dog for apartment? [Archive] - Chazhound Dog Forum

ice cold

07-13-2005, 08:01 PM

It will still be at least another year until I can get a dog, since I'll be living in dorms this year. However, when I get an apartment I'd really like to have a dog. My current dog can't come with me because she needs a really large yard (very active and aggressive), so unfortunately she'll be living with my dad. After having such an aggressive dog I want one with no tendencytowards aggression whatsoever. It needs to be great with kids, since I hopefully will be having kids sometime in the next few years. It needs get get along very well with other dogs, as I want to frequently visit the dog park. I don't care much for grooming, and don't want a major shedder, but I can deal with it. This dog really needs to be small and mellow enough to live in an apartment, yet large/strong and active enough to play with big dogs ad be able to handle kids. I would prefer it to have some sort of retrieving instinct, or at least have it be trainable enough/willing to teach it fetch and have it learn quickly. The fur has to be easy to dry off relitively quickly since it will be playing in water and such and I don't want to spend an hour getting the water out a the dog park.

My first thoughts were a beagle or a corgi. Obviously, they both have their problems (corgis dont appear to be as sociable as I'd like and beagles are a little loud). My favorite breeds are german shepherds, pit bulls, dogo argentinos, mastiffs, pomeranians, Shiba Inus, and pugs. I don't really like frilly dogs (a miniture poodle would probably be my best bet, but I'm just not sure I like their looks). I like rugged dogs. I like spaniels a lot, I'm just worried about the coat upkeep and space requirements.

Mind you they'd get probably about an hour of dog park a day, and maybe 15-30 minutes of walk daily. I would REALLY like to keep them offleash.

Thank you very much!

poeluvr

07-13-2005, 08:03 PM

what about a miniature snauzer, they are cute and pretty flexible, with the right training though

Fran27

07-13-2005, 08:05 PM

You can try this link

http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl

It's a form that asks you tons of questions then selects the breeds that fit the best to your situation. I liked it.

poeluvr

07-13-2005, 08:06 PM

aah you beat me to finding one fran.:)

BigDog2191

07-13-2005, 08:12 PM

Golden Retreiver, Boxer, Lab, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dachshund, those were ones that I thought of for you.

bubbatd

07-13-2005, 08:18 PM

If you go rescue you see what you get. .... even test them with children . Don't put down a larger breed because of the apt. There are a lot of large breeds that would be happy with you in a 1 room apt.

poeluvr

07-13-2005, 08:19 PM

really there are?

Ash47

07-13-2005, 10:04 PM

I suggest a Chihuahua. There are lots of the babies in rescue. They are great little dogs. But I am bias. :) Anyway, if at all possible, get a younger one. They will likely be more readily acceptable of a new owner. As Chis get older, they get more attached to their owners or their surroundings, therefore, a change in any of this could trigger an aggressive snap. That is the only setback to the Chi though. There is a small chance that it may snap on future children if you don't SOCIALIZE it with children when you get it. Socialization is a broad topic and is best done when the pup is young. But, with lots of hard work, it can be achieved at an older age.
Schnauzers are a good choice. But if you do choose this breed, choose the Mini. They seem to have better temperaments and are not as protective of their people as the Standard. The Giants and gorgeous and wonderful, but shouldn't be locked up in an apt.
I have also known lots of Poms to walk just fine off-leash. But other than that, I don't know too much about them. Ask me what you want about Chis though, I will be happy to help.

bridey_01

07-13-2005, 10:06 PM

ice cold

07-13-2005, 10:44 PM

I've had too many problems with shelter dogs..that being 2. I bought a puppy at about 12 weeks old and she ended up being extremely fear aggressive and now lives at an aggressive dog rescue (but they liked her so much that she lives in the house), and the dog I have curently was GREAT at the shelter, she was very friendly ad good with everything (paid no attention to toys, still doesnt), but the moment we took her home, she started attacking people and other dogs. It's been a very hard road with her. After 7 years of her, we have gotten her to only snap lightly and get used to new people within about 15 people, whereas before we had to have her outside the entire time company was over. I just can't risk getting another aggressive dog. Of course, I've had good shelter experiances too, one was a purebred german shepherd and the other was a purebred lab. I would kill to have a lab again, lol, but there's no way I'm keeping one in an apartment. I don't want anythign quite as small as a chi, I can't imagine those would do well in the dog park. I love dachsunds but them+aparetment stairs is a bad idea, IMO. I'm also worried about larger dogs hips with that sort of thing. But do you really think a german shepherd would be fine in an apartment? We only had a GS for a few days, but she was the sweetest dog I'd ever met and I've heard GREAT stories about GSs with kids. What other large dogs would be good?

