Dogs suitable to apartment living

El Guapo!

Myself and the gf are thinking of getting a dog sometime this year. The only thing is we live in a top floor apartment so I'm not too sure what breeds would be suited to apartment life.

Whatever dog we do get will be well walked so there's no worry on that end of things, its just the lack of a garden that worries me. And I wouldn't want to deprive a dog of a garden just for my selfishness so I need to know which ones would be ok without a garden to dig up all day!

A friend of mine suggested a british bulldog is a decent apartment dog but I dunno if thats correct or not. But anyway they seem to be around the €1500+ mark which is too expensive for me at the moment. The gf spotted a "puggle" and fell in love with it but I have no idea what these are like.
Any help is much appreciated!

TooManyDogs

Greyhounds and lurchers make excellent apartment dogs. They're the ultimate couch potatoes and are in huge quantities for adoption in Ireland.

Shanao

Dean09 wrote: »

Myself and the gf are thinking of getting a dog sometime this year. The only thing is we live in a top floor apartment so I'm not too sure what breeds would be suited to apartment life.

Whatever dog we do get will be well walked so there's no worry on that end of things, its just the lack of a garden that worries me. And I wouldn't want to deprive a dog of a garden just for my selfishness so I need to know which ones would be ok without a garden to dig up all day!

A friend of mine suggested a british bulldog is a decent apartment dog but I dunno if thats correct or not. But anyway they seem to be around the €1500+ mark which is too expensive for me at the moment. The gf spotted a "puggle" and fell in love with it but I have no idea what these are like.
Any help is much appreciated!

Like TooManyDogs said, greys and lurchers make brilliant apartment pets, once they have a comfy couch, a warm bed, and good food, they're pretty much set for life:D.
Puggles are a cross of a pug and a beagle, a fancy name for a mongrel so you can be charged several hundred euro for something that most people were handing out free just a few years ago. Wont be healthtested, could gain health conditions that both breeds are prone to, and ultimately, end up costing thousands in vet bills. Not to mention that puggles are half beagle, which are NOT apartment dogs. A beagle would go nuts in an apartment.

Oranage2

Pugs make great apartment dogs - look attoy breeds.

Inexile

TooManyDogs wrote: »

Greyhounds and lurchers make excellent apartment dogs. They're the ultimate couch potatoes and are in huge quantities for adoption in Ireland.

Fully agree with this. Seriously lazy dogs provided they have short bursts of exercise. Hounds come in all sizes - well nearly all they dont come in xtra small.;) there are loads available in Greyhound rescues or all breed rescues. They are short haired too so dont shed much

anniehoo

TooManyDogs wrote: »

Greyhounds and lurchers make excellent apartment dogs. They're the ultimate couch potatoes and are in huge quantities for adoption in Ireland.

+1 (million)

Even if you're like "WTF"....or "no way a feckin greyhound" right now, do me a favour and spend 1 week googling these lads. Perfect apartment dogs with a fabulous temperament. Their "looks" are an acquired taste but...meh..each to their own.Gimme a long nosed easy breathing greyhound anyday over a Puggle ( id guarantee you less vet bills right now in the long run believe me)

Yes, they're not the cutest or particularly cuddly but they're gentle,quiet, lazy,soft,inquisitive,playful,intelligent and stoic dogs.

I WANT a greyhound so bad....and i live in an apartment (just dont have the time to put into a dog)!

Think your thread has just been hijacked by Greyhound lovers

ppink

Can I just say that whatever breed you get just have a check beforehand(if you have not done already) as to where you can let this dog off lead if that is going to be important to you.

some dogs by law are not allowed off lead in public. do you know if there is a specific dog park near you?

the reason I am saying this is I have seen some people go off and get the dog and then spend all their time frantically looking for somewhere to let it run off the lead.

pokertalk

also before ya go anywhere just make sure you get in contact with your property manager and find out if it is within the rules to keep a dog. the last thing ya want to be doing is give the dog up after getting it.
as for the breed a grey hound would be perfect or whippit let em off the lead for a sprint in the mornings and he will sleep all day till lunch time then the same again. very intelligent imotional loveable dog as already said the idea of a greyhound might freak ya out at first let it settle and do some research the gf will prob be against the idea at first but go together to some greyhound rescues and take a couple for walks ya might just fall in love:D

Inexile

If your gf is not overly gone on the idea of a greyhound tell they are the super models of the dog world! They are very elegant dogs I feel like I should be wearing full make up and heels when I take mine out - she outshines me every time.

pokertalk

another pro is that greyhounds dont tend to smell of that doggie smell so thats a plus when living the apartment life. it would be best to get one with a low prey drive do because as they hunt with sight you coul be walking in the local park and the dog sees something blowing in the wind 300 meters away hes gonna leggit .also i think males are more patient than the bitches, but slightly bigger.lol im banging on here as if your on your way out today to get one.

seamus

Shameless plug for staffies here. Lazy beasts who usually don't make a lot of noise. They can be very smelly though. They also tend to be careless about what they bang into because they're made of stone, so I wouldn't recommend them for a place where you have delicate ornaments perched on slightly wobbly tables.

