What is the best dog for apartment life?

1. 77

   fresh2def05posted 12 years ago

   What is the best dog for apartment life?

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2. 82

   agilitymachposted 12 years ago

   Japanese Chins are thought to be exceptional apartment dogs.  They get all the exercise they need with daily potty walks and in the apartment.  Pekenese are also said to be good apartment dogs.
   
   On the other extreme - and amazingly enough - if you have a place nearby where they can run full out for a few minutes a day, Greyhounds are said to be great apartment dogs.  Greyhounds tend to be huge couch potatoes, but they do need a good daily run off leash.  So if you are near a dog park or a fenced in area where they could run, they might make a good apartment dog.  But never let them off lead outside a fenced area.  Sight hounds are known for not obeying commands if they don't want to.  It could be very dangerous for your dog.

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      Ari Lamsteinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I wasn't aware of the Japanese Chin before reading your answer!

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3. 98

   DrMark1961posted 12 years ago

   I am really surprised that this question has not been answered as so many have an opinion as to the "best". The best is just an opinion, and it really depends on a lot of things, not just the apartment. Do you need a breed that doesnt shed much? A breed that doesnt bark much? Do you get out and run or will you expect the dog to be alone all day while you go to work?
   Anyway, depending on your lifestyle, my "best" apartment dogs are
   the Basenji, French Bulldog, Greyhound, and Basset Hound.

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   1. 77

      fresh2def05posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Preferably a breed that doesn't shed much. Barking is acceptable but I thought that just depended on the dog, not the breed. Daily exercise is not a problem. I have a Doberman and am looking for something around the same size so won't be a bully.

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      DrMark1961posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Barking is usually an issue in apartments. Some breeds (like the Greyhound) are "low bark". If it is not a problem then a great low shedding breed is the Giant Schnauzer, as he can wrestle around with a Dobie anyday!

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