What type of Dog is best for us?

Go to dogtime.com

They have a little quiz that you can do and after answering a few questions, will show you a list of dogs that would be good for your lifestyle.

Since you live in an apartment complex, at this time, I would suggest limiting the size to a Cocker Spaniel, Shiu tzu, llasa, maltese. They would be content while you are working and yet not as active as the larger do.

These dogs are relatively quiet and content to amuse themselves during the day; yet are very eager to go jogging and playing fetch (cocker spaniel-I think the other two may have a little trouble if you don't use a frisbe. lol).

we have had Cockers and the others and they can be very loyal and playful. they also like to go swimming with people and are very adept at it.

With proper 'positive re enforcement' training of you with your pet (PetSmart) you would do well. I highly recommend this for any pet owner and with the possibility of children in the future it is very important. It is very important that you have good communication with your pet before you introduce children into the family. We took these classes and kept in contact with the trainer who gave us numerous tips to prepare the dog for a new baby. Now, he is not jealous of the babies and is always there to tell me when the babies fuss. No barking, no nipping, no jealousy and a wonderful companion when taking them for walks. I swear by the 'positive re enforcement' classes. We understand each other and there is not stress on the pet or us.

Great question! Through experience, I can positively suggest to you the shetland sheepdog or also known as the sheltie. These dogs are the miniature versions of the famous Lassie. I have a sheltie and I can say that this dog is very loyal, great with little kids, extremely intelligent, fast learner(potty training will be a breeze!), loves to play when you want to play, well behaved, and very beautiful. Hope this helps!

My husband and I live in a townhouse and we have 3 dogs. My small dog lhasa apso/pomeranian, his husky and a Newfoundland. The Newfie weighs about 70 lbs and she will be 1 in July. Most people think you can't have a giant breed in an apartment, but actually they can't have entirely too much exercise because of their hips. Just remember usually the larger the dog the shorter they live good luck!

My best suggestion? Check out petfinder.com, read the descriptions of the dogs in your area, talk to the shelters, and find a dog who matches what your lifestyle is. Since you have a weight limit, I would suggest either adopting a small puppy that you KNOW will not be bigger than that or getting an adult dog who you know exactly how big he/she will be. I'm sure it would be awful to adopt a puppy and then find out that the dog they told you would be 40 lbs turned out to be 65 lbs when fully grown.

a King Charles Spaniel? Cocker Spaniel? Shih Tzu? and if you are up for it a Lab? or Golden?

I do not suggest a border collie, aussie, St. Bernard, or a Great Pyranees type of BIG dog- those need a lot of space to run around in and does not work for an apartment. When you move to a HOUSE then I definetly suggest St. Bernard! They are big dogs! Lovable, Goofy and fun! :)

Shi-Tzus are good! They need to be kept indoors anyway, (except when they need to potty) because they don't do well out in cold weather or hot weather for long periods of time. They are generally 10-16 pounds, so they are bigger than toy breeds.

they'll be hyper when you first get home, (what dog isn't!) but usually calm down after a bit of attention.

Before you decide be sure to do

your homework....um...dogwork.

One breed to consider would be a poodle. There are small,medium and large sizes. Poodles love to play fetch,like taking walks{or jogs}are easy to care for and don't shed.{although you need to get them haircuts or keep well brushed} And they do tend to get along with children.

No matter what you decide on be sure to go to a well established breeder[ask a vet for one} or your local humane society.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

I would suggest a Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) I've had one (and a one point two) all my life and and they are great dogs. Medium sized. But they get pretty hairy if anyone of you has allergies to long haired animals. Mine loved to take long walks (although was pretty tired after them, all that hair is hot), played fetch, and is great with children young to old. If you live in a hot enviroment, keep the hair shorter. Good luck!