PuppyLove16 Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Hi, I'm looking for a breed of dog which will suit my lifestyle, and am trying to be practical rather than go for the cutest. I've always loved chihuahua's but I know they can be quite yappy which would be a concern for me, living in an apartment. I work some days at home, and some away from home (although a puppy day care is close to me and would be prepared to do a day there for company), but otherwise I'm a home body and looking for a companion dog. I live near lots of parks so can easily accommodate some daily exercise. Ideally it would be low maintenance when it comes to grooming and not shed too much. From my research, it seems French Bulldog and Boston Terrier accommodate what I'm looking for, and they are adorable but wondering if any dog experts out there had any other suggestions for a low energy, quiet, companion dog. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottsmum Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Maybe an older re-home / rescue would be better than a pup? To be fair - you an never be 100% sure what you're going to get but some older dogs who've been in foster care or a home and need a new one could be a good fit. My last girl was always happy so long as she had her bed - but she was 15ish when she died and had been thought her naughty years too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Maybe an older re-home / rescue would be better than a pup? To be fair - you an never be 100% sure what you're going to get but some older dogs who've been in foster care or a home and need a new one could be a good fit. My last girl was always happy so long as she had her bed - but she was 15ish when she died and had been thought her naughty years too. agreed :) You might get some useful information from previous discussions on D O L :) CLICK HERE CLICK HERE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Bostons are a terrier remember. How about a Cav? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverStar-Aura Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 From what I've seen of Boston Terriers, they seem to be quite outgoing and very lively little dogs. Create s list of possible breeds then if you can, attend a dog show to speak with breeders -- or even call a few. The more info you get about a few breeds will really help you choose something suitable. I also agree with looking at older dogs too -- there are so many gorgeous ones available!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denali Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 The two frenchies i know aren't exactly laid back- but maybe they are more active than the breed generally is. One of them is a terror Cav isnt a bad suggeston, i own three, and live with my sisters- so we have 4 at the moment, but i think in an apartment mine would need to be walked twice a day, definitely at least once. They shed a bit, but not too badly, grooming is quite easy. And you can get them clipped to minimise both of those too. Greyhounds, though large, may fit the bill. They are often pegged as great apartment dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 I think it's important to note that being outside is not just important from an exercise perspective but also a mental one. So these park visits are going to need to be more frequent than if you had outdoors space of your own. What is the apartment like? Do you have a large balcony for example? A courtyard? You will need to see if you are allowed to have a dog in your apartment and if there is any restrictions on the size of dog allowed. Some may not allow dogs over 10kg for example, and you may need approval from the Owners Corporation / Body Corporate. If you rent the unit, you will also need the landlords' permission. Just some other things to consider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 (edited) Maybe an older re-home / rescue would be better than a pup? To be fair - you an never be 100% sure what you're going to get but some older dogs who've been in foster care or a home and need a new one could be a good fit. My last girl was always happy so long as she had her bed - but she was 15ish when she died and had been thought her naughty years too. I agree. An older dog who's already lived in similar circumstances to what you'll be able to offer, will have proved itself. Selecting only on breed also overlooks that there's differences among individual dogs within a breed. Like among Tibetan Spaniels there's a saying that they're 1/3 dog, 1/3 cat & 1/3 monkey in their nature. But individual tibbies can be more so of one. For example, some tibbies are far more cat-like in their behaviours. Maybe people experienced with other breeds also see 'types' across the breed when it comes down to individual dogs? Best wishes in your search for the right doggie match. Good on you for researching so carefully. Edited August 29, 2016 by mita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackiemad Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 (edited) How about a griffon bruxellois? I've not owned one but I've always thought they would make good apartment dogs for someone who was a homebody but also liked to go to cafes etc Edited for autocorrect issue Edited August 29, 2016 by mackiemad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuppyLove16 Posted August 29, 2016 Author Share Posted August 29, 2016 Thanks for the responses everyone, lots to think about. The apartment does have a terrace and any dogs definitely allowed by Body Corporate provided they are not a nuisance so all of that is ok. I LOVE griffon bruxellois'... like half of the population I fell in love with them when I saw As Good As It Gets, but hadn't thought of them, so will look more into them, thanks. I have heard they are very intelligent though so might be a good fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Besides being an apartment dog what features do you want in a dog I have to agree that people tend to under estimate Frenchies and Bostons energy levels ,great dogs but they do love life . Do you want smooth coat or happy to visit a groomer ,do you want to do long walks or short walks,beach no beach ,are you on ground floor etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huga Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 An older Frenchie with a known personality would be a good idea. My guy is five now and pretty much sleeps all day after his morning walk. Bostons are a completely different kettle of fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Hi, I'm looking for a breed of dog which will suit my lifestyle, and am trying to be practical rather than go for the cutest. I've always loved chihuahua's but I know they can be quite yappy which would be a concern for me, living in an apartment. I work some days at home, and some away from home (although a puppy day care is close to me and would be prepared to do a day there for company), but otherwise I'm a home body and looking for a companion dog. I live near lots of parks so can easily accommodate some daily exercise. Ideally it would be low maintenance when it comes to grooming and not shed too much. From my research, it seems French Bulldog and Boston Terrier accommodate what I'm looking for, and they are adorable but wondering if any dog experts out there had any other suggestions for a low energy, quiet, companion dog. Many thanks. awwww... LOOK HERE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 He looks pretty perfect! Also bear in mind, body corporate allows dogs if they are not a nuisance, so that is open to all sorts of interpretations, if you end up with one that yaps etc you will get booted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Oh my Perse, what a cutie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottsmum Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Oh - he's pretty cute ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 It might be a fluke from his mix, but Archie looks like...... The description says he'd do well rehomed with another dog, but it's not essential. I agree with juice that what the body corporate decides whether a dog is a nuisance or not, is open to interpretation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 I will mention the Papillon one of my favorite little dogs after the Cavalier Spaniel. http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/papillon#/slide/1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuppyLove16 Posted August 29, 2016 Author Share Posted August 29, 2016 I agree, Papillon's are gorgeous. We had a family one growing up when we were kids. I think I prefer a short coat though which is easy to maintain and preferably doesn't shed much. Thank you for all the responses. That little dog someone posted was absolutely gorgeous too, I hope he gets a good home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 One of the issues you're going to have is that low maintenance often correlates to higher shedding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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