Apartment Poochies!

[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.

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!

Yeah..I'm thinking with both those breeds the "Apartment" would need to be one of those HUGE American Lofts/Warehouses, or a Penhouses with a heap of floorspace! :laugh:

[julesluvscavs]

Most Cavaliers are happier if they have human company around them quite a bit. I know there are some that have full time working owners, and they probably get used to it, but from my experience Cavaliers don't always do as well on their own for too long a periods.. Unless you have 2 of them ;-)

I do go out for a few hours at a time and i come home to them usually sleeping, but I don't think they would cope too well if i worked full time hours.

And some Cavaliers can get a bit yappy (not all of them). Mine do from time to time, between sleeping :laugh:

But they would still make a great apartment dog, all they need is a sofa, nice comfy bed or lots of cushions/pillows around the place hehe

Edited August 25, 2012 by Jules♥Cavs

[Simply Grand]

Steph, funny you say that about boy cats vs girls, I've always found the boys to be sooky cuddlers too and the girls to be, um, let's say moody...?

Don't know what others think but I don't think the difference is as extreme in dogs, plenty of cuddly sweet girls around, although I have heard that some bitches live up to their names, hehe.

[cowanbree]

I think a lot of breeds would work if you are prepared to put the work in. When I was at Varsity I had 2 shelties with me in an apartment. They were walked 2-3 times daily and were fine. They are not a quiet breed but are extremely intelligent. My bedroom window was right on the footpath of a very busy street and yet my dogs would sit on my bed and watch people pass within metres without an issue. These same dogs would come home with me on holidays and were very different dogs. They knew the rules

[Steph M]

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.

It's not a huge concern, was more interested than anything! I remember knowing a woman who bred Cockers once and she said they can just be mad as hatters, in the fun way of course, so I can see how this might not be the ideal fit, Thanks!

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.

Yeah I can see how that would be, and to be totally honest I was the same when I was a bit younger, partly growing up in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, where they're sadly the bogan dipsh*t dog of choice, and more often than not they're not socialised or particularly grounded, and I remember hearing things like 'you can't give them raw meat or they get bloodlust' and being about 16 or so, didn't know any better. So I was never a huge fan, however having grown up substantially and met lots of happy, goofy staffies I've come to realise how utterly ridiculous that was, they're just such clowns! I'm sure the BSL rubbish has done them no favours off leash, and that is a huge shame.

I'd love to take one on, but I don't think I could do one any favours in this house, if we had a yard they'd be on the list for sure, the OH has always had staffy crosses at home, and he's got a huge soft spot for them. Haha.

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.

That's the plan! It's a great idea, too. I wish I'd had this much support when getting my Persian cat!

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. :)

We thought that, but the joke around this house is how we could never own one, as I'm a little on the chubby side and I wouldn't want anyone calling the RSPCA saying 'I know who gets all the food in that house!' hahahaha :laugh:

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.

I was amazed at the amount of dogs in sydney's inner suburbs! We went for a weekend recently, and they were everywhere! Was so lovely to see!

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!

Yeah..I'm thinking with both those breeds the "Apartment" would need to be one of those HUGE American Lofts/Warehouses, or a Penhouses with a heap of floorspace! :laugh:

That's what I was thinking too. Good heavens what kind of apartments do these people have?! Haha.

Steph, funny you say that about boy cats vs girls, I've always found the boys to be sooky cuddlers too and the girls to be, um, let's say moody...?

Don't know what others think but I don't think the difference is as extreme in dogs, plenty of cuddly sweet girls around, although I have heard that some bitches live up to their names, hehe.

Oh yeah! We have a tortie at home who can't stand my best friend, just her, but whenever she sits on the couch Trixie will physically latch on to her scalp, with all four paws and bite her head. It's unlike anything we've ever seen before, but she's just decided she doesn't like her, and will seek her out to torture her, Zoe thinks it's a huge laugh, but I think the cat is trying to scalp her....

[Guest donatella]

I saw this and thought of you Steph, how could you resist that squishy face!

[Perfumed Lillium]

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.

That's interesting, it never dawned on me that clipping a dog results in less shedding, not that I would ever resort to doing that to my pom or the japanese spitz but my neighbour owns a cavalier king charles and never allows her in the house in the summer months due to the shedding, her hubby would have a fit to find himself covered in dog fur, lol. My reasoning was that short or long, when a dog sheds it sheds irrespective of the length of its coat; I will suggest that she consider having her beloved Bella clipped if this helps with less shedding.

[Steph M]

I saw this and thought of you Steph, how could you resist that squishy face!

You tease, you!

[SaddleNotIncluded]

Re Giants in apartments.

I had a Dane in an inner city {Melbourne} apartment. Two rooms, kitchen, bathroom, balcony and "living area".

