LOOKING FOR A DOG? HELP ON DECISION MAKING?

I think with your situation, that a dog is not the right pet for you. Even low-energy, couch-potato dogs, like Greyhounds, need to go out more than once or twice a day to relieve themselves.

Why not consider a cat for your daughter for a pet? They can be quite happy living indoors all the time, can use a little box and provide your daughter with a pet.

Dogs are a big responsibility, and you can't expect a 5 yr old child to do the day to day care of it. A cat is much less work and will make a fine companion for your little girl.

Well done for thinking about this before jumping! To be perfectly honest, your accommodation, at the moment, is far from ideal, especially for a puppy. You might be okay with an older dog, but bear in mind that puppies need to go out every hour - from the top floor of an apartment building? Yes, you can use pee pads, but just remember dogs should be trained that outside is the place to do their pooh/pees, not indoors, and training them to use these pads can, and does, confuse them long term. You will end up having to train twice.

All dogs need at least two good walks a day - are you going to be there to do that?

Christmas is not a good time to bring a new dog into the family - too much going on! It's far better to leave it until after the holiday period, when things have quietened down a bit.

You might get away with an older small dog, who is used to living indoors a lot, and being on their own a lot.

However, if you want my honest opinion, I'd wait, until you have a more suitable home, with a garden and your daughter is just that bit older so she can help with the exercising, and general looking after that a dog needs.

Okay, so I was in the exact same situation. My whole family works or goes to school, and we are always out on the weekends. Kids are over often, and so we needed a safe dog. I now have a toy poodle, and she fits in perfectly. We take her out once in the morning, and when we get home, and then right before bed. She has never bitten anyone, and she is very smart. I would suggest getting one that's about 2 years old, because my dog is at the perfect age now that she can be left home alone for a good amount of time. On top of everything else, she does not shed AT ALL, and that would work for you, since you have a job. I definitely recommend a poodle. They love to play and be loved, and are very happy dogs, but stay calm during the day while you are out.

I dont think you can get away with taking the dog out once (or twice) a day. What about bathroom breaks?

temperament and good with children is not really breed specific...depends on where you get the dog, from what breeder, shelter..etc.

There are some low energy dogs that dont require much exercise, but all dogs require SOME DAILY exercise...a 5 min walk on a leash outside once a day will not do it.

get your daughter a kitten

I really think you should get an adult dog if you work 4+ hours, a puppy couldn't be left alone. Good temperament? That's your choice. No dog is safe with children - they are an unpredictable animal. Remember: YOU are going to be looking after this dog, not her. You aren't gonna find a dog that's low energy and that your daughter will not hurt - low energy = small dogs = if your daughter holds it wrong/drops it/falls on it/sits on it/steps on it/trips over it, £[enter stupid amount here] vets' bills.

i would get a goldfish if i were you..dogs need more than just one or two walks a day..and they also need a life time commitment to them not just two years then you realise you don't want it or its too much hassle .honestly I'm not being nasty but you,ve not got the time for a dog by the sounds of it..there's no point in getting a dog if your going keep it indoors most of the time...get a fish or maybe a house cat.

All dogs need to go out a few times a day (especially when they're a puppy), unless you decide to litterbox train your dog. I would recommend a dog such as a pug or a bichon frise because they are low energy dogs which are easy to train and they are also playful (something your daughter would like!).

Take your time choosing a dog and a breeder. Good luck.

I'd recommend a whippet. They have a perfect temperament (as do most 'greyhound' type dogs), but don't require as much exercise. A greyhound itself would be alright so long as it got one decent (20-30 min) walk a day (and maybe a quick 5 minute few pees at bedtime walk).

I've had lurchers and greyhounds for 15 years, and they are very placid and calm: sit around the house all day. So long as I give them a couple of good runs a week (and the above walk) they are fine.

Depends where you are. If you're in the UK, you will find lots of retired greyhounds from racing, and they really are perfect pets, the most gentle dogs I've ever seen :) I'm not sure if they are raced in other countries, but you should be able to find a greyhound, lurcher or whippet close to you. Try googling "rescue dogs" + Your area, and going along to a rescue centre nearby to talk to the staff. They might have a particular dog in that would be perfect for you. Good luck anyway.

http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/

http://www.lurcher.org/kaye/LurcherLinkwebpages/Lu...

http://www.greyhoundgap.org.uk/info.php?in_id=4

There are many dogs to choose from. but if your not going to be home to walk it. i don't know if a dog would be right for your family, especially a puppy. they need lost of walks, their bladder is small and they have little control. unless you train the dog to go to the bathroom on these potty training pads that you leave on the floor. also ALL dogs need exercise. Get a cat.

Why don't you adopt a senior dog? An older dog has less energy and if you can find one from a family with kids, you know it will be OK.