What kind of dog breed to you think would work best living in an apartment?
destiny21 asked:
I am looking to buy a dog/puppy and I currently live in an apartment. The dog would be alone for maybe about 4-5 hours a day, so I want a breed that doesn’t bark that much and would annoy the neighbors while I’m gone. I also want a dog that isn’t too active but not too lazy (medium activity) and medium sized. Suggestions? Any stories from experience? What dogs would you NOT recommend for this situation?
Thanks!
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I am looking to buy a dog/puppy and I currently live in an apartment. The dog would be alone for maybe about 4-5 hours a day, so I want a breed that doesn’t bark that much and would annoy the neighbors while I’m gone. I also want a dog that isn’t too active but not too lazy (medium activity) and medium sized. Suggestions? Any stories from experience? What dogs would you NOT recommend for this situation?
Thanks!
October 27th, 2009 at 7:10 am
a dauchund, a beagle or a mini schnauzer GSW312
October 30th, 2009 at 12:34 am
I have a puggle- (pug beagle) he is alone for a while during the day- he barks sometimes, but all dogs do. he is hyper for short periods of time, then he cuddles and sleeps. he is well trained so he is a great dog- Google image them if you want to see them… sooooo cute! JeniD
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:46 am
i have a chow mix…we have lived in an apartment since he was 6 weeks old…he is alone for about 8 hours a day and does just fine…the only time that he annoys our neighbors is if we have people working outside the apartment…otherwise he is pretty quite…he is active but not until we get home to walk him…he pretty much sleeps the rest of the day rumppplestlskn
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 am
The smaller the apartment the bigger the dog. Rick T
November 4th, 2009 at 9:55 am
I have a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu neither bark much although I don’t like to leave them alone, even more so if it’s a puppy. They are both low energy, and don’t shed. I would try getting and older dog or enrolling your puppy in day care. Good luck:) doglover
November 6th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
I have a Pit Bull in my Studio Apartment, and we’re fine.
She gets her exercise, and is very happy. Her, and the cat and I, all live together nicely
She’s NOT a barker, and she is crated.
I must say, GOOD FOR YOU 4-5 hours alone isn’t bad at ALL - compared to those who leave their dogs for 8+ hours! (Especially puppies)
THat’s awesome - I only work 4 hours a day as well. Pit Bully Love
November 9th, 2009 at 1:23 am
bichon frise….such amazingly great hypo-allergenic, smart dogs.
bluesingroove
November 12th, 2009 at 3:25 am
I have a Westie.. They are perfect for apartments. Friendly, loving and never barks unless someone knocks.
She’s about 13-16 lbs., all white so you can see fleas on her if any jump on for a ride, and VERY SMART. You can train them in no time.
Just put aside 20-30 minutes per day for playtime.. And walk them 2-3 times a day if possible. I pee pad trained mine just in case I run late..
p.s. The Westie/Maltese mix we have is a high maintenance dog so that’s why I recommended the Westie. Jay
November 14th, 2009 at 3:27 am
If there is no weight restriction at the apartment, I’d recommend a labrador. They are content to lay in a corner but will still jump around and play when they get a chance. They have a loud bark, but don’t bark often and are never yappy.
Unless the apartment requires it or is so small you don’t have floor space for a big dog, there really isn’t a good reason to favor small dogs for an apartment. The activity level is the main thing to worry about. So get the dog you want. Do check with your apartment first, they often have restrictions on breed and size.
When I was in an apartment, I had a shepherd mutt and my roommate had an akita. Both were fine, though my shepherd barked a little too much for an apartment. wayfaroutthere
November 16th, 2009 at 6:49 am
A Dachsund Simonne M
November 16th, 2009 at 9:37 am
If you don’t want barking don’t get a Lhasa,shih tzu, chihuahua.
Schnauzers normally have allot of energy. I wouldn’t recommend a jack Russel for apartment living.
Try a Bull dogge.
Research any breed before getting it!!!!!!!! Look in books, on line, talk to vets,shelters,owners of that specific breed etc. Before making a choice. Kristi
November 16th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Some of the questions you are asking arent based on breed but the temperment of the actual dog. Every dog is different, therefore every dog will act different in different situations.
Smaller breeds are best in apartments due to the room.
Also, if you arent active, or wont take it for runs/long walks daily, then an unactive breed would be best (stay away from labs, aussies, ect)
It would be good to go with a beagle (although they are alittle more active then some) yorkies, pomeranians, cocker spaniels…
Start training from the beginning and crate training would be best.
It would also be wise to do your own research into the specific breed you do choose, as its horrible when dogs are given away because the human is not knowledgable about the breed.
Puppy training classes are good, especially with your first dog, and be prepare dto house break if it is a young pup.
For your situation it would be good ifyou went to a shelter and got an already trained dog who is used to a similar situation that you are offering… its the best of both worlds for you and the dog you would be saving kon11stantine11
November 17th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I would recommend a lap/small dog since they don’t require much exercise. But I would steer clear of Jack Russells or any other kind of hungting/sports terrier because even though they are small, they are very high energy. And without enough exercise, they can become very destructive (chewing, barking, etc.)
The only down side to getting a small dog is that they can’t hold their bowels for too long, which means you will have to train them to pee/poop on pads indoors. But 4-5 hours a day is not that long of a time, so I think actually a medium dog of a good temperament would also be good because you can just take it out when you get home. Like I said, stay away from hunting Terriers and also border collies because they all require lots of exercise.
