[Khajiit]

This is just something for me to consider down the road when I feel like I'm ready to try dog ownership again. I figure I'll just start from scratch and slowly begin my research now when the mood strikes. I would love some input! Here are points I feel are important for me to consider and what I bring to the table:

- I'm 35 and working full time as an animator, with both the option to work from home or in studio (and the studio is pet friendly)

- Living with my boyfriend of 6 years, and our 5 cats (all rescues ranging from age 1 to 20) in a spacious two bedroom high-rise, 16th floor.

- Income is substantial to support ourselves and our pets.

- We have a balcony, but don't use it for the cats' safety and probably won't until we can figure out some way of doing so without worry.

- Building is pet friendly with no breed restrictions.

- Neighborhood is in the city, but surrounded by plenty of green space, a handful of small parks, and one major central park. All dog friendly.

- We both love larger breeds and have experience with German Shepherds, but family owned. Still, we were old enough at the time to know what's what with taking care of a dog and the needs/challenges of this breed.

- We're open to different breeds, but are concerned about compatibility with our cats. We need to avoid high prey drive, so something potentially more laid back would be ideal.

- Shedding isn't an issue (5 cats, how could it be an issue? LOL!), but I'm not a fan of dealing with long fur.

- I'd be the primary caretaker.

- I'm moderately active and like to go for walks, so a companion for those would be great! I can't jog or run due to a heart condition (not serious, but enough of a problem I'd like to avoid), so a good walk twice a day for an hour each would be it for me.

- I would like to stick with pure breeds and raising a puppy from scratch. The work involved isn't a problem. I would rather deal with the hassle and raise a pup among the cats. Just personal preference. Nothing against adopting from a rescue or adult dogs. I've done my part with rescuing our cats over the years, a couple of whom had been sick and took a long time to clean up. I'd rather just go through a reputable breeder for any dog we decide to bring home. Our cats are pretty chill with other animals.

---- and I think that's pretty much all of the pertinent info!

Please don't be offended that I'm not keen on just going to a shelter and getting an adult dog. Honestly, if I didn't have the cats, I would. I have nothing against that and I'm sure there are plenty of great dogs out there who could potentially fit. I'm all for rescuing pets and, like I've mentioned, we've rescued all of our cats, and even fostered a pair of ferrets (taken from an awful situation) who have since found their forever home! I just feel that for my cats, it would be best to raise a pup in our home is all. True, things were a little weird and unhappy with my previous pup, but I'm not letting that discourage me.

Again, this is just something for me to mull over until I feel like I'm ready. Probably won't be any time soon.

 

[Sha]

Well, because I'm biased, I'm going to suggest the breed I'm on a waiting list for... a collie! Not a border collie, just a regular ol' Lassie collie! They're still very smart, but aren't as super intense. Your exercise schedule would likely be right up their alley.

And according to the research I've done, as well as the breeder I'm working with, they do well in apartments as long as they get mental and physical exercise. Cats also shouldn't be a concern, as long as you introduce and train well.

Grooming can be a thing, though there's also smooth (short hair!) collies, too! They still shed, but there is less hair to mat and such.

But honestly it sounds like as long as you watch out for high prey drives and extremely active breeds, you have a wide variety of options available to you.

 

[Khajiit]

Well, because I'm biased, I'm going to suggest the breed I'm on a waiting list for... a collie! Not a border collie, just a regular ol' Lassie collie! They're still very smart, but aren't as super intense. Your exercise schedule would likely be right up their alley.

And according to the research I've done, as well as the breeder I'm working with, they do well in apartments as long as they get mental and physical exercise. Cats also shouldn't be a concern, as long as you introduce and train well.

Grooming can be a thing, though there's also smooth (short hair!) collies, too! They still shed, but there is less hair to mat and such.

But honestly it sounds like as long as you watch out for high prey drives and extremely active breeds, you have a wide variety of options available to you.

I honestly never would have considered a collie until now, haha. Thank you for your reply! I'll definitely do some research on the breed. I love herding breeds, tbh! So smart <3 (not to say other dogs aren't, but I love their energy, heheh).

 

[TruckersMom]

Poodles are always pretty awesome

 

[Moonstream]

If you're still into the bulldog look I would highly recommend a Boston Terrier. I'm also a little biased- they're sort of 'my breed,' but IMO they're a really nice dog for an apartment/city and great for people who are used to larger dogs- they're kind of like a large dog in a littler package. They're medium energy, and as long as it isnt too cold or crazy hot they're usually willing to walk as much as you want but they definitely can also be couch potatoes on an 'off' day if you're sick or don't have time for a long walk. Both of mine loved going off leash in the woods and had a reliable recall from almost day 1 of us having them at 8 and 10weeks old. They are usually a very playful breed, really clownish and love most people/dogs they meet. They aren't as 'bully' as a lot of similar looking breeds- more agile and playful and they tend to be more willing to do what you want than things like french or english bulldogs. They're also super smart and food driven which means they learn things very quickly. They also do very well with other small animals- my first grew up with 2 cats and my current one is very good friends with my 4lb holland lop rabbit.

 

[Khajiit]

If you're still into the bulldog look I would highly recommend a Boston Terrier. I'm also a little biased- they're sort of 'my breed,' but IMO they're a really nice dog for an apartment/city and great for people who are used to larger dogs- they're kind of like a large dog in a littler package. They're medium energy, and as long as it isnt too cold or crazy hot they're usually willing to walk as much as you want but they definitely can also be couch potatoes on an 'off' day if you're sick or don't have time for a long walk. Both of mine loved going off leash in the woods and had a reliable recall from almost day 1 of us having them at 8 and 10weeks old. They are usually a very playful breed, really clownish and love most people/dogs they meet. They aren't as 'bully' as a lot of similar looking breeds- more agile and playful and they tend to be more willing to do what you want than things like french or english bulldogs. They're also super smart and food driven which means they learn things very quickly. They also do very well with other small animals- my first grew up with 2 cats and my current one is very good friends with my 4lb holland lop rabbit.

My coworker has a female Boston who she brings in from time to time. Banana is an absolute blast to have around the studio! And every single other Boston I've had the pleasure of meeting has been a very awesome little bundle of personality. I had actually considered the breed before I went with an EB, so I'm still thinking about these guys as a potential family member. I know my bf tends to prefer big dogs like myself, but I do have a soft spot Bostons and, well, all brachy breeds. I like the fact that these guys , aside from being temperature sensitive (so am I, so it doesn't matter) are generally pretty healthy.

I still love EBs, too. They're still pretty cool dogs to me. Just... who knows? I'm still trying to decide if it was just her or the breed in general that was the problem.

Anyway, thank you!

 

[Khajiit]

Poodles are always pretty awesome

Always admired Poodles, but I've never had a chance to actually meet one The solid black ones are gorgeous!

 

[Shandula]

Okay, I'm a tad biased, but my Aussie sounds like he would fit perfectly into your lifestyle. He gets a couple walks, and a bunch of training sessions a day, and is happy as a clam. He actually would have been an awesome apartment dog if I needed him to be. He doesn't bark (except when he's excited to see us after we've been away). The fur isn't as long as you think, and probably sheds less than or similar to a cat.
He is a Velcro dog though, so if you're not into a dog who wants to be with you, I'd skip the Aussie. As always, get the Aussie, not the minis, they tend to be crazy.

 

[TruckersMom]

Always admired Poodles, but I've never had a chance to actually meet one The solid black ones are gorgeous!

I had a black/silver after her first hair cut toy poodle growing up. She was amazing.
Posted via Mobile Device