What Kind of Dog is okay to keep in an Apartment?

[Pom-Mom]

Pugs are fantastic apartment dogs. We got ours when we lived in an apartment, she was kenneled when we were out, She never barked and lets face it, Pugs do not have a loud annoying bark.

She adored my kids and was best friends with our cat. The cat was devastated when she died.

[Boleyn]

The fact that you are home a lot is important with a Pug. They are very emotionally high-maintenance. They need to be with you ALL the time. And yes they shed like crazy! Of the Pugs we get in our rescue group, nearly all have housebreaking issues. After having Pugs for 15 years, I can say with certainty - house breaking them is EXTRA hard! What state are you in?? There are many rescue groups around and that sounds like an ideal situation.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

I would suggest rescuing a Grey, Pug and a smaller shelter dog.

[GSD]

IT sounds like you have certain a dog of a certain temperment in mind rather than a specific breed. I have a high drive german line working GSD that does great in an apt, but I put a lot of work into it and its defineatly not for everyone. I suggest contacting rescues and visiting shelters and getting an older dog at least a year or more. Then you know, if its a barker, if it rides well in a car, if its ok with cats, (my dog is through the roof with prey drive and still gets a long with our cats, but it took a little while to get there), and you'll also know if its stable around kids. If you do decide on a specific breed that you want, contact some breeders in the area. SOme will let you foster a dog or puppy for them, if you fit the bill, most don't just give their dogs out to anybody. Fostering has some pro's and con's. You can give the dog back at anytime if its not working out, and you'll know its going to a good place, but depending on your agreement you might have to buy (can be expensive) or give the dog back again depending on the agreement. Good luck.

[Apartment Pouch]

Do any of the rescue groups keep their dog unaltered? I am all for spay/neuter, but I would love to get involved in some conformation classes and shows. I believe, not sure, you need a dog that is "intact". I used to do conformation classes with my parents German Shorthair. It was so fun! Obedience, of course, is more useable. And you can use a mutt for that!! I am going to check out the doggy people in my area. I like the idea of a pug right now. Hmmm... I think my husband would like them too, because they don't look so much like a "girl dog". You know not fluffy and too tiny. He loves to play with our cat. They run all over the house with string and toys. I think a pug might enjoy running around with them.

[Boleyn]

If you are intererested in a show dog, look at the Pug Dog Club of America homepage for breeders http://www.pugs.org It's very, very unlikely (if not impossible) to get a show quality dog via rescue. And all rescues are spayed/neutered before placement. You're also looking at a huge price difference, with show quality Pugs $1-2 K average, and rescues a few hundred. Here's one of my rescue girls, Gertie. Not show quality, but still awfully darn cute!

[Apartment Pouch]

Awww!! She is adorable! She is sooo black I couldn't tell where her little face was!! So cute!!

[ChiChi]

well i would say a sheltie, but man they BARK like crazy, but they are the best all around breed

pugs are great dogs, i used to walk a pug, and wow he was great! he was soo laid back, until you pulled out his favorite ball, he was all over it! i am happy bcuz u sound like you kno what ur talking about (alot of times people will come here and kno nothing, but they eventually learned!)

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Originally Posted by Boleyn

If you are intererested in a show dog, look at the Pug Dog Club of America homepage for breeders http://www.pugs.org It's very, very unlikely (if not impossible) to get a show quality dog via rescue. And all rescues are spayed/neutered before placement. You're also looking at a huge price difference, with show quality Pugs $1-2 K average, and rescues a few hundred. Here's one of my rescue girls, Gertie. Not show quality, but still awfully darn cute!

Awwww, what a doll!

[Barrett]

Almost every dachshund I know tends to bark a lot. Dachshunds are great dogs If you already have a cat I would suggest getting a puppy so it can be trained to leave your cat alone. Dachshunds are also hunters and if you were to get an adult from a shelter there is no telling if it could adjust to kitties. If you plan on having kids soon I would also suggest getting a puppy. It would need to be very socialized around children and you can't guarantee that with an adult rescue. As with most small dogs, dachshunds are usually a little wary of kids other than family members. I own two mini dachshunds. I absolutely adore the breed and I will never be without one. One of mine is a couch potatoe and just wants to sit in our laps and be snuggled all day. My other dachshund is hyper and wants to play fetch, go for runs and just acts like a clown all day.

[Leon]

I'd suggest a pug or a french bulldog.

[Pugdawg1]

Hard to say no to a face like this:

[ChiChi]

AWW!! can i steal him?? lol

[Cassiepeia]

Pugdawg..is that Raisin? Who ever it is....he's soooo cute!

I think pugs are a great choice (also think French Bulldogs were a great suggestion).

Definately cannot recommend Chihuahua's if you're going to have kids. *shrugs* They're not a dog designed for children.
But go with pugs if that's what interests you and definately look for a reputable breeder though the Pug dog club of america, if you want a show quality one.

Good luck and don't forget to let us know what you decided. Oh and we'll want PICTURES!!!!

Cass.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

You guys have got to stop tempting me with those cute lil' squishy faces!