Apartment Poochies!

[Sares]

i will second the griffon bruxellois. they come in a short and long coat and while some people think they are odd looking are cute as a button.

Agreed, the Griffons are just the cutest little things!!

[cannibalgoldfish]

Shibas aren't huge barkers. Of course they do scream...........

[andrewang]

you should ignore everyone else and get a cocker spaniel! lol

[Crazy Daisy]

My Mum chose a Havanese for her 1 bedroom and he is a brilliant little apartment dog.

[Steph M]

I think there's a difference between barking as a breed trait and barking for attention etc etc. I wouldn't have thought barking was an ideal trait in Toy breeds historically because it would be annoying! Possibly a reputation brought about by owners treating them as toys, not dogs, and teaching them to be demanding?? (not DOLers, but we all know they're out there...)

That's it, we don't care about puppy chatting, or voicing genuine displeasure, we're not precious here! :laugh:

But anything incessant might just tip us and the neighbours bonkers!

And we're wary of the dependency thing too, being home all the time and having a predisposition towards spoiling critters as is, we'll have to be careful not to create a spoiled little brat. Again, will have a chat to some breeders and trainers about that too, however I'm not quite the Paris Hilton type and know even the littlest dogs are still dogs and need to be respected and treated as such!

Chinese Crested :D Mine are equally happy enjoying a 2hr bush walk or sleeping on the sofa all day. No moulting, and mine are pretty quiet most of the time, not a yappy breed.

With cats you need to avoid delicate breeds'; go for ones with some coat,smooth coats are easily scratched when playing with a cat so are bulging eyes. I've had cats and dogs together.My pointer was scratched in the eyes by my cat.

The Tibetan spaniel sounds a good match.

That's my worry with a crested, the bengal x, 7kg of doofus, grew up playing with fluffy dogs and now a big boofy persian, so he's never really had to put his gentle switch on, so I wouldn't put a bald puppy in front of him! He means well but good god is he stupid... He would have to learn to behave himself too, but he would be overjoyed at another puppy, he often stays with mum and the dogs when we go away and drives them mad wanting to play, which is a fair effort!

I would also suggest you insist OH "lose" the wrestling. If you want a calm, quiet adult dog, raise it that way. Wrestling will almost definitely invite barking. Buy him a gym membership or a boxing bag instead perhaps :)

I don't wrestle my dogs until they are old and mature enough to fully understand their off switch, "quiet" and "enough". That said, I am not really a fan of wrestling animals period. I know many are, and that's fine for them, but I think for your environment, it is important to keep the noise down as much as possible.

No no, it drives me mad! As mentioned before, they're not little cats, and I spent a looooong time convincing the bigger one, the ex feral kitten, that it was not okay to use teeth and claws, even when you're just being a clown.

At least they both (the cats!) know when enough is enough and will walk off, they know it's not allowed and don't try it with me because it's simply never been allowed, but sometimes a game ends in someone getting hurt, and it's not the cats!

I'd love a quiet, adult boyfriend too! Any tips on training one of them? Water and vinegar in a spray bottle? Citronella collars? Hahaha.

One of the best breeds to have in an apartment is a greyhound! If you aren't set on small size one would suit you perfectly.

I've actually not really thought about this! It makes sense though! I've always just assumed the size would be a bit much for the house, and the cats. But on reading up on the GAP site, they do have cat friendly dogs come up, and it seems they'd be quite happy on the couch! Is it true they're a strictly on-lead dog though?

I know you can't believe everything you read!

When it comes to Frenchie’s being low energy, I think I have the exception to the rule! Mine is always out the back playing with her toys, full of energy, will run around the yard doing zoomies until we stop her.

She is like a Labrador in a Frenchie’s body. We have to spend a lot of time keeping her mind active with training and playing with her and taking her for short walks (as she is only 8.5 months old). I know puppies are very active generally so not sure if she will calm down a lot as she gets older or just a little bit. Hehe

Mind you, she could live in an apartment, but I know she will go a little stir crazy. They are smart little things and need to be challenged mentally with training.

She sounds like a bat-eared loon! Hahaha!!! I've always thought mental stimulation is as important as physical stimulation, lots of toys, training and playing and socialising are on the menu!

[Steph M]

Hi Steph regards several of the breeds mentioned here maybe i can help, as i currently own some of them, ie Japanese Spitz, Norwich Terrier, Griffon (Ruff coated) and Tibetan Spaniels. I will give you my opion from my experience on each one. All my dogs are show dogs, but first and foremost they are family dogs that go to shows.......

All our Tibetan Spaniels have been adopted, as adults, from registered breeders who've treated them exactly as you do, with your dogs. Not all breeders make the choice to rehome adult dogs, but ours came from those prepared to place them as desexed pets in only well-screened homes.

These adult dogs came from their breeders already beautifully socialised with people and other dogs, confident in going out in the car & into public places. I'd love to claim credit when strangers admire their personalities, but this is how breeders like you raise their dogs from the moment they're born.