When it comes to barking, it usually isn’t a problem when the pet is well socialized without any insecurity or attachment issues. Usually incessant barking problems occur because people don’t train them right early on. So as long as you train properly and adapt your dog to being alone, barking should not be a problem. Spaniels make great gentle pets, pugs are my personal favorite. But any of the small breeds like yorkies or maltese or even miniature pinschers would be good. Beagles are also a great choice, but if they’re not well trained/adapted, they can developed howling/barking problems. Miss MW
November 19th, 2009 at 12:56 am
I have a pomeranian and she’s great in the apartment. They are small dogs and barks a bit (but all dogs do). They are long haired dogs though so something like a beagle might be better. Just make sure whatever dog you get gets plenty of exercise rachiecaye1
November 19th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I would think Border Collie. I have dealt with them in training and they fit your discription to a tee. They are not that big and very laid back. chichilover1
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:08 pm
i live in an apartment and i own a german shepherd.
what im tring to say is, it doesnt matter what breed you own, it only depends on how much time you can spend walking, excersizing and playing with the dog.
good luck. K9 - Lover
November 24th, 2009 at 1:45 am
i have a pit bull and a chihuahua, my pt bull cries all day when we are not home and from experience i know that they are too big for an apartment but my chihuahua is wonderful!! he does great when my husband and i are at work. if you like little dogs. btw- beagles bark a lot . Amanda
November 25th, 2009 at 3:33 am
Do NOT get a Border Collie! Way more activity than you will want I’m sure! Shadow’s Melon
November 27th, 2009 at 6:37 am
A chihuahua, papillon, pug, miniature poodle, or most any toy sized dog would be good for an apartment. However, research the breeds your interested in as not all small dogs are good in apartments. I have two Jack Russell terriers that are small but they have a high energy level.
But as long as you exercize your dog and give it a good high quality diet, toys to play with, and lots of love, I’m sure that it will do fine.
Most dogs bark because they are bored (unless they hear a noise or a stranger, etc.) so keep your dog happy and he should be quiet.
Jenny R
November 28th, 2009 at 8:13 am
well my beagle did quite well in an apt. beachcomber_06
November 28th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
I used to have a stuffed dog.
That would be ideal. Trev
December 1st, 2009 at 6:07 am
I recommend getting a dog about 20 pounds or less. One that is older so that you know if they’re going to be a barker or not and they can be left alone longer than 2 hours and don’t have that crazy puppy energy for the next year or two. So, a dog that’s probably 3 years old or older would be perfect. You probably won’t find a puppy that won’t cry when left alone or that will not have puppy energy and want to run and play when not sleeping.
Recommended breeds/mixes: ShihTzu, Lhasa Apso, Chihuahua, Maltese, Havanese, Poodle, Pekinese, Chin, etc…
NOT recommended for apartments: Sheltie (barking), Beagle (howling), MinPin (high energy), Jack Russel (high energy), Border Collie (high energy), Dachshund (barking)
Any of the lap-dog breeds (or mixes thereof) would be good. Working dogs…hunters and herders especially…can be too high energy and barkers/howlers. See link below for a list of dogs good for apartments.
Dogs are individuals….You could have a calm Border Collie or a crazy hyper Maltese. So, the breed description is just a generalization about MOST of the dogs in that breed.
Angela H
The best way to get a dog that fits your description is to adopt from a rescue that uses foster homes. That way, you can ask specifically for a small-medium dog with small-medium energy, that is ok being left alone for x amount of hours/day, not a yapper, and is good with people…etc… In a foster home, dogs are evaluated in a home environment. There are thousands of dogs in situations like that to choose from! It’s a win-win situation
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:23 am
I think maltese: non-shedding, could be couch potatos and no-home-destructive but also enjoy walking outside or playing indoors, and if well educated they don’t bark a lot.
I wouldn’t reccomend a JRT nor a beagle, they need more space and activities and even if they’re small they can be really destructive when bored. Giselle B
December 4th, 2009 at 8:02 am
A mature dog from the a shelter or rescue is a good bet in this situation. The have usually begun to calm down and are started on training. Rescue dogs have also known how bad it can be and are usually quickly grateful and loving. This is a good time frame for leaving a dog alone as they will sleep for this much of the day once they feel secure. It is not so much the breed as the individual personality of the dog and the volunteers will be able to help you choose based on your lifestyle. Also, your $ will cover the first vaccinations and sterilization and sometimes a microchip &you will have a good start on the vet bills. Try your local animal shelter or look on petfinder.com Best of Luck! Rescue Mom
December 4th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I saw that someone recommended a lab -no, no, no!!! I have a lab and they can be insane, especially when young!! They need lots and lots of exersize, and when in their wild moods can tear the place apart. I love my lab with all my heart, but she didn’t calm down till she was 6or7 years old. How about just a mixed breed? I’ve had lots of dogs and the mixed breeds were always the healthiest and the smartest. karen j
December 7th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
okay well first thing…no one can tell you what kind of dog would be the “best” to live in an apartment. All dogs regardless of size, color or breed are going to be different. Alot depends on the owner and such. I live in an apartment and I have four cats and a Yorkshire Terrier… I have heard that they dont get along with cats…mine does.. I have heard that the are “yappy” dogs…mines not….he doesnt bark EVER..he wines a bit when we leave the house but only for a minute or two. And he is NOT de-barked! So, I would suggest that you go down to your local shelter and visit some dogs…possibly go back the next day and the next day to see what kind of dog would suit YOU the best. Or even check into local rescue groups and explain your situation…alot of them will let you do a “try-out” with different dogs to find the one that suits YOU the best. Good luck! kristelfowler
December 8th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I would Have to say a Pug, They are kinda lazy but active too. They love to be petted And they are easy to potty train and they are good with being alone by them selves. They are also very very cute!!!
But they shed!!
They are not yappy and they act like they are gaurd dogs
It is funny to see them bark at something cuz they think they are all big and bad!!! lil miss kay