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

[Apartment Pouch]

I don't know where else to put these questions-so here they are.

I live in an apartment. I am married, we have a cat and want to get a dog. My parents always had lots of dogs around so I am pretty good with dogs. My husband says, "I don't like animals." But, he cuddles more with our cat than I do. So, I know that isn't true. We are planning on kids eventually. I want a dog who would ride alone with me in the car and not be a barker if left in the apartment.

What breeds would be good in an apartment setting?
What small breeds would be good with cats?
What small breeds would be safe for and around kids?

[Thadaboykobe]

Well... Chihuahua's are good with cats, not too much with kids though....
Hmm, maybe a toy poodle? Pugs are great, they're the cutest too. They do well with kids and are very playful and are great for apartment living, I'm not too sure about how they'd do with cats though, probably well though.

Pug Info.
http://dogs-puppies.dogs-central.com...ppy/index.html

Chihuahua Info
http://dogs-puppies.dogs-central.com...ppy/index.html

Our chihuahua isn't praticularly fond of childern, he'd rather stay away from them and be with my brother, who he's deeply attached to.

Standard Poodle
http://dogs-puppies.dogs-central.com...-poodle-puppy/

the difference between poodles, is just in their size.

Go to this website for more small breed dogs and other dogs that will do well in apartments
http://dogs-puppies.dogs-central.com/index2.html#about

Once you find a dog you like, do a lot of research to see if you really do want that dog before making a life long commitment.

[calgal]

Most real small dogs tend to be more verbal and nervous around small kids. There are exceptions to every rule so this is a difficult decision for you I know. You want one that's good with cats, but is your cat going to be good to a dog? A small dog could get it's eye damaged if the cat doesn't like it. One question, why do you want a dog?

[elegy]

greyhounds actually make fantastic apartment dogs even though they're big. they're not always the best with cats though, so if you look into them, make sure you let the rescue know you have cats so they can find an appropriate match for you.

i like pugs and boston terriers a lot too as apartment dogs.

[Apartment Pouch]

Why do I want a dog??

Because I love dogs!!! I just got married. I used to live with my parents. They had three dogs. I loved training and working with my parents dogs. I trained the American Eskimo to do dozens of amazing tricks! I worked with the German Shorthair and she is amazing at obedience and water retrieving! They just got a Aussie and all ready I taught her to retrieve the ducks into our barn. I love working with and being with dogs. I want a dog I can take on walks and with me in the car to the store. I don't work all day either(just early mornings), so the dog would get lots of attention!

Our cat gets along great with the three dogs at my parents. We are getting her declawed too, as this is required at our apartment.

Pugs are sounding appealing. I love their sweet personalities! They sound like they would enjoy walks too. The ones that I have known have a really greasy coat. Is that normal??

Anyone know anything about miniature dachshunds? That is another breed I am fond of.

My main concern is the health and welfare of my animals. I would only get a dog if I feel I can give it good attention. Don't worry I do my homework!

[Kelly]

Check at the pound for little mutts. I can never stress the great personalities of mutts. Mine are both crate trained and don't bark when no-one's home. They both are OL trained, leash trained (they DON'T pull at all - we trained them using halti's), we got them at 2 seperate times so it's not like "the luck of a litter" or anything.

[Apartment Pouch]

I love mutts! Our Aussie is possibly a mutt. She looks so much like an aussie, though, we can't be sure. I would love to have a little mutt, but I would also love to do a little confirmation showing-which requires a pure registered dog. I guess we will wait see what happens.

Anymore helpful hints or info on small breeders would be much appreciated!

[sammy]

if you will both be gone to work all day then I would suggest checking out all your local rescues for a small adult dog rather than getting a pup.
A breed specific rescue organization might be a good place to look. Or if you decide on a breed you might find a breeder with a suitable adult dog that has been returned for no fault of it's own.

(I think someone here has a pug rescue link in their siggy.)

Before making the commitment I would consider what you will do if you adopt a dog and then find he DOES end up being to loud (or other things) to live happily in an apartment.
Think long and hard about this before keeping a dog in an apartment--
the logistics of taking the dog out in the middle of the night, having to actually walk the dog every time it needs to pee. Getting up an extra hour or so early before work to walk the dog, arranging for you or someone to let it out once during the day etc
Have you considered doing some classes and dog sports with your parents aussie to fill your doggie desires until you can get a home of your own?

[sammy]

did you know that declawing a cat actually requires amputation of the end of the digit? Most vets around here won't declaw anymore but instead use "soft paws" (capping the end of the nail with soft rubber)
I can't imagine what your cat would do to your aptment with her claws-- wreck *your* furniture perhaps but why would the apt management care?
They will force you to declaw your cat but they allow dogs? Hmmmm

[Pugdawg1]

Originally Posted by Apartment Pouch

Pugs are sounding appealing. I love their sweet personalities! They sound like they would enjoy walks too. The ones that I have known have a really greasy coat. Is that normal??

A pug shouldn't have a greasy coat. Five pugs here, none are greasy. First time I've ever heard anyone mention a pug having a greasy coat, now that I sit here and think about it. They should have plush, soft, thick coats. Pugs are great apartment pets... great indoor dogs, IF you can tolerate the shedding from those double coats. Yup, they enjoy their walks... the "kids" here go for a long walk most every evening. I have a great yard for mine, but we still do a lot of walking. Just have to keep in mind that pugs have no tolerance for heat. During the summer, we walk in the really late evening/night, or very early in the mornings. They are very people oriented, have adorable little mannerisms, and I find them utterly charming.

[Apartment Pouch]

Wow! Kelly, I just read about puppy mills on your link. How is it possible that those are legal?? I cried my eyes out just looking at the pictures. Cockfighting is illegal and the cockfighters are hunted down and shut down. Why aren't puppy mills?? This is something I definately want to get active with. I will be doing some research on how I can help out.

[Apartment Pouch]

Nope. I only work in the mornings. About 4 hours a day or less. Actually we would prefer an adult dog. I would love to rescue one if it works out.

Rubber coated claws...hmmm...I will check into it.

[kerriebeth21]

If you get a young dog or puppy the cat shouldn't be a problem. If the pup grows up with the cat around it will be used to it. Strangely enough many dogs can grow to fit into your lifestyle. As for the barking thing....it takes training. Any wanted and positive behavior must be toned and praised. No dog it perfect. Even if you think you have the perfect breed in mind...without training you'll have a little devil of a dog. There are breeds that are calmer than others, small, medium and large. The some you socialize the better.

[calgal]

Ok, thank you. My pick for apartment living would be a Boston Terrier. They can play when you want, lay around when you want and don't require much space at all. They are very sweet natured dogs.

[momtobella]

I would suggest an English Bulldog. They love kids and require very little excercise, great couch potatoes.