It's one option that the OP might add to the list.... adopting an adult of whatever breed they finally decide on. But, equally, the preference might be to start with a puppy.

We're not against the idea of starting with an older dog, by any stretch! I was more wary of adopting a dog who just did not enjoy how we live, which would be sad for all parties involved, but I love hearing of breeders who raise their dogs and doglets as family! It makes it seem much more viable to start with an adjusted and partially trained dog.

I think you would be happy with any of the breeds listed, go to a show and meet some adult examples of the breeds :)

That's the plan! Becoming a little bit stalky :D

Unfortunately, mine have not worked out how to do the laundry which is where I'm headed now while my tibbie continues to sleep the day away on the porch swing. Such is life!!

If you find a breed that does the housework please let me know!

My tibbie x 'helped' me do a sudoku last night though..... He sat next to me staring at it and pawed the page if I hadn't written in a while....maybe because he knew the answers.....or maybe because he was enjoying trying to steal the pencil every time I used it ; p

It's this gentle playfulness that makes me give them the thumbs up!

That is great! Hahaha, but really, anyone have a laundry doing, floor cleaning dog? Haha.

i will second the griffon bruxellois. they come in a short and long coat and while some people think they are odd looking are cute as a button.

I love love love their faces! They look like little old men to me! What a great face!

Shibas aren't huge barkers. Of course they do scream...........

Whaaaat?!

you should ignore everyone else and get a cocker spaniel! lol

I love everyone's biases! It's why I asked! Haha!

[minimax]

My black pug spent the first 9 months of her life in an apartment and was fine. Shedding is kept under control with regular brushing and.blacks tend to shed less than fawns (but blacks are manic, I have two black puppies so can vouch for this :p ) howevee they are also happy if I dont walk them for a week and just play games in the house, or if I take them out each day.

Max pee pad trained in an apartment really easily (pugs will do anything for food, so actually train quite easily in some things), and she isnt a barker.

Any of the squishy face breeds are awesome, but Bostons aren't quiet or common, so I'd probably not be thinking of one of those.

[Rebanne]

I've actually not really thought about this! It makes sense though! I've always just assumed the size would be a bit much for the house, and the cats. But on reading up on the GAP site, they do have cat friendly dogs come up, and it seems they'd be quite happy on the couch! Is it true they're a strictly on-lead dog though?

I know you can't believe everything you read!

yes greyhounds in Victoria are supposed to be on lead at all times unless on private property. There are however a couple of places where they have organised days at slipping tracks. Plus plenty of walks are organised.

[Guest donatella]

So Steph, have you narrowed a list down yet?

The next battle is finding a breeder you like and vice versa :laugh:

[ellz]

Greyhounds really are couch potatoes and for a large breed take up surprisingly small amounts of room. And despite appearances, are very, VERY cuddly and most are just so adaptable it isn't funny.

Another breed if you are sure you don't mind grooming is the American Cocker Spaniel. Slightly smaller (or meant to be) than the "garden variety" Cocker (the English Cocker) but with a different shaped face and more coat. Not generally yappy unless you allow them to be, intelligent, pretty and very sweet. I personally prefer the males, but then I tend to lean towards the males in most breeds anyway because I find them to be softer, but that is just my preference and opinion.

My other current bedpig is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who would equally tick the boxes (as would most which are bred and raised carefully by knowledgable people) but they are really an acquired taste and you either love them or you don't, so if they haven't sprung into your mind early in the equation, they generally aren't a breed which will appeal to you later in your considerations.

[Nevafollo]

I have both a pug and a smooth coated griffon, they live with a "herd" of Pointers :-)

My current pug is a fawn and shes crazy but I have owned a black and if you want a pug with lots of energy I'd go a black!!!

Whilst I have always been a pug girl I am extremely taken with this little griffon of mine, but i will admit the smooths seem more out going, my guy is a over the top and I hope to not only show him but to do agility and stuff with him too!

A friend of mine shows frenchies and they are great dogs too!

I would recommened a Black pug first then a frenchie then a griffon, smooth griffon!

[Steph M]

My black pug spent the first 9 months of her life in an apartment and was fine. Shedding is kept under control with regular brushing and.blacks tend to shed less than fawns (but blacks are manic, I have two black puppies so can vouch for this :p ) howevee they are also happy if I dont walk them for a week and just play games in the house, or if I take them out each day.

Max pee pad trained in an apartment really easily (pugs will do anything for food, so actually train quite easily in some things), and she isnt a barker.

Any of the squishy face breeds are awesome, but Bostons aren't quiet or common, so I'd probably not be thinking of one of those.

Yeah, I'm not phased on the shedding. Like I said, we live in a sea of cat fluff anyway! May as well add a new colour? Haha.

That's half the fun! Indoor games and cool toys, honestly, dog toys now are so much cooler than the toys we had as little kids!

The pee pads are wonderful things, does he go outdoors now or do you still have the piddle pads handy?