ice cold

07-13-2005, 10:55 PM

that test toldme shiloh sheperds, cocker spaniels, or border terriers. I thought about the border terriers, I love their coats and size, but I thought they weren't great socially or something? And I thought of cockers but that coat seems like it's be a bit of a hassle. But around that size is great.
I met a bichon-yorkie the other day and thought he was fantastic. Does anyone know if they're good dogs? The don't quite fit my normal "looks" specifications, lol.
So you think beagles would be a bad choice?
Oh, and I could end up with a pomeranian <i>as well</i> as this dog, if I'm still with my current boyfriend. He has a thing for pomeranians and I told him he could have one if we lived together, lol. We'll see. So the dog has to be good with small dogs AND large dogs.

Renee750il

07-13-2005, 11:01 PM

First, everyone KNOWS how much I love German Shepherds . . . but . . . they need more activity than that when they are young. After they're three or four years old, they make admirable apartment dogs, provided you do take them out and walk them regularly and they get a chance to go do some running at least four or five days a week. A bored German Shepherd can totally wreck your chances of ever seeing a damage deposit again! Not to mention if you're working and there's no one else home an entire workday alone just isn't good for a GSD. Another dog, or even a cat is good company for one though. I'd really suggest you wait on a German Shepherd for awhile, unless you were to find a quiet, stable adult dog at a breed rescue. Breed rescues tend to do a good job of screening, and their dogs are usually in foster homes, not penned in kennel runs, which gives you a much more accurate assessment of the dog's real temperament.

Now, you might want to consider a retired racing Greyhound, Whippet or Italian Greyhound. They make wonderful apartment dogs. They're quiet and are thrilled to be able to laze about on the sofa during the day. A good brisk walk and a few trips to the park a week will suit one of these dogs perfectly.

Another large dog that can be a good choice for an apartment is a Great Dane, or even an English Mastiff.

BUT . . . real world circumstances . . . unless you're lucky enough to be independently wealthy you're going to be working at least eight hours a day to support an apartment. There's no way you'll have time to train and work with a puppy under those circumstances, especially a large pup. Under those circumstances, you're really better off checking into a breed rescue that fosters and finding a calm, quiet young adult dog, or going with a small breed, like a Chihuahua, that can be taught to use a pad or litter box and can be contained in one puppy-proofed room while you're gone. Even then, a companion, like another small dog or a cat, will make a world of difference in your dog's - and your - mental health. ;)

EliNHunter

07-13-2005, 11:13 PM

Apartments, I wouldnt recommend a Golden or a Lab. For a mellow dog that's good with kids and minimal on grooming, I wouldnt pick any of the herding breeds (maybe a collie but they're pretty heavy on the grooming). My advice would be to find a good mix from a shelter.

Omigod! I haven't read further in this thread to see if anyone else chimed in, but ANY kind of working dog -- herding, hunting, or otherwise is a giant NOOO!!!! Not in an apartment!!!! Those dogs need room and need to work. PLEASE don't go there. I would suggest a toy poodle or a mini dachsund...

sparks19

07-13-2005, 11:18 PM

We have a lab/coonhound mix in our two bedroom apartment. He is a perfect apartment dog. he almost NEVER barks. even when someone comes to the door. the river is not far away so its easy to take him swimming on a regular basis. There are lots of other dogs very close by that he knows and enjoys playing with. He gets lots of exercise. However I am also home all day everyday with him so he is almost always entertained. If you don't have that kind of time then definately not the kind of dog you would want in an apartment. I just lucked out with my boy.

ice cold

07-13-2005, 11:20 PM

Okay, need to make this clear. I do not want a toy dog. They're cute, but I would really rather get something that could survive in a dog park, lol. As I said, cocker/beagle/border terrier/corgi size.
Oh, I'd also like to do flyball...but I suppose that really doesn't matter horribly, lol.
Ohoh, I forgot. I have a cat. She ignores dogs generally (my aggressive dog is scared to death of cats, so she's left well alone). The dog needs to be fine with cats. I suppose that could rule out terriers? I don't really know whats good with cats, lol. Course, terriers could be too active for the apartment anyways...but I really love the way a lot of them look and their big-dog personalities.
Another thought...mini bull terrier? I love those...

Renee750il

07-13-2005, 11:27 PM

I'd stay away from the mini Bulls . . . you start getting into all sorts of weirdness when you find dogs like that being bred down for size. Now, a little French Bulldog could be a good choice.

Really, a retired Greyhound seems to fit your needs better than most of the larger alternatives . . .

