Lesley and I live in a one-bedroom apartment in Old Town Alexandria. That kind of puts a limit on how big a dog we can get. It wouldn't really be fair to put a German Shepherd in an apartment without a yard. So here's what we have in mind:
Size
I've always had small dogs as a kid. My parents currently have a dachshund, but I'd be willing to go a little bigger than that. I'd classify it as small-to-medium sized, probably from 25-45 pounds.
Temperment
We will be taking the dog on walks and to the dog park down the street, but we definitely need a dog that isn't hyperactive. We don't want the dog to go crazy if it's not constantly exercised (like our neighbor's dog above us, which is very annoying). It would also be best if it's not a dog that barks constantly, since we don't want to become the jerks of the building with the annoying dog.
Coat
Lesley is a little more partial to a "fluffy" dog, but I wouldn't consider this a deal breaker either way.
Anything else?
Before we start listing some suggestions, let us know if you think we should consider any other major factors while picking a dog. This will help us come up with the best list going forward.
Please leave some comments with some dogs you think could fit into what we're looking for. Or if you have any more questions that might help with the search.
If you guys are planning on taking that "next step" in life...think about how a breed is with kids. I mean if you are planning on having kids in like 5 years..a smaller dog lives longer and will probably be around when you do have kids. FLuffy dogs are fine, but just understand that they cost more money due to grooming and see where that fits in to your monthly budget.
ReplyDeleteSome dogs that might fit the bill:
Cocker spaniel
Pug
Puggle (great dogs)
French Bulldog (personal favorite)
Corgi
Maltese
Min Pin
-Leigh
Thanks, Leigh. This is great stuff.
ReplyDelete-Brian
And I didn't delete your poll vote on purpose. We were redesigning the template and had to delete the poll.
ReplyDeleteOh my God I am in love with the puggle. I had never heard of this Breed before. Here is a web cite to check it out http://www.puggle.org/puggle-breed-info.
ReplyDeleteThey range from 15 - 30 pounds as an adult and their temperment is sweet and playful and they are social dogs with other animals.They have an easy care coat that is short and requires minimal grooming. However the web site says they shed moderately.They are intelligent and easy to train.
Most definitely a breed to consider
what do you think about this dog:
ReplyDeleteCavalier King Charles Spaniel Size: Miniature. Coat: Soft. Straight. Long/Double coated. Grooming: Easy, low-maintenance. Very unlikely to drool. Moderate shedding. Very low activity level. Not especially intelligent. Somewhat easier than average to train. Very wary of other pets. Tolerates strangers very well. Very affectionate. Very dependent. Fairly quiet. Somewhat shorter than average estimated lifespan. A very popular breed in the US, according to AKC records. Excellent choice for apartment living.
Interesting. We'll have to put that dog up for debate in the coming weeks.
ReplyDeleteThanks
What do you think about the rat terrier? Okay you may need to get past the name but it looks like a good dog. http://www.ratterrierclub.com/html/about_rat_terriers.html
ReplyDeleteI had a Beagle when I was a kid. Great dog, looks a bit like the Corgi & the Basset Hound. I don't know the Corgi but the Beagle is much more active than the Basset Hound sounds to be. If you're looking for a playmate, the Beagle will definitely be a good one & my Gypsy didn't bark often either.
ReplyDeleteDad