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TwistedxKiss asked in PetsDogs · 1 decade ago

What dog breeds to look at?

I am hoping to adopt a dog in a year or so and I am starting my breed research, looking for suggestions. Here are the particulars...

-i have owned a toy breed terrier. not a huge fan, but i wouldnt rule it out. i had an affenpinscher and am more interested in a dog that is going to be friendly with more than one person and more willing to play.

- i have experience with dominant breeds, but nothing that the apartment is likely to ban. no pitties. :(.

- i will be living in an apartment. small and large dogs allowed, but a small dog is preferred in case i have to move.

-can commit to a daily 45 min to an hour walk, plus a free run at least once or twice a week in a fenced yard or dog park. plus lots of indoor play in the evenings.

- don't want to have to deal with hair cuts. brushing, bathing, and nail clipping are fine. just no groomer.

-breeds that are known to be quieter are preferred, since it is an apartment. i know all dogs bark and i embrace that, but i know some breeds are less likely than others to bark just to bark or because the wind blew, and i am more interested in those dogs.

- has to be able to live with being alone for a few hours. i work five days a week from 8:30 to 5. i train my (small) dogs to use an indoor bathroom arrangement so that is not an issue, and someone will be available to visit in the afternoon often but i am not sure if i can guarantee that every day yet. i am always home on weekends and in the evenings. i am aware this may mean that any dog is out of the question, but i at least want to do my research before i give up!

-i am planning on adopting a young ADULT, not a puppy.

i was interested in whippets but was concerned that i wouldnt be home often enough for their sensitive natures or that the exercise wouldnt be enough. was also interested in pugs but it sounds like they have a LOT of health issues. any thoughts?

Update:

I am open to mutts and plan to adopt from a shelter. I work at a humane society. I just need to find a dog whose temperament and energy requirements will be a good match, and there is a strong tendency by breed there. If I had my choice I'd get a dalmatian, a german shepherd, or a beagle-- and it's not likely that any of those three would quite be a fit for an apartment with no yard and a full time worker! i just dont know the smaller, quieter dog breeds so well as the pit bulls and shepherds, so it's hard to know what breeds to look into for my current lifestyle.

7 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    A labrador is always a good choice. I know the movie Marley and Me caused a huge "oh my god labrador's are horrible dogs", but from what you said, you seem competent and willing to train. They are friendly and get along with other people well. They don't shed too much either.

    Yes, all dogs bark, and all dogs can be trained not to, with time and patience. Some dogs, like you said, are more prone to it though. In my experience, smaller dogs are more excitable, and bark more than larger breeds. And with your work schedule, 9 hours is really not that horrible, especially since you are getting a young adult who will be able to hold his bladder longer.

    Boxers are also a good choice, I'm not sure if you would have breed restriction problems with them in some areas though. They are wary of strangers which make them good guard dogs, but once they know the person they are completely fine! They have a short coat too, so grooming wouldn't be a problem. They do have a lot of energy but are also fine just chilling at your feet, as long as they are walked enough they should be fine with your work schedule.

    You could always adopt a mutt of some sort, if that floats your boat. I see a lot of these "what breed should I get" questions on here, but honestly, you really can't point to a specific breed and say "that's the breed for me". Yes, certain mannerisms are more prevalent in certain breeds, but every dog is different. You could have a crazy great dane or a calm yorkie, it really depends on the dog. Just visit some local shelters, and see who grows on you. You don't have to make up your mind in one day, shop around, see what dog you think will work the best in your situation. It will be a lucky dog that finds a home with you! Good luck!

  • 1 decade ago

    if you commit to bathing and brushing and nail clipping the dog, you probably won't be all that limited. i don't know of many breeds that require haircuts, etc, especially when they are maintained! most dogs can be crate trained, or trained according to your bathroom arrangement :) any dog i am sure would love to have an owner who is so committed to being active with their dogs :)

    while all dogs usually bark, i currently have a VERY sweet and mildly passive dog (mini aussie labradoodle) who is a medium sized dog and she hardly barks! :) yet I've had a small Havenese dog who was VERY dominant and aggressive (which is very opposite the normal traits of his breed)!

    i think honestly it all comes down to you actually getting out there and looking to find one! :) you can look at breeds all you want, but it all comes down to the actual dog! :) look at behavior mostly! hair and low maintenance isn't as important as the behavior when picking your dog :) p.s.. any short-haired pet won't be a problem with the hair (i.e. short haired dachshunds, labradors, etc )

    Source(s): experience :)
  • 1 decade ago

    Not sure, but I had a vague idea about the dog I wanted. So, I kept visiting to the humane society and fell in love with this suuuuuuper sweet, unique-looking dog mix.

    I think that you might have a better gut feeling than us as to what kind of dog you be compatible with. You know your own personality, and lifestyle in more detail than we do... so, quite frankly, for me it is kind of difficult to tell you to choose X instead of Y.

  • 1 decade ago

    from what i just read here are my suggestions

    1german shepherd

    2 jack russel fox terrier mix

    3golden retriver

    4 rottwieler

    5chihuahua

    good luck

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    a Labrador. The perfect dog breed! You will fall in love

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    A labrador they are soo much playful they can play with everybody and anything...they are always happy and they make you happ...::)

  • 1 decade ago

    Chi weenie! My dog is half daushand half chiquaqua she's beutiful and fits your description!

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