What are the best dog breeds for apartment living?

[Two]

I looked through SDN & I couldn't seem to find a thread about dog breeds that would be good for apartment living for when we go to vet school. There were several theads about whether it was a good idea to have dogs in vet school, whether a person should get 2 dogs to keep eachother company, etc.

What do you guys think are the best kind of breeds or mixes for apartments? What are the pros & cons of the breed you picked?

My pick: Bulldog
Pros: They don't require much exercise, are perfectly happy being a couch potatoe with you, are very sweet & do not shed very much.

Cons: They drool, A LOT. Bulldogs can get very smelly if you do not bathe them every once in a while and they tend to snore very loudly.

Discuss!

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[Maschka1]

It all depends on your lifestyle. I have lived in apartments with all kinds of large working breeds. you just have to get them out a lot.

But My suggestions would be:
1) a Frenchie. French bulldogs are small, certainly not athletes, could easily be litter trained if you will be gone all day at class. They do have many health issues. I think my little girl has cost more then my education- lol. but I cant imagine life without her. She is the sweetest, funniest little dog. And I think a dog that can help keep your stress level down, in vet school, is an awesome plan. (that is if you dont mind the snoring and farting, and wiping thier butt for them, etc...)

2) My second choice would be a retired greyhound. I used to foster them when I was working on my first degree program. They are so laid back. just take them to the dog park and let them stretch their legs, and they are great.

3) another option would be to maybe adopt a senior pet from a shelter. There are so many older dogs out there that have just been dumped. their excercise requirements may be less, medical bills a little more, but in the end you will have let them die happy then in a shelter, alone. I have a friend that actually does "Hospice" care for senior pets that are abandoned. I think its a wonderful thing she has given to those animals.

In reality, though, you can make most dog breeds work, just depends on what your willing to do. for instance dog day care can be a resource, sometimes the dog park can be a huge stress reliever and good place to make new friends. Even when I lived with a Lab, Doberman, and Great dane in an apartment (we had a very very tiny little yard-off the back-not much though) we did fine. Went to the dog park every night, walks every morning, and hikes when the weather was nice and time permitted, plus doggie day car for the dobie and dane so my old man-the lab- could rest (a few days a week).

But I would say brachiocephalic kiddos would probably be the least active, if thats what you are looking for. plus, who can resist them ?

 

[EllieGirl89]

As has been mentioned, any breed of dog can thrive in an apartment if it is managed properly, just as any breed of dog can suffer in an apartment if mismanaged. I lived at home for my first two years of college, and moved out for my third year. I bought a Boxer specifically to act as a guard dog (looks and big bark more so than for protection, although he might lick you to death), understanding that this breed requires a lot of attention. I got him three months before I moved to my apartment in the city. I house broke him, took him to puppy class, got him walking on a leash, etc. He adjusted to the city life just fine. He is crate trained so he stays in his crate while I am in class, and either me or my roommate comes home every now and then to let him out. Then he's out of the crate the rest of the time, sleeps in the bed with me, etc. I take him for daily walks; sometimes we go up to the Oval and I let him run around off-leash. He's also quite content to play fetch inside the apartment. He does super well in the apartment/city environment.

So take your pick of apartment critters depending on the amount of time you can spend exercising/entertaining it, as well as how much you can spend on food and other supplies (my guy eats me out of house and home lol). Good luck!

 

[Bearby]

I'm planning on convincing a client to let me take one of his cockers. He has 4, and the one I want gets into fights with the other three so he's locked in an outdoor run 24/7 except when he comes in and boards with us. I don't have any dogs so his dog aggression won't be a problem, and he's been around the hospital cat at the clinic I work at numerous times and for extended periods without even batting an eye at her so I don't think he would have any issues with my kitty.

My dreams aside, what someone else said about any breed can do well is true, you just have to be able to manage their needs. I think the retired greyhound idea is great! They are the sweetest and most easy going dogs, just need to get out and run every once in a while.

 

[that redhead]

To be honest, I think age of the dog plays an even larger role than breed, in many cases. My dog, Ella, is a mutt of some sort (and when I say mutt, I don't even know where to begin - Corgi/Sheltie/Cocker/Golden?etc?) and a smaller size (25lbs) but without the crazy high energy that a lot of small breeds (and working breeds) have. There are people with Goldens, flat coated retrievers, Labs, boxers, etc, at my apartment complex and they seem to do well with a lot of exercise. Ella is good with a couple walks and time to look out the window, but I'm betting its more because she's an old lady than some certain breed combination.