You've got lots of time to do more research though.

ice cold

07-13-2005, 11:32 PM

I have wanted to adopt a retires racing greyhound for a very long time, however...cat. I mean, chasing things that look like cats is what greyhounds do for a living, what they're bred for. And with a pomeranian possibly as well?

I'm supposing a standard bull is just to big and active for an apartment?

Renee750il

07-13-2005, 11:43 PM

If you're talking about a Bull Terrier, it IS a Terrier, lol! I've had Terriers around cats and they were fine, but they were the smaller Terriers, Ratties and Jacks. Not sure if I'd trust a Bull Terrier to be able to resist, as their prey drive tends to larger animals than rats, squirrels and moles.

Retired racers usually, as people who have them have told me, are quick to pick up that you don't chase family, lol! They really are couch potatoes in the house.

ice cold

07-14-2005, 12:15 AM

I'm horrible at this...lol...but I'm not sure I'd like a couch potato. Like one of my ex boyfriends had a cocker, a pug, and a standard (yet abnormally large) poodle. The poodle wouldn't even get up to see who was at the door, the cocker would pee if someone so much as looked at her, and the pug was the sweetest dog ever. But the more I played with these 3 over time, the closer I got to the cocker. She was an american (I prefer english), and was pitch black. I loved that dog. I don't even mind english cockers' hair, I guess. Not nearly as fussy as the american. And they'd retrieve and I'm guessing I could have them off leash...spaniels like that really appeal to me because I loved my lab so much, and frankly they remind me of labs in their own little way.
I'm still a little worried about prey drives...my cat doesn't like dogs as is, lol. She'll rub against my dog once in a while but I swear my dog almost has a heart attack when she does, lol, so Im sure it's just to torture my poor dog.
I know this probably shouldn't affect mydog-adopting TOO much, but I will be living on a budget. If I get something like a cocker, or basically any other dog, it will be from a breeder (well, that excludes the pom, I would like to get that from a puppy mill rescue). The greyhound would be a retired racer. Which dog will cost more in the long run? I think I'd be more worried about the health of the cockers, consdiering all the dumb breeders out here. But would getting an english help?

Oh god look at me...here I am asking questions ignoring answers and deciding "hey, an english cocker sounds fantastic" even though no one has said anything about them. So sorry I have such bad forum manners. :-/

stirder

07-14-2005, 12:23 AM

honestly, of all the dogs listed I can vouche that all except with dogo (dont know much about them) can adapt to apartment life as long as they get a lot of walking and playing. I dont really recommend the breeds such as the gsd or dobie for apartment life but it has and can be done. mastiff and great dane are good apartment dogs with walks. beagle might not be best only because of barking. corgi, pug, pom. they are good apartment dogs. corgi is no less sociable than a gsd, and more sociable than a dogo.

Renee750il

07-14-2005, 12:46 AM

Trust me, inside an apartment you really, really want a sofa 'tater, lol! For one thing, it keeps the neighbors from complaining about you and your dog and getting you invited to find other accomodations . . . Once these dogs get outside they're ready to exercise, and that's where you want them to get cranked up, not in the apartment.

A Dogo is a real no-no in an apartment . . . comparable to trying to keep a Fila in an apartment - a really bad match all around. Steer clear of herding breeds, whatever you do . . .

ice cold

07-16-2005, 01:15 AM

not evena corgi? ****. I wasn't planning on keeping a dogo in an apartment,t hey're just my favorite breed, lol. When I have one, I'm goign to have acreage, lol. And a pond. That is just my dog dream. Maybe I'll even breed them. But that's WAY in the future. I mean, a year or 2 is far enough away as is. so no one knows ANYTHING about english cockers?
Is it a reasonable fear to think that a greyhound might not come when called at a dog park? so they like water at all? What about whippets? can you get those retired?

yuckaduck

07-17-2005, 02:52 PM

I have a two bedroom apartmen and a german shepherd who is fine but I walk him 4 times a day and not little 5 min walks. Two walks are over an hour and the in between walks are 30-40 mins of ball chasing or running around with other dogs. If he misses a walk he is full of beans and a bit of a pain in the butt. Just know the expectations of the breed and be willing to give what it needs or else look at something else.

Renee750il

07-17-2005, 04:04 PM

Corgi's are militant little herders! They have to make up for their small size with attitude to be able to move animals that are SOOOOO much larger. With a Corgi you get a whole lotta dog - and a dog who isn't shy about telling you or anyone else it's opinion - in a compact package.

