Help Choosing First Dog

[bSd]

Hi everyone, my name is Ben and I'm 20 yrs old (21 in a month) and attending school at the moment. I have wanted a dog my ENTIRE life (my mom is allergic and never would let me have one) and now that I have my own apartment I was wondering what dog breed would be suit me. In the IDEAL situation I would like a larger dog that I could wrestle with and go play fetch with at the park however due to me having an apartment I need a dog that

1) Can handle being alone for about 5 hrs a day
2) Not tear up my apartment while I'm gone and entertain itself for that time
3) Medium to small size
4) Easily trained
5) Preferably likes to have fun outside when I get home

and most importantly

6) Shows LOTS of love!

I have done a million "dog breed selector" tests and most come out with: Poodle, dacshund, and border terrier. Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated, thanks!!

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

Poodles are great their extremly smart and airn't too destructive. Though any dog can be destructive if bored. They do like to exercise and are more rough and tumble then most people realize. I have had a toy poodle and he was amazing big dog in a small body type dog who knew tons of tricks. They also show alot of love and like to cuddle.

 

[jess2416]

Would would have to say Poodle also

 

[tessa_s212]

What hair length would you prefer? How much grooming are you willing to do? Are you willing to pay monthly for grooming?

How much training are you wiling to do? Are you willing to attend training classes?

Do you want a puppy? Adult dog? Rescued? Purebred? Couldit be mixed?

 

[bSd]

I am wanting an adult dog (preferably male but doesn't have to be) from a local shelter that preferably has been trained already. I'm a fairly busy person but I would DEFINITELY take time out of every day for my dog (to play with, etc.) however, I have a roomate and even though he IS slob, I think he would complain if the dog shed alot. I would prefer a dog that I don't have to groom that much. The hair length doesn't matter as long as it doesn't shed that much and doesn't need an a bunch of grooming. Hope that helps!

Also, I read at another forum I should try for an adult beagle that has a calmer temperment. I read alot that beagle's aren't good apartment dogs but I've also read that any dog can fit somewhere as long as it has the right personality. Would a beagle be a possibility? (a calm one)

Thanks!

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

I am wanting an adult dog (preferably male but doesn't have to be) from a local shelter that preferably has been trained already. I'm a fairly busy person but I would DEFINITELY take time out of every day for my dog (to play with, etc.) however, I have a roomate and even though he IS slob, I think he would complain if the dog shed alot. I would prefer a dog that I don't have to groom that much. The hair length doesn't matter as long as it doesn't shed that much and doesn't need an a bunch of grooming. Hope that helps!

Also, I read at another forum I should try for an adult beagle that has a calmer temperment. I read alot that beagle's aren't good apartment dogs but I've also read that any dog can fit somewhere as long as it has the right personality. Would a beagle be a possibility? (a calm one)

Thanks!

I WOULDN"T pick a Beagle for your very first dog ever. Their great and everything don't get me wrong but I like to call them ADD dogs. We had one when I was little named Bonnie and originally she was a pet but she NEEDED a job because she was destructive and energetic and she needed something to do. So my dad trained her as a hunting dog and she mellowed out alot. Some Beagles can be very vocal some others not so much. Their also not the easiest dogs in the world to train. And they do shed and will leave hair on stuff.

They are good dogs though! Im not talking down on them i would love to own one again someday.

 

[JennSLK]

Beagles require ALOT of exersize and are velcro dogs. Most suffer from some sort of seperation anxiety and shed ALOT. They are hunting dogs wich is the reason behind the energy level and are hounds meaning they are stuborn and hard to obediance train and can NEVER be trusted off leash.

I wouldnt have a beagle in an apartment or if you are gone alot.

 

[bSd]

Ok, then any suggestions other than beagleand poodle?

 

[JennSLK]

Why dont you go to the local shelter and just look. you never know what may catch your eye

 

[tessa_s212]

Good for you for watning to adopt!

