Question: Help Picking a Dog Breed?
Okay I’ve been looking into several different dog breeds but I’m having trouble picking one that will be best for me. A few of them are The Rhodesian Ridgeback, German Shepherd, Bull Terrier, and the Beauceron. However I don’t want to make a decision until I know that I’ll be picking a dog that can live happily in the environment that I can provide. Here are a few things:
1.) I’ll be living in an apartment
2.) Exercise is not an issue. There are pleny of trails in the area I will be moving to, and I’m prepared to spend money of “dog packs” for breeds that are more of the Working type.
3.) I’ll be by myself for a year so I’m looking for a guard dog. However after that year I’ll be moving in with someone who has a dog of their own. So I need to make sure that the dog I have does not have any natural aggressions to other dogs. Socializing I know is a must, and I will take it very seriously when the dog is a puppy.
4.) Another important element is that this will be my first dog that I will train on my own. So it’s important that they are easily trained. I’m not very experienced in this regard, and so I want to do all my researh now of what needs to be done.
If you have any suggestions of a dog breeds that will match up for me, please let me know. Also tips on training, socialization, and home breaking will be great. Also I won’t be getting the dog for about a year so I want to make sure I know what I’m getting into. I know that they will be costly when the food, toys, supplies, and vet bills are added up so that’s something I’m already anticipating. Thank you very much.
I do know that larger, and guard dog breeds don’t do well in apartments. Which is why I’m wary about purchasing one. However I do need a type of dog that can wage some sort of endorsement since I’ll be living in a college town by myself for a whole year. I need something that can protect me in the case of an attack or a break in which is very common in the area. And thanks to those who have already posted replies.
Best answer:
Answer by SeaDawg
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
this will help you alot
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:27 pm
I would recommend a Rhodesian Ridgeback. German Shepherds are NOT for beginners and not good for apartment living because they like to be outside for the most part, and they bark a a lot. Beaucerons are also not good for beginners but are suited for apartment living. Bull Terriers are not good for apartments because they tend to be very hyper indoors and you don’t want to upset your neighbors.
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Theres one thing about the breeds you were thinking about if you are in an apartment these dogs need space and room to roam around… just something to think about.
I think that black labs and basset hounds (or a mix of the two like mine) are very protective but are social, extremely easy to train if they have the proper exercise and such. But in an apartment if they are going to be and inside dog you would have to get a smaller dog or keep it outside (if possible).
Also if you don’t mind yappy dogs small terriers are cute and cuddly and small but are not the easiest to train but they love you.
Other breeds: Dachshund(not good around small children but are good for apartments and are moderately protective.), Pug (they are good around children and indoor dogs and are amazing pets.) ect. ahaha and by the way if dogs are good around kids they are the ones that are going to be easier for you to train (but some that aren’t good with younger kids are easy to train to… Eg: scotties and dalmatians are actually not that hard to train, don’t get a terrier to try and train I’m warning you.)
take a look at this sites these are the dogs you should be aiming for.
http://movingtoanapartment.com/pet-friendly-apartments/top-50-most-popular-apartment-dogs.htm
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:48 pm
I would take a look at http://www.dogbreedinfo.com.
You sound like the perfect dog owner. Good to see that you are doing your research rather than picking the dog that is “cutest.”
Having said that, I have owned a German Shepherd and it was a great dog that loved to be outdoors. I doubt it would have been happy in an apartment. I currently have a terrier who I think would be well-suited to living in an apartment. I also currently have a border collie who is a little nutty but would do well living anywhere. He’s not a guard dog though (he does love to hunt squirrels and rabbits and catches quite a few though). The Rhodesian and the Beauceron are breeds I’m not familiar with though.
Do a little research into the Tervuren and Akitas. Akitas need an experienced owner (so do Rhodesians though). Rhodesians are not suited to city living (is your apartment going to be in a city). I have a friend who has a Tervuren and it is a very majestic, intelligent, easily trainable dog. Good luck.
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Go to your local shelter and ask the volunteers or workers there for a dog that matches your lifestyle, you can’t rely on total strangers to tell you what breed your lifelong companion will be. I would also like to note that shelter dogs are usually not purebred but there are many dogs in the shelter near me that are mixed with a German Shepherd. Because you live in an apartment, guard dog breeds are not right for you. I’m sorry but you probably won’t be getting a guard dog. You can buy a alarm for much less though. The best dog for you would be a small companion dog, even if you give them lots of exercise, a guard dog, sporting dog, or working dog would need much more space. When you go to the shelter look for calm medium to small sized dog. I don’t know all that much about them, but Bulldogs might be good at guarding, plus they are the right size and tempermant for you.
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Go for a chocolate lab/German Shepard they are natural at protecting there owner and they love to exercise and interact with whomever they are owned by.
Also they are very friendly and will get along with just about any dog in the world so these two would be a great choice for you.
Also food and everything else is depending on you, there is better sorts of food but then again it cost more and such like that so it is best that you decide what kinds of food it should eat.
If you need more tips go here
http://www.dogtrainingtipshq.com/
Thanks