I used them with mum's shih-tzu when I lived at home and she goes out now, though it was a battle to convince her to initially, but even at 4 years old if she's stuck and busting she will go either where the pee pad used to be (keep in mind it was there for all of about 6 months) or on the bathmat, which is a similar texture.

How easy was the transition from pad/paper to grass?

yes greyhounds in Victoria are supposed to be on lead at all times unless on private property. There are however a couple of places where they have organised days at slipping tracks. Plus plenty of walks are organised.

Greyhounds really are couch potatoes and for a large breed take up surprisingly small amounts of room. And despite appearances, are very, VERY cuddly and most are just so adaptable it isn't funny.

Another breed if you are sure you don't mind grooming is the American Cocker Spaniel. Slightly smaller (or meant to be) than the "garden variety" Cocker (the English Cocker) but with a different shaped face and more coat. Not generally yappy unless you allow them to be, intelligent, pretty and very sweet. I personally prefer the males, but then I tend to lean towards the males in most breeds anyway because I find them to be softer, but that is just my preference and opinion.

My other current bedpig is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who would equally tick the boxes (as would most which are bred and raised carefully by knowledgable people) but they are really an acquired taste and you either love them or you don't, so if they haven't sprung into your mind early in the equation, they generally aren't a breed which will appeal to you later in your considerations.

They're so lovely! I think the on lead thing would get to me though, I have too big of a soft spot for the off-lead park-excitement zoomies. They make even the cruddiest day wonderful!!

We thought about a cocker, but wanted to have a chat to some breeders about the 'rage syndrome'?

It might be blown well out of proportion and be almost not an issue, so they're still on the list, just was lurking for more info on that. They are such sweet looking dogs, and as much work as they can be, the big goofy ears! Haha.

I've always had more male animals though, both the cats are boys, because desexed males are just the biggest moochers.

The aforementioned shih-tzu is a female though, and she is such a cuddlebug. So I'm more open minded now.

Lady cats can be so narky though! Heavens! Haha.

We thought about a staffy, in part because of the sheer multitude of them in pounds and the like, it's miserable to see! But also that they just seem so full of joy! However they seem a bit more like a pooch who would enjoy a yard and some sun!

So Steph, have you narrowed a list down yet?

The next battle is finding a breeder you like and vice versa :laugh:

Gosh, my list is a right shambles! Hahaha. It's not exactly a short list!

However it's looking like Frenchies are running on top, but it's a loooooong list! Might make an effort to go to some shows and have a little lurk and a chat, see if we can cross some off the list at very least!

[LizT]

Not that I'm suggesting it but my sister in London, when 'breed screening' told me about an article she read about Newfounlands being perfect for apartment living because of their docile nature. :D I steered her towards a Miniature Poodle.

[Steph M]

Not that I'm suggesting it but my sister in London, when 'breed screening' told me about an article she read about Newfounlands being perfect for apartment living because of their docile nature. :D I steered her towards a Miniature Poodle.

Good heavens, that would be game! I would never get any space on the couch ever again!

I heard the same thing about Great Danes, but I think that might be getting a tad overexcited!

[Cosmolo]

I love Cocker Spaniels (and will own one one day) but believe there are other breeds better suited to apartment living. It's not that you couldn't have a happy Cocker in an apartment- but it would require more work than some others. I wouldn't be concerned about rage syndrome.

[Purdie]

If you like the spaniel look then a Cavalier as someone mentioned earlier may suit.I had 2 as a child,they are very quiet, mine rarely barked.They enjoy a walk and are relaxed indoors.

[ellz]

Firstly, comparing English and American Cockers is like comparing apples and oranges. Different breeds with different activity levels and care requirements.

Secondly, cocker rage does exist but is very rare.

Third, Staffords are mostly a high energy breed but if you are prepared to put in the time to rein in the energy, you will reap the rewards. Not all Staffords are energizer bunnies and some cope with a couple of fast bursts of exercise in a day and couch or bed the rest of the day. BUT, off lead running in mixed company may be somewhat of an issue. Not necessarily because the Stafford is a problem (although some most certainly are) but moreso because of the unreal expectations and pre-conceived opinions of other people.

[Alibi]

I would recomend visiting breeders once you have a short lisit to get a good feel of the breeds. After i did this i went with a breed which was further down on my list as when i met them it was love at first sight.

[Polecatty]

Greyhounds are beautiful, take up very little room for a dog of their size and are very content when kept as indoor dogs.

Whippets are very similar only smaller and without the breed specific leash restrictions that the greys have. :)

[Liebhunde]

What an eclectic list you've got Steph ..a lot to think about. I agree it's a great idea to visit shows and breeders but I'm also putting up my hand for a Cavalier. I live in a small apartment which has a little garden..I'm also near two lovely big parks and live In a very dog popular suburb in Sydney's Inner West I keep my Cav in a short clip which makes indoor life a lot easier..hardly any hair anywhere. Mine will alert bark if a sudden noise happens but is not a constant yapper. More than happy to snooze on any available soft spot but also loves a mad run round the park and is very social with other dogs and loves everybody. That's him looking at you from my sig.