Sighthounds are just what the name implies - they follow by sight and that's their primary focus. I wouldn't ever feel secure turning one loose in an unrestricted area. There are always compromises to be made, especially when you're dealing with apartment life where you are close to other people. Yuck's got her hands full! But she's dedicated and German Shepherds tend to be pretty adaptable, wanting to take care of their people, which to their mindset, includes keeping their people happy. Sometimes, though, they will get an idea in their heads that they have a much better idea of how to take care of you than you do . . . and sometimes they're right, lol!

yuckaduck

07-17-2005, 04:09 PM

That is very true, I have my hands full but I have two little kids as well. We hope to have a house soon as the older Yukon gets the more energy he will have and he will be to big for an apartment. It is tough when you are so close to neighbours and in such confined places.

ice cold

07-19-2005, 02:05 PM

So, back to cocker spaniels. Yes or no?

bubbatd

07-19-2005, 08:26 PM

I personally think it's the individual dog, not the breed. If I lived in an apt. and wanted a dog, I'd go rescue ( of whatever breed I was interested in )and do a trial. any of my dogs (goldens) wouldn't mind apt. life. EliNHunter's X rescued a lab to an apt. I would not " try" a puppy.

Renee750il

07-20-2005, 09:52 AM

If I were considering a Cocker for an apartment I would DEFINITELY go to a breed rescue and look for an adult. Cockers' temperaments and personalities are all over the scale due to their overwhelming popularity some years back and all of the backyard breeders that got into the Cocker business. That's the only way you'd have any chance of knowing if that particular dog could live happily in an apartment.

aurorab

07-20-2005, 12:12 PM

I read that you were interested in grey hounds but worried about your cat, most are fine w/ cats. After a grey hound retires they are place in forster homes a taught how to be dogs. Going from living in a crate, around other dog of their kind only and not much contact w/ humans, they need to learn a lot. Like what steps are, and walking on a leash and couch... they love couches. So this time in forster care is very very important. Also inforster care they find out if they are ok w/ cats, other dogs, etc. Most grey hounds are actually fine w/ cats.
They seem like they are a bit large but they can fit into a small space and love it. They can be major couch potatoes and a relatively easy to care for. 1 major thing is that you either need a fenced yard or they most always be on a leash. If they see something and get into chase mode then they will forget where they are and just chase and possibly get lost. They lose sight of every thing but what they are chasing and can't find their way back home. So leash or fenced yard or evena dog park if needed. Some rescues have your read a book I think it's called the grey hound handbook. It is wonderfull and very helpfull. We are thinking of being forster parents but we have to wait a bit longer (just moved, fence not in yet, new puppy, etc) but we are still hoping to do it in the future.
They really are great pets and they are fine in apt and very easy to take care of.
Just some info.
Also have you looked into pharaoh, ibizan or scilian hounds, rodesian ridgebacks, brittany, or a vizsla? just a few more to look at.

BigDog2191

07-20-2005, 03:34 PM

Sorry, I haven't read the whole thread but why not dachshunds? They were used to chase out ground hogs that burrowed in the ground so they can be very good watch dogs. My brother has one and he's very gentle and nice. Cute, too.

The only problem with them is that they can be a BIG hassle to house train. But you can always adopt one that's already house trained. :)

Sprout

07-20-2005, 05:57 PM

Brussels Griffons or Affenpinchers are EXCATLY what youre looking for!
I own a Griff myself, and he is my best friend!
Sprout learns things within 5 minutes, hes EXTREMELY intellegent, and he is small too. He's a bit oversized for his breed, but hes still under my knee.
Sprout LOVES to swim, and is great with everyone, but has a special bond with me :)
Hes not aggeressive with any other big dog, we own a HUGE golden retriver outself, and thoes two are great friends! griffons have scruffy fur and dry off VERY quick.. and dont require lots of grooming..
they can live in apartments, too, they can excersize themselves :) the pics in my avatar and signature are of sprout, and in my profile pic. you can also look them up on the internet and theyll come up with a bunch of stuff!
and griffons arent fragile, like a chihuhauha or something, theyre pretty buff, compared to other breeds.. heres a video of sprout
http://www.youtube.com/?v=aZv0ZTJoUIg

skyhigh

08-15-2005, 04:57 AM

Ice Bucket. What about a Griffon? Thats what Sprout suggested. A german Shepherd is a no no for an apartment. I have one now and she needs to ruuuunnnn like crazy. If you want a dog that can run with other dogs at the park AND is great for appratment life, check out the cavalier king charles spaniel. Here, I did some research for you...

Check out this site. Has all the info you need. http://www.ackcsc.org/

Hope this helps. I think these dogs are great. They are gorgeous and dont shed much.

Temperment:
Gay, friendly, non-aggressive with no tendency towards nervousness or shyness.