But, most dogs that are in shelters lack training. And, if htey are already older, they will be harder to train as an adult than if they were a puppy. Training these dogs IS possible though, so long as you have good direction. I would search www.apdt.com for trainers in your area. Can't hurt to look ahead andinto things.

I would avoid most terriers. Terriers are normally very active dogs that need alot of mental stimulation.

Herding breeds have ALOT of drive and can be hard for a first time dog owner.

Hounds can be hard too.

Seriously, perhaps I am biased, but I'd look into the sporting group.

www.akc.org will list the breeds.

 

[JennSLK]

OK here is a list of small breeds. Some may fit, some may not. Im not sure on energey levels on some of them.

Manchester Terrier
Pug (some health problems, be carefull what breeder you get one from)
Cocker Spaniel (Shave it if you dont want to deal with grooming)
French Bulldog
Miniature Schnauzer (again take to a groomer once a month)

 

[bSd]

*cancel this post* I didn't see the post above it

 

[daniele]

Hi i have 5 dogs and all are diffrent from eachother.. i have a pure breed german shepherd. i have german shepherd/rottie i got him from the shelter. then i have two chuwahuas( however you spell it.) and i also have a dobbie/bull dog from the shelter.. they all have diff personalities but, i can leave them alone for 7 hrs straight and there fine.. But, if you get any dog first you need to find out if they are potty trained and alll that.. cause if not then you need to start crate training the dog so it learns to go potty outside.. but, i would say a mix is a good dog.. cause i think dogs that are mutts are the coolest and prettiest dogs....good luck

 

[stevinski]

daniele its "chihuahua"
and for appartment life maybe a cavalier king charles spaniel, read this: http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100067/

to me its sounds like their quite sporty but can addapt to a apartment life as long as their is a small yard like you said.

 

[bubbatd]

Take your time and visit the HS often.....he'll show up !

 

[MyIrishWolfie]

1) Can handle being alone for about 5 hrs a day
2) Not tear up my apartment while I'm gone and entertain itself for that time
3) Medium to small size
4) Easily trained
5) Preferably likes to have fun outside when I get home

and most importantly

6) Shows LOTS of love!

Hmmm a stuffed dog maybe?

 

[Amstaffer]

Well I am going to tell you something you don't wish to hear right now.

I would wait until you finish college and get settled into your life. I volunteered at several Humane Societies and Shelters and I have seen so many dogs come in because young people have unexpected changes in their lives.

Go to the local humane society and become a Foster Home for dogs. Foster homes are in MAJOR need and provide a wonderful service for dogs. It will also be a great set up for you. You will learn about different breeds and get lots of good info from the people at the Humane Society. You will make a huge impact on the lives of many dogs but you won't have to make a life long commitment that you really need to make with a pet you bring home.

Foster dogs will love you and give you lots of fun in return for your much needed help.

Good luck in you decision. Keep us posted!

Please don't get mad at me it is just my opinion and an idea.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

A Boston Terrier might be a good choice for you. I have a Dachshund and he's a great dog. If you get a puppy, I'm afraid that you'll have to deal with a little destruction.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

Amstaffer gave great advice. Fostering would be a great way for you to see what it's like to have the committment of caring for a dog everyday. Also, what a wonderful thing to do for a dog in need. I've done it a couple of times and it was a great experience for me. They also alot of times know how the dog will do in your home.....house broke, chewing, barking, things like that. It might be an ideal way to get you started.

 

[bSd]

Yeah, it's good advice and trust me, I've heard it before. But I don't forsee any "unexpected" changes soon because I'm going to school and have an established apartment (not leaving anytime soon). Plus, if i "wait" til I'm more established, i'll be 30 because I'm a pre-med student and I'm not likely to get a house til after medical school when I'll be at least 25 and I'd rather not wait a minimum of 5 years. I understand the concern though but I believe I'm fully capable of the responsibility. Thanks