I'd strongly advise you to get an older dog if you're looking into getting a new dog. My own personal opinion is that unless you already have a dog, getting a new one (especially a puppy. yikes.) is probably a bad idea during vet school when you really need to devote everything you have to studying and keeping up. That being said, I'm sure it's manageable, but moreso when you don't have to be as worried about an accident in the house, training, and a ton of exercise. I'm such high-energy breeds can be handled with more extensive exercise but it's my opinion that an older dog is probably better than a puppy of just about any breed 🙂

 

[Bill59]

My pick: Bulldog

English bulldog? Please don't.

Every time someone buys one of these poor animals, it perpetuates the idiot breeders producing these dogs. They can hardly breath, they can barely walk and without AI and C-sections they can't even reproduce. Sure they're couch potatoes -- they're freakin' hypoxic.

Skin problems, eye problems, orthopedic problems ... they are just disasters and anyone who creates these mutants should have to spend their life breathing through a really small straw to see what it's like.

Sorry... pet peeve of mine.

 

[Maschka1]

They can hardly breath, they can barely walk and without AI and C-sections they can't even reproduce. Sure they're couch potatoes -- they're freakin' hypoxic.

I agree that AKC standards have completely butchered the poor breed. But they are really amazing dogs, and there are bulldogs in rescue that need love too. just cuz they cant breathe doesnt mean they arent good pets that need homes.
plus there are surgeries for that. My little girl was a puppy mill dog rescue, $6000 later she can breathe and has hips! (she was born without a socket for her femoral head to sit in). She may be a deformed little mess, but she has been the best dog and still deserved a happy home. oh did I mention the liver shunt? Be really prepared for medical issues with this breed.

But if you are interested in them, go for rescue. I will never regret my decision to adopt one.

 

[NStarz]

It's so funny that everyone is mentioning Frenchies and English bulldogs, because I automatically thought of the American bulldog when the OP said "bulldog." Those definitely need a bit more exercise than the other two types 🙂

Definitely agree with what everyone else said here. How well a dog does in your apartment depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you're going to be a couch potato, a lab may not be the right choice, and if you run 10 miles every morning, a cavalier king charles isn't the best choice. I second (third?) rescue! Get a good old designer mutt 🙂

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Greyhounds FTW. Best couch decorations ever 😉 Sweet, sweet quiet dogs.

 

[CorporateFatCat]

Yes, please do not get an English Bulldog. At least not from a breeder. That poor dog is a huge mess as of now. Even if there are surgeries to correct some of their deformities doesn't mean that they should have to go through it for that "cute factor". Anyone see the documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed? A must-see, even if it is rather biased.

The Frenchie is also kind of a sad case. They are all produced by AI now...should an animal that can't breed on its own even exist? Sorry, I guess I have some qualms with purebred dogs....

You may have the option to adopt a colony dog from the vet school you attend. That would be pretty cool.

 

[PearlDVM]

I actually think larger dogs do better in apartments. Their energy just feel less frantic to me, and for some reason I've always had an easier time with controlling barking in larger dogs. I've had really good luck with collies (but I'm totally partial!)😍.

I agree about the greyhounds. and there are some great rescues out there for dogs that have retired (or been thrown out) from the tracks. That way you could skip the puppy stage, too! Although - I always have gotten my dogs as young as possible, because I feel like it makes it easier to mold it to my lifestyle (again - i think that is personal preference).

 

[hunterjumper12]

My dog is a Lab/Terrier/maybe a little bit of Chow mix that I got from the pound. She is 2, and although her energy level is very high, she is easy to manage with a walk to the dog park every day, and maybe an additional walk if she's feeling extra frisky. Like other posters have said, any breed can work; it's just all about how you manage them.

 

[Maddiegirl]

"It all depends on your lifestyle. I have lived in apartments with all kinds of large working breeds. you just have to get them out a lot.