I bought one of those futon couches and put it in the spare room; that was his bed. Food and water was out on the balcony, so he could look at the city while he ate {don't think he cared much, personally!} When he was a pup the spare room was his kingdom. It had a crate, bowls, toys, treats, chews, and a baby gate across the doorway. Because the door faced into the lounge room directly, I could see him while I was watching tv/playing games/reading, and he could see me as I went into the kitchen. It helped with cutting barking, howling and separation anxiety as I was right there, but if I disappeared, I'd eventually come back and he'd see me again.

I worked night shift so during the day we'd go for an hour walk around the block, and every second day we'd drive to St Kilda beach and walk up and down it.

That was his exercise, and after it he'd come straight home and onto his couch for a long nap; legs splayed out, jowls quivering with every drawn out snore. As if he'd just gone on a week long marathon!

He was in perfect health, never overweight or bursting with energy. He liked a run around on the weekends at the dog park, but after about an hour he'd come over and stare at the gate until we left.

I think it really depends on the dog. I was lucky because he was so laid back and docile. He never chewed anything, scratched the walls or door, or barked.

[Steph M]

Re Giants in apartments.

I had a Dane in an inner city {Melbourne} apartment. Two rooms, kitchen, bathroom, balcony and "living area".

I bought one of those futon couches and put it in the spare room; that was his bed. Food and water was out on the balcony, so he could look at the city while he ate {don't think he cared much, personally!} When he was a pup the spare room was his kingdom. It had a crate, bowls, toys, treats, chews, and a baby gate across the doorway. Because the door faced into the lounge room directly, I could see him while I was watching tv/playing games/reading, and he could see me as I went into the kitchen. It helped with cutting barking, howling and separation anxiety as I was right there, but if I disappeared, I'd eventually come back and he'd see me again.

I worked night shift so during the day we'd go for an hour walk around the block, and every second day we'd drive to St Kilda beach and walk up and down it.

That was his exercise, and after it he'd come straight home and onto his couch for a long nap; legs splayed out, jowls quivering with every drawn out snore. As if he'd just gone on a week long marathon!

He was in perfect health, never overweight or bursting with energy. He liked a run around on the weekends at the dog park, but after about an hour he'd come over and stare at the gate until we left.

I think it really depends on the dog. I was lucky because he was so laid back and docile. He never chewed anything, scratched the walls or door, or barked.

He sounds wonderfully well adjusted, and a credit to your organisational skills!

We're not far from St Kilda beach either and your flat sounds much like ours, and as lovely as they are I just think that would be a little optimistic!

I'm glad to hear it can be done though, he sounds sweet.

[Liebhunde]

Hi Perfumed Lillium...such a sweet smelling moniker you have...lol. Re the clipping of my Cavs coat..he does of course still shed a bit but not nearly as noticeably as with the long feathers. I agree I'd never touch the coat of a Pom or Spitz ...just wouldn't look right...but you can easily tidy up a Cavalier coat. I never touch the tail plume though.. I hope your friends little Bella is allowed inside in the Summer...they do love being with their people all the time. A carefullbrushing will help.. And a good groomer.

Edited August 28, 2012 by Liebhunde

[dogsaremyworld]

A Cavie - adaptable, eager to please, will walk with you one day, vege out the next - they are happy just to be with you! If they are going to spend long periods alone, they can get quite upset. If you could find the RIGHT pup - from parents who are very relaxed, don't get anxious, and have adapted to alone time, it might work. But this could take a fair amount of time. Cavaliers are ultimately quite adaptable, love thier owner to death, and can be quite clingy to those they love. But readily accept not exercising, and I find grooming quite easy - just a quick comb of thier featherings and ears once a day while they lie in my lap while we watch TV.

A pug would be great - but you would have to watch thier activity during hot weather, as some pugs have trouble with breathing and temperature regulation in high temps. But otherwise - they meet your needs perfectly! They do snore and snortle but are so loving, energetic and fun!

A tibbie, in your particular situation, would drive you crazy. Though they don't look it they are little watch dogs, and love nothing more to 'guard' thier homes. If you lived in an upper floor apartment, they would love nothing more to stand in the window, look down at the street and warn you of all the 'danger's' passing by! They are REALLY intelligent too, some have even been known to be vengeful when annoyed by something you do, and so leaving them at home for long periods could be quite destructive. I own three, and love them to bits, but they are not for everyone, and definately not for any situation.

Pom's do bark alot, and I don't know whether your neighbours would thank you for that.