Zoom

08-15-2005, 06:33 PM

A Cav is a good pick temperment wise, but the coat may be a little much and they may not be active enough. Seriously, I would go look at the retired Greyhounds. When they say couch potato, it's only when indoors with nothing to do. Once outside and told to chase or let loose, they just GO until called back/get tired. Minimal grooming, and any half-decent rescue can tell you which ones aren't good with cats so you don't have to guess about it.

skyhigh

08-15-2005, 06:51 PM

If you just give it a quick brush everyday it should be fine. They are cute little things. Here, i posted a pic of a greyhound and a cav

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/sandraAUS/images2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/sandraAUS/images1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/sandraAUS/images5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/sandraAUS/images.jpg

poeluvr

08-15-2005, 07:13 PM

adamnaubry

08-15-2005, 09:13 PM

I scanned through most of the messages, I don't know if anyone suggested this, but have you considered a boston terrier? My mom has one as well as a cat so I know they are good with cats. She's about 25 lbs, active when you want her to be, lazy when you want her to be, she's no taller than 20 inches. She's muscular enough to play with the bigger dogs. She's also an extremely intelligent animal. Bostons would be excellent apartment dogs.

Also, since they are a short hair dog, no grooming is required as far as fur. Every once in a while the wrinkles have to be swabbed with clean q-tips.

poeluvr

08-15-2005, 09:30 PM

Cavaliers - Lovely, peaceul little spaniels without the huge array of temperament problems that the Cocker spaniel has. Sturdy little guys, too. Peaceful in temperament, not really prone to aggression.

Also, have you considered English Setters? As puppies they are PSYCHO, but as adults they are wonderful, mellow dogs indoors. (Most retain their psycho tendencies once they are let outside, though.) Also, very peaceful and sweet in temperament, with the typical 'soft bite' and gentleness of a sporting dog.

A lot of people suggested Dachshunds, but I personally would steer clear of them for apartment living... Doxies are working dogs, believe it or not, and many are more active than your average Border Collie!

Miniature Poodles are awesome dogs, not too small and apparently not nearly as messed-up as Standard Poodles or Toy Poodles. (Not as popular, it seems.) But if you don't want to take a dog to the groomer's at least every 6-7 weeks, I'd avoid a poodle.

jackaroo

08-15-2005, 09:53 PM

I think the best solution is to go to the local animal shelter or rescue and look at an older dog. Those blessed animals are waiting for someone just like you. The Animal Shelter personnel are better and selecting a dog for your situation than any internet questionnaire available. Try it. And good luck. The animal you select will be a very happy doggie

Manchesters

08-15-2005, 09:57 PM

Gruend comes to mind.

adamnaubry

08-15-2005, 09:58 PM

i hared every once in a while boston terriers have to go to the vets and get like "there package" cleeared out of something(its not neutering)...forget what its called.
i had a boston terrier, but he never got that done, but i heard it hAS tobe done

I haven't found any information on anything like this, and my mom has had two bostons--one female and one male--and she's never heard anything about it.

Here's a good site for you icecold:
http://students.seattleu.edu/morrowm/perfectdog/bostonterrier.htm

poeluvr

08-15-2005, 10:04 PM

hmmm..
o i just asked my mum. not all of them need to have it done...it is where there anal glands or something have to be squeezed, and way they do it at our vet..my boston never had i tdone,,, but yet we never knew about this till after

Manchesters

08-15-2005, 10:21 PM

I haven't found any information on anything like this, and my mom has had two bostons--one female and one male--and she's never heard anything about it.

Here's a good site for you icecold:
http://students.seattleu.edu/morrowm/perfectdog/bostonterrier.htm

Anal glands I believe..

poeluvr

08-15-2005, 10:33 PM

if u didnt ignore me u would have noticed i already said it

colliekid

08-16-2005, 12:52 AM

go to www.dogbreedinfo.com and search for dogs that do well in apartments

frenchboxer

08-16-2005, 04:37 AM

A French Bulldog would tick all the boxes for you. Compact, smooth coated, not a barker, and can be a couch potato, but having said that, mine enjoys a long walk more than anything else. On the other side of the spectrum, a Mastiff is also a good choice.

Gempress

08-16-2005, 02:18 PM

I'm surprised I didn't see this mentioned, but how about an Italian greyhound? A friend of mine has two of them, and they strike me as the absolutely perfect apartment dogs. Their hair is so fine and short its not a problem at all. The ones I know live with several large dogs and can definately hold their own in rough-and-tumble games. They also get along great with cats and children. They like to run and play outside, but are perfectly happy with just relaxing on the couch.