Choosing the right dog for your lifestyle is challenging. Our lives are very busy and as adults we have formed our own opinions about how we want to live and what we want in our lives.
At one time or another, the idea of a pet creeps into our thoughts, and usually the type of pet we choose is a cat or a dog.
Cats, as a general rule, can fit into a lifestyle quite well. Dogs, on the other hand, require a bit more attention as they require more space, time, and general care.
The purpose of this article is to alert you to some of the types of breeds that exist and how their demands might suit your lifestyle.
The first thing we will consider is “apartment life and the dog.”
Granted, there are plenty of apartments that don’t allow a dog for obvious reasons. Some irresponsible dog owners have made it almost impossible for the responsible dog owner to find a place to live.
Animal shelters are full of dogs that their owners have abandoned or turned over to the shelter because they can’t keep them in an apartment.
It is very difficult to keep a barking dog in an apartment. It’s equally unfair to keep a large dog that needs a lot of exercise and doesn’t get it, from tearing up the rug or chewing on wood out of sheer boredom. If you want a dog and live in an apartment, there are certain breeds that make good apartment dogs. Some dogs secretly want to become “couch potatoes” and would love to live in an apartment or condo.
Some of these low energy dogs are: Cocker Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, Bichon Frise, Poodles, Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahua, Maltese, Papillon, Pekinese, Pomeranian, and Cockapoo to name a few. Mixed breeds with combinations of these dogs can also make good pets. This doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise; it means they are not very demanding and for the most part they are not loud (although some are).
If you’re moving into an apartment and already have a similar dog and the apartment owner or manager isn’t too happy about the idea of you moving in, you may want to consider this game plan.
Prepare a packet that includes a list of references, such as your veterinarian, current neighbors, possibly a previous owner, and others, indicating that the pet is well cared for and that you are a responsible owner. Include information about your pet’s current vaccinations, proof of license, a record showing the pet was spayed or neutered, and a copy of obedience school training, if applicable. Also include a promise to clean up pet waste inside (in case of an accident) and outside, agree to a pet deposit, promise to keep the pet “flea free” as well as the apartment, and agree to sign a pet lease. policy if necessary.
Offer to bring the pet in for an interview and allow the owner or manager the opportunity to visit your apartment at times that are convenient.
If you live in an apartment that doesn’t have set rules about pets, I would consider asking permission before venturing out and becoming a pet parent.
Depending on the situation, you would also submit, when applying for the permit, a list of references indicating that you are a responsible person and the name of a veterinarian you are considering using for your pet. Offer to pay a pet security deposit and list the things you will do to care for your pet and the apartment, if a pet is allowed.
It has been proven that most pet owners are responsible people.
It is unfortunate that there are some people who do not care about the property of others and do not really care about the proper care of their pets.
When trying to convince your prospective or current landlord that having a pet in the building is a good idea, keep a cool head. Spend some time collecting evidence that a responsible pet owner is also a responsible renter. Be willing to give in.
If having a dog is not a problem and you are looking for a dog that requires “just a little exercise”. Here are a few breeds to consider: Bulldog, Pug, Italian Greyhound and Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frize, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Pekepoo, plus there are many more.
If shedding is another point of contention, when thinking about getting a dog, I’ve included some of those breeds. There are many people who do not believe that having cat or dog hair on their clothes is a sign of a well-groomed person.
Keep in mind that there really isn’t a dog that is totally “non-shedding.” All dogs shed some, however there are some breeds that shed little and here is a list of some of them: Airdale Terrier, Basenj, Bichon Frise, Bichon/Yorkie, Cairn Terrier, Cockapoo, Schnauzer, Kerry Blue Terrier, Labradoodle, Maltese, Schnoodles, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier and many more.
Some of us really just want a “lap dog.” The truth is, most “big or small” dogs would love to be a lapdog. However, I am going to list a few that are truly lapdogs: American Cocker Spaniels, Bichon Frise, Bichon/Yorkie, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Malti-poo, Poodles, many Terriers, Shih-Tzu, Schnoodles and many more. of the smaller dogs.
If you are a runner, you may want a partner to run with you and there are some dogs that love to run. Breeds that love to run include: Airedale Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Basenjis, Bearded Collies, Boxers, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Irish Setters, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Rottweilers, just to name a few. few.
In addition to running, there are some dogs that have a great need for exercise. These are dogs that need long walks, runs, and large yards to play in.
I can’t name them all, but here are some of the standard breeds: Airedale Terrier, Afghan Hound, Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, Brittany Spaniel, Dalmatian, English Setter, Great Pyrenees, Irish Setter, Vizula, Weimaraner, and Redbone. Coonhound.
There are many popular mixed breeds in dogs. The poodle has more combinations than you can count, from Boxerdoodle, Cockapoo, Lhasapoo, Schnoodle, Shih-Poo, to Weimardoodle (which I would love to see). Think of a combination of dogs and somewhere you can find it. There are breeders who breed mixed breeds, all you need to do is go online and find one. Just be sure to check their credentials before you buy and try to see the dogs before you buy.
If you already have a pet and are wondering what kind of dog would get along with your cat, bird or whatever. Here is a list of some dogs that are generally good around other pets (note I said generally, there are no guarantees).
The generally good ones are: Affenpinscher, American Cocker Spaniel, American Eskimo Dog, Australian Shepherd, Basset Hound, Bearded Collie, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dachshund, Gordon Setter, Keeshond, and there are many more.
Some dogs will get along with other types of pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Among them are: American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua, English Springer Spaniel, Great Dane, Mastiff and many more.
Now, there are some that are not trustworthy with other pets (what comes to mind is an image of a greyhound and a rabbit). Here is a short list of some of the breeds: Bichon/Yorkie, Bull Terrier, Dingo, Fox. Terrier, Irish Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Fox Terrier, Rat Terrier, Silky Terrier and more. I think the Terrier breed was bred by the English to hunt rodents and small prey and that may be why they don’t get along with other pets.
To cover all categories, I’ll mention a few breeds that don’t get along with anything except another dog and I’d be careful about that too. Afghan Hounds will start our list and I will continue with the Australian Cattle Dog, Basenji, Beagle, Border Collie, Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Samoyed, Whippet and Weimaraner, however there are more.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s great with your kids, I’ll cover a few of those as well. The best dogs are: American Cocker Spaniel, American Mastiff, American Bulldog, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, English Setter, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Gordon Setter, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Pug, Saint Bernard, and there are others.
Some of the best dogs for older kids (kids who don’t make fun of dogs are:) Alaskan Malamute, Border Collie, Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Pekingese, Pekepoo , Pomeranian, Shih-Tzu, and of course there are more.
There really is a “dog” for every lifestyle, you just need to take your time and search for it.
The Internet is a great source for finding breed information. There are many breeders who are willing to help you find the perfect pet.
Dogs can be a challenge. You need patience and you need to be willing to give of your time and love. Do not consider a dog if you are not willing to take full responsibility for it. Being a dog parent takes time, money, patience, love, and respect for another life. If you are up to the responsibility, a dog will give you much more in return.