I too love bichons, and at one time was seriously considering getting one - until one of my friend's who shows one told me that it would simply 'ruin my life' in regards to keeping up with the coat. Even though that was to keep one in show clip, keeping one in pet clip would require either regular trips to a groomer, or you to buy the equipment and learn to do it yourself. Thier fur grows CONSTANTLY, like a big poof ball, and matts easily, and keeping them neat and tidy takes time, money and loads of patience. Keeping them white is another issue. Havanese are part of the same family of breed's, and thier coat requirements are less, but still quite time consuming. To keep thier coat long would require you to layer brush pretty much everyday, or again pay a groomer to keep them clipped off, or you to do it yourself. Easier than a bichon, and thier personalities are similiar.

I don't know much about frenchies, except they are ADORABLE, but I do know to get one from the right place is really expensive.

Whichever breed you decide, please, please, please, please buy from a breeder who;

Is REGISTERED with the state controlling body - ie Dogs SA, Dogs NSW, Dogs QlD, etc. This means they have a PREFIX.

Is issuing papers with the sale of the pup - if you want to show these will be called 'main', if you don't they will be called 'limited'.

Is prepared for you to do an inspection of the property, and see the parents of the pups. Sometimes the father will be a stud that has been paid for, and therefore lives with someone else.

Has done health testing for thier dogs - and has certificates that you can see.

Your puppy;

should be at least 8 weeks old before coming home (some of the top breeders keep thier dogs longer)

be microchipped before sale

has at least thier first vaccinations

is up to date on worming

has passed a vet check.

Don't take any bull from people who sway on these points. If your dog is not from a breeder who has a prefix, and does not come with either main or limited papers from your state canine body, then it is not a purebred dog - doesn't matter what anyone says.

Attend local shows and talk to people who exhibit the various breeds, and see the dogs in person, and ask them about the things you want in a dog. Ask them if they know any reputable breeder's names. Remember registered does not automatically mean reputable!

When first approaching a breeder to buy a puppy, ask for photos AND a copy of the pup's pedigree. Sometimes, because the the state authorities can take some time, this will not be available to them. In that case ask them to send a copy of both the mother and the father's blue papers through. This way you can see what the pup's ancestors are like, and in most cases, can look them up on Dogzonline Breed profiles, and have a look and see what sort of dogs are behind yours. If the papers they email you are NOT blue, they are not a purebred pup.

Please, I beg you to do these things. It sounds like you are doing your homework, and it would be a shame for you to end up with a dog that does not suit your family because it's temperament is not as described by the breed standards.

[Greytmate]

.

Edited August 28, 2012 by Greytmate

[Greytmate]

Re Giants in apartments.

I had a Dane in an inner city {Melbourne} apartment. Two rooms, kitchen, bathroom, balcony and "living area".

I bought one of those futon couches and put it in the spare room; that was his bed. Food and water was out on the balcony, so he could look at the city while he ate {don't think he cared much, personally!} When he was a pup the spare room was his kingdom. It had a crate, bowls, toys, treats, chews, and a baby gate across the doorway. Because the door faced into the lounge room directly, I could see him while I was watching tv/playing games/reading, and he could see me as I went into the kitchen. It helped with cutting barking, howling and separation anxiety as I was right there, but if I disappeared, I'd eventually come back and he'd see me again.

I worked night shift so during the day we'd go for an hour walk around the block, and every second day we'd drive to St Kilda beach and walk up and down it.

That was his exercise, and after it he'd come straight home and onto his couch for a long nap; legs splayed out, jowls quivering with every drawn out snore. As if he'd just gone on a week long marathon!

He was in perfect health, never overweight or bursting with energy. He liked a run around on the weekends at the dog park, but after about an hour he'd come over and stare at the gate until we left.

I think it really depends on the dog. I was lucky because he was so laid back and docile. He never chewed anything, scratched the walls or door, or barked.

He sounds wonderfully well adjusted, and a credit to your organisational skills!

We're not far from St Kilda beach either and your flat sounds much like ours, and as lovely as they are I just think that would be a little optimistic!

I'm glad to hear it can be done though, he sounds sweet.

Large quiet dogs like danes and greyhounds are easier to manage in apartments than most of the small breeds recommended here. The larger dogs are less active and not yappy and can hold on longer between toilet breaks. You seem to be under the impression that small dogs are more suited but many of them are harder to manage when noise is an issue.

ote]

[Guest donatella]

GM if you went around apartments and units and found what dogs are in them (let's think overseas as well) you'll find a huge majority are small breeds. Theyre not hard to manage at all. All my friends who live in apartment have toy breeds and if you go to New Farm it's small breed city. Why? Because all the housing is apartments and units.

I live in a Townhouse and there are 5 in the little villas. When we moved in (granted i'm only rented don't own) terms of the lease was "small dog only".

I definitely think the larger guys can do well in apartments but the smalls do better without a big backyard and take up less room and are absolutely perfect for apartment and unit living hence why they are so popular for this. If people are worried about noise then they need to be vigilant with training. I have one of the most reputable yapping breeds and live close proximity to my neigbours and have never had a complaint. I often hear lonely dogs left in their back yards all day with nothing to do barking at the birds and the bees.

