[Griff1n]

Hi. I'd really like to get a dog, but I'm having trouble because there are some traits I want the dog to have, and there doesnt seem to be a breed with all these traits. The dog must:

-Be suitable for apartment living. It has to be able to be trained to not bark, and it must be comfortable in small spaces

-Be energetic, but not too energetic. I would like an active dog that's always happy to play or run, but not one that needs hours of vigorous exercise daily go be happy.

-Big. I guess this isn't exactly a requirement, I just like big dogs. A medium dog would be fine, too.

-Smart. I want a dog that can be trained somewhat easily.

-Can be left alone for hours daily. I will be going to college soon, so the dog would need to be OK being left alone and not chew up the furniture or bark.

That's about it. I currently live in a house with a decent sized yard, so its OK if the puppy is loud and rambunctious. It doesn't matter how much the dog sheds or how much grooming it needs. I really like straight-haired dogs, and the dog should be able to handle hot and cold, but nothing extreme. I also like a dog that isnt independent and always wants the owners company. I know that's a long list, and I admit I'm kind of picky, but if anyone knows of a dog breed that fits all that criteria I would like to know. Thanks for reading.

 

[Griff1n]

I've been looking at sport dogs and a spaniel looks like it will fit these criteria. If another breed would be better than a spaniel, please tell me, but if anyone knows if a spaniel would be a fitting dog, I'd like to know.

 

[Sha]

Have you checked into a greyhound rescue? I personally don't have experience, so my suggestion may not be great, especially if this is your first dog, but I do know they fit all of your qualifications, other than weather tolerance. They definitely need clothing in cool weather! Hopefully someone else with more experience can help.

Edit: I also like Greyhounds of America, because they require quite a bit of research on the breed and such before going through with an adoption. They seem really dedicated to making sure the dog they match you with will be a good fit for your situation and also making sure you know what you're getting into.

 

[BusterBCsMum]

First off I don't think a puppy is for your situation so I'd suggest going to a local shelter and looking at dogs around 3-4 years old. This way the crazy puppy, chewing, destructive, madness is out of the way and they would be a lot calmer exercise wise.

I'd be wary with choosing a spaniel. The ones I walk are absolutely mad, unless you plan on entering into a sport properly with a sport dog then their not for you.

The above suggestion of a Greyhound to me is perfect. I have a Greyhound who comes to stay with me whilst his owners are on holiday and he is a great apartment dog. He is happy with a couple of walks around the block a day but also doesn't mind a decent long hike. Quiet indoors, so great for apartments. Great big couch potatoes.

 

[Griff1n]

Thanks! I'll certainly look into greyhounds.

 

[akodo1]

Hi. I'd really like to get a dog, but I'm having trouble because there are some traits I want the dog to have, and there doesnt seem to be a breed with all these traits. The dog must:

-Be suitable for apartment living. It has to be able to be trained to not bark, and it must be comfortable in small spaces

A medium size dog or even large dog can do fine in an apartment or any small living quarters if you realize that you need to take him out and get him exercise, but medium and small dogs just seem to work better due to the logistics of the situation, easier to get them in and out, through the hallways, up and down elevators if necessary while keeping control when other people who live there pass by.

All dogs will bark. All dogs can be trained to stop barking when commanded to, and to be more sensible about what to bark at, but don't plan on getting a non-barking dog

-Be energetic, but not too energetic. I would like an active dog that's always happy to play or run, but not one that needs hours of vigorous exercise daily go be happy.

Any dog is going to be able to be active and happy to play or run. Your biggest concern here is to avoid the very active and energetic dogs. 'gun dogs' especially the hunting lines of gun dogs are very high energy, as are dogs like border collies.

-Smart. I want a dog that can be trained somewhat easily.

Smart is a double edged sword. A smart dog is easy to train, but this counts for the training you try and give and all the accidental training you give as well. Smart dogs are going to be 'trained' that every day after meal time tasty snacks get put in a can under the sink. Smart dogs are going to be trained that when owner grabs the leash and calls my name playtime at the doggie park is over, so run to the far corner to lengthen play time.

-Can be left alone for hours daily. I will be going to college soon, so the dog would need to be OK being left alone and not chew up the furniture or bark.

If you will be going to college soon, now isn't the time to get a dog. What happens to the dog when you are in college? Does it become your parent's responsibility, or do you think you will be keeping the dog in your college apartment? Because I don't think keeping a dog in your college apartment is going to be reasonable.

 

[MrsCunningham]

Great Danes are a great breed that may fit your criteria, they may be big dogs but they don't need large spaces to run, are quite happy in an apartment setting. And are quite good to train.

 

[SusanLynn]

I will be going to college soon, so the dog would need to be OK being left alone.....

Will this be your first year of college? If so, I'd strongly advise you to wait about a year. Being a college student is quite different from being a high school student. For one thing, it sounds like you'll be living on your own. You'll also have classes, homework, maybe a part-time job, and a social life to fill your time.

Having a dog is a bit like having a child. You'll need to make sure that you can meet the dog's needs on a regular schedule - feeding, walks, exercise, training, play, etc. You'll lose the flexibility to spontaneously get together with friends and classmates. A dog is a huge responsibility, especially if you are the sole caretaker.

After your first year of college, I think you'll have a much better idea of whether a dog will fit into your lifestyle. In the meantime, you could consider volunteering at a shelter or with a rescue group. Another way to spend time with dogs without the full commitment is to walk dogs. You'll be able to earn some income and enjoy a regular dog fix.

Good luck to you.

 

[Naira]

I agree with the above. I would seriously experience college a bit first before getting a dog. You might find that having a dog may be inconvenient with your social life/school life etc. You have the rest of your life to have a dog...there is no rush.

Having your own dog is much, much different than having a family dog. Once you are the sole owner of a dog, every decision you make must have that dog in mind. Even if it means sleeping over at a friend's house, going to a football game in another state, going on a road trip etc.

I know it's not the advice you wanted but I seriously would not get a dog right now.

 

[kelly528]

Hold off a year. Having a dog is like having a kid; it would be nice for you especially in college to for at least one year be able to have study sessions, work part time and party on the weekend without having to say "Will this go on for more than 6 hours, guys? Cause I have to go home and let my dog out."

 

[Griff1n]

Thanks a lot for all the feedback. You're right- maybe getting a dog now isnt the best idea

 

[SusanLynn]

Thanks a lot for all the feedback. You're right- maybe getting a dog now isnt the best idea

Just give it a year.

An example from my life: Next week, I'm planning to go out with a friend after work for dinner and to see the Foo Fighters in concert (yay!). Because of the locations of my home, my work, and the concert venue, I will be away from my dog from 8 a.m. to midnight. The ONLY way this is possible is that my son can take care of him for me. If my son couldn't do that, I'd have to enlist the help of a neighbor, take him to a boarding facility, or hire a pet sitter.