But My suggestions would be:
1) a Frenchie. French bulldogs are small, certainly not athletes, could easily be litter trained if you will be gone all day at class. They do have many health issues. I think my little girl has cost more then my education- lol. but I cant imagine life without her. She is the sweetest, funniest little dog. And I think a dog that can help keep your stress level down, in vet school, is an awesome plan. (that is if you dont mind the snoring and farting, and wiping thier butt for them, etc...)"


I second this!!! I have two Frenchies and they are awesome! They have tons of personality, love to watch TV and veg out with you, but also love to play with each other or you. They are happy just to be with you, no matter what you are doing. They do have health issues, particularly food allergies and breathing issues, but if you get one from a good breeder these issues can sometimes be avoided. I have had a lot of dogs, but these two little clowns take the cake and provide hours of comic relief. They are very stubborn, yet eager to please and they "smile" all the time! What I like most about them, especially my two, is that they do not bark. I had Kirby for almost a year before I heard him bark, but they are excellent watch dogs. They don't miss a beat, but they aren't yippy at all. Which can be very important in an apartment.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[bunnity]

I think it really depends on the dog. I am fostering a 3 year old pit bull, in an apartment, while I am in vet school. He is fine with being alone for a lot of the day and he is very patient while I study. He gets one walk a day and plays in the yard several times a day. There are a lot of pit bulls in my building and they can be great apartment dogs. And they can breathe 🙂

I second the idea of getting a senior dog or even a dog that is 3-5 years old. Once that puppy energy has worn off, the dog is much more likely to be content with a lower energy lifestyle.

 

[FutureDVM2016]

English bulldog? Please don't.

Every time someone buys one of these poor animals, it perpetuates the idiot breeders producing these dogs. They can hardly breath, they can barely walk and without AI and C-sections they can't even reproduce. Sure they're couch potatoes -- they're freakin' hypoxic.

Skin problems, eye problems, orthopedic problems ... they are just disasters and anyone who creates these mutants should have to spend their life breathing through a really small straw to see what it's like.

Sorry... pet peeve of mine.

I agree with this 🙁 sadly... also, not sure if anyone else mentioned this but many apartment complexes will NOT allow that breed in their apartments. Just FYI...

 

[goldielocks137]

also, not sure if anyone else mentioned this but many apartment complexes will NOT allow that breed in their apartments. Just FYI...

Yeah that is another important thing to consider. A lot of apartment complexes have size restrictions and/or breed restrictions. Both I think are completely ridiculous, but it's a definite consideration for renters.

I agree with others who have suggested adopting an older (>1 or 2) dog from the shelter. You don't have to deal with puppy issues and they usually have slightly less energy. I would start checking out shelters nearby and search for a dog that you like and think would do well with your lifestyle. That's what I did when I was ready for my dog.

 

[Two]

Just because I suggested an English bulldog doesn't mean I am going to get one. I will not be adopting or purcashing a dog anytime soon, I just wanted to hear your opinions for purebred apartment dogs. I agree with you guys about the health issues that the bulldogs have. I just wanted to share why I thought they might be a good choice.

 

[Maschka1]

agree with this 🙁 sadly... also, not sure if anyone else mentioned this but many apartment complexes will NOT allow that breed in their apartments. Just FYI...

Ya, actually there is a city about 20 min from us that has some BSL going on and has banned all bull breeds or dogs who resemble bull breeds. We wouldn't be able to live there, not because of our 2 dobermans, but because of our frenchie. I have to say, with her poor breathing, bad hips, and 22lb little body, I am sure she is a force to be reckoned with! banning breeds is so VERY idiotic, IMO, and drives me up the wall. I am partially looking forward to going to vet school and pointing out that my Doberman can live in ANY apartment complex as it would be discrimination not to let my service dog in. But even with him in his vest people treat him like he may eat them at any moment. I wish some apartment complexes would ban children and let me have my well behaved dog!😛

 

[Maddiegirl]

I wish some apartment complexes would ban children and let me have my well behaved dog!😛

 

[sumstorm]

My advice is just try to find a dog that doesn't have the issues that cause common problems for apartment dwellers; banned breeds (I know it shouldn't happen, but it does, especially if you will be renting in a variety of cities over the dog's lifetime), barkers, diggers, and dogs that can't tolerate being left alone. At least, when I was in NYC, that was what 90% of my 'problem' training cases involved.