Edited August 28, 2012 by donatella

[Greytmate]

GM if you went around apartments and units and found what dogs are in them (let's think overseas as well) you'll find a huge majority are small breeds. Theyre not hard to manage at all. All my friends who live in apartment have toy breeds and if you go to New Farm it's small breed city. Why? Because all the housing is apartments and units.

I live in a Townhouse and there are 5 in the little villas. When we moved in (granted i'm only rented don't own) terms of the lease was "small dog only".

I definitely think the larger guys can do well in apartments but the smalls do better without a big backyard and take up less room and are absolutely perfect for apartment and unit living hence why they are so popular for this.

You are wrong if you think large breeds all use or need more space or need yards. I've owned large and small dogs and the larger are less active and noisy. Rules about sizes of dogs are irrational. Temperament is way more important. Somebody just described how easily they kept a dane in a flat and the OP expressed the opinion that this would be hard to do. I think a dane would be easier to keep quiet and happy in a flat than many toy breeds who are active and vocal.

[Guest donatella]

I'm sure you can keep a Dane quite comfortably in a unit but it would take plenty of planning and this person said they had a whole spare room set up for it, it's like having an extra person in the house really, with the size of it.

I guess it depends if they rent or own too. As dog people we can see the logistics and natures of breeds to understand where a Dane would be quite happy in an apartment however try convincing a real estate agent or non dog savvy person that.

[Podengo]

You are wrong if you think large breeds all use or need more space or need yards. I've owned large and small dogs and the larger are less active and noisy. Rules about sizes of dogs are irrational. Temperament is way more important. Somebody just described how easily they kept a dane in a flat and the OP expressed the opinion that this would be hard to do. I think a dane would be easier to keep quiet and happy in a flat than many toy breeds who are active and vocal.

I think my Border Collie x Jack Russell could be kept in an apartment quite easily. I have a tiny garden and she only goes outside to toilet, we never use the garden for any type of exercise at all. We just go for lots of off-lead walks and train at clubs most days. We do a lot of training inside as well. I would not keep a large breed here, because my house is tiny and if it sat on the floor there would be no walking space, and if it sat on a couch there wouldn't be enough room for people to sit... But Elsie, despite being an active breed, is a great dog for a little house.

[Steph M]

It's all just personal opinion, and I hope I haven't offended anyone!

My main logic is it would be fine if we had a little yard, but I'm not sure a puppy pad is much use at all for a giant piddle, let alone poop.

I drive a tiny little ford fiesta, which would quickly look like a clown car too, and I think the cats might just lose their minds.

It's just a personal preference thing, I love hearing it can be done, and have no doubt it can, but for me I just feel it'd be easier to have a littler dog, when we travel, go out for tea, if we move etc, all these things are just a little easier with a smaller dog.

The barking might be an issue, but we're hoping with solid reinforcement and someone home most of the time we can nip this in the bud nice and early and start out on a good foot to continue that way, it is a challenge, yes, but we're looking forward to it!

And RE' dogsaremyworld I totally agree, we don't want any disasters, I'd hate to take in a dog who was going to be just miserable with us, so it will be from a breeder and all the right steps will be followed, i'm nothing if not meticulous with my research etc!

[Guest donatella]

It's all just personal opinion, and I hope I haven't offended anyone!

My main logic is it would be fine if we had a little yard, but I'm not sure a puppy pad is much use at all for a giant piddle, let alone poop.

I drive a tiny little ford fiesta, which would quickly look like a clown car too, and I think the cats might just lose their minds.

It's just a personal preference thing, I love hearing it can be done, and have no doubt it can, but for me I just feel it'd be easier to have a littler dog, when we travel, go out for tea, if we move etc, all these things are just a little easier with a smaller dog.

The barking might be an issue, but we're hoping with solid reinforcement and someone home most of the time we can nip this in the bud nice and early and start out on a good foot to continue that way, it is a challenge, yes, but we're looking forward to it!

And RE' dogsaremyworld I totally agree, we don't want any disasters, I'd hate to take in a dog who was going to be just miserable with us, so it will be from a breeder and all the right steps will be followed, i'm nothing if not meticulous with my research etc!

You haven't offended anyone, people are just making sure you know each and every option :D

Everyone has their own personal doggy preference hence why we have a love of such diverse breeds! If I listened to my mother I would have never gotten a Pom but I wouldn't have it any other way and now she's totally in love with the breed :rofl:

Re the barking, honestly if you are getting a pup and working with it early you SHOULD have no problems, especially if your boyfriend is home most of the day. And with Frenchie's being at the top of your list, I don't think barking is going to be an issue at all.