down if you are to harsh! usually a simple ah ah is enough disipline.
If you have any questions about the sheltie I would be more than happy to answer!
 
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Forum Guru
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Last Login: 9/6/2009 8:19:58 PM
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| I have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which would be nice for you (female 24-34 lbs, male 28-38 lbs) but I know you wouldn't find one in a shelter. From your description of exercise partner but a couch potato otherwise, I'm thinking maybe a sighthound, Whippet maybe although I doubt you would find them at a shelter either. Good luck in your search! staffordmom
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 10/29/2009 11:33:55 AM
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What does everyone think of a Yellow Lab? (Color not important) Given enough exercise, I've heard that they can be great apartment dogs. Would a Golden retriever be better?
Thanks,
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Supreme Being
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retrievers are not running dogs, they are Hunters.
A Hunting Dog is not equipped to run 3x a week 4-5 miles.
I can think of a Saluki, greyhound, thats all I can think off , off hand right now.
Our Dogs are not spoiled,we're just well trained
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Supreme Being
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a rhodesian ridgeback would make an excellent runnning partner
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Supreme Being
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true @ rainsmom, could not think of that one.
Our Dogs are not spoiled,we're just well trained
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 10/29/2009 11:33:55 AM
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| It's really more like 2-3 mile runs, 3 days a week. Outside of that, it would be long walks and playing fetch in the park. Whatever the dog needs to be happy living in an apartment, we can provide. If he/she doesn't like to run long distances everyday, that's OK too.
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Member
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Last Login: 10/2/2009 4:48:57 PM
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hmmm, well, good job on getting help and research! My dog could do w/ a little more excercise than we give her.  Should have looked into that... you could go to Websites like Petfinder.com and look around. they give you dogs in you area, with the gender, age, and size to whatever you want them to be. It's how I found Luna, and no matter where you live you'll probably find a LOT of dogs. As for a certain breed, I'm not sure. A herding dog may not be the best idea, but what about something like a golden retriever? they are pretty calm and gentle, but I've seen plenty of them hiking around where we live.
My dog is smarter than yours!!!  
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