Please don't spend money on a dog. It's like going to a car dealer and spending €15k on a new car when the guy next door is practically giving away mint condition vehicles.

suziwalsh

Whatever you do, get a lower energy breed and preferably one that is house trained...otherwise you will have a nightmare

Id contact www.dogstrust.ie

username123

Another vote for a lurcher!!! Amazing dogs!!

I live in an apartment, one of my neighbours has a King Charles Spaniel, a lot of health problems - but a super dog for apartment living - just wants to sit on your lap and have a couple of walks a day - not high energy, and in fact, so pampered that when you walk him (I mind him sometimes) and its raining and you ask him to Sit he wont put his bum on the wet ground!!! He loves his comforts!! However, he costs a fortune in grooming, vet bills and special food (he has a very sensitive stomach) - so he is an expensive dog to own.

sensibleken

another recomendation for greyhounds/lurchers.

we live in an apartment and have a greyhound. they are the ultimate in lazy dogs, just find a small comfy areas and curl up, sleeps about 14 hours a day, doesnt shed that much (as much as other dogs).

you would also be doing a very good thing. most greyhounds have a very very bad time before they are retired and there are tens of thousands that need adoption. that being said any rescue is a great idea.

Whispered

seamus wrote: »

Shameless plug for staffies here. Lazy beasts who usually don't make a lot of noise. They can be very smelly though. They also tend to be careless about what they bang into because they're made of stone, so I wouldn't recommend them for a place where you have delicate ornaments perched on slightly wobbly tables.

Please don't spend money on a dog. It's like going to a car dealer and spending €15k on a new car when the guy next door is practically giving away mint condition vehicles.

Another vote for staffies. Lazy little feckers (see my recent pic in the pic thread. Sent my foster up to wake my husband and came up 15 mins later to find him asleep on the end of the bed looking all innocent!)

They do need exercise though, but are happy to rest when not out and about.

They can be bullish and are not the most delicate, like Seamus said, but they have a charm you just wont find elsewhere and are constantly happy chappies. I never met a grumpy staff!

borderlinemeath

Inexile wrote: »

Fully agree with this. Seriously lazy dogs provided they have short bursts of exercise. Hounds come in all sizes - well nearly all they dont come in xtra small.;) there are loads available in Greyhound rescues or all breed rescues. They are short haired too so dont shed much

The miniature dachshund would beg to differ!! My friend has 3 standard dachshunds, great little dogs, very lazy too!!

srsly78

minidachs uber alles! Just be warned that EVERYONE will stop you and want to pet it RIP our minidachs unfortunately, we suspect it ate poison somehow (rural dog not apartment). Note these are NOT toydogs, they still retain their hound instincts.



(pic is of pedigree miniature long-haired dachshund)

DBCyc

+1 for staffies - once walked, they're so lazy. This is our Suzie's reaction to being offered to go outside to the toilet

Bookworm85

anniehoo wrote: »

+1 (million)

Even if you're like "WTF"....or "no way a feckin greyhound" right now, do me a favour and spend 1 week googling these lads. Perfect apartment dogs with a fabulous temperament. Their "looks" are an acquired taste but...meh..each to their own.Gimme a long nosed easy breathing greyhound anyday over a Puggle ( id guarantee you less vet bills right now in the long run believe me)

Yes, they're not the cutest or particularly cuddly but they're gentle,quiet, lazy,soft,inquisitive,playful,intelligent and stoic dogs.

I WANT a greyhound so bad....and i live in an apartment (just dont have the time to put into a dog)!

Think your thread has just been hijacked by Greyhound lovers

+ a bazillion!!!!

I have a foster grey at the moment and I cannot recommend them enough!!

Greys are amazing creatures, wonderful personalities and total cuddle-bums

They'd be quite happy in an apartment once they get some excercise (2 X 30 mins a day is all my guy needs). They snooze for a lot of the day, are house clean and are nearly always good on a lead.

They love cuddles and rubs and are so so affectionate, which can be a bit painful when a 36kg grey wants to sit on your lap!

westies4ever

just a recommendation for what NOT to get - a westie - they may be small and cute but they are powerhouses of energy and they bark - a LOT!

ppink

westies4ever wrote: »

just a recommendation for what NOT to get - a westie - they may be small and cute but they are powerhouses of energy and they bark - a LOT!

LOl I was just thinking when I saw a post from Westies4ever that there can only be one dog they are promoting:D

Vel

I've lived in an apartment with our lurcher and he was the perfect apartment dog, so another recommendation for greyhound or lurcher.

I will say though that some lurchers depending on what they are crossed with might not be the most suitable, for example a greyhound/collie x so I would recommend a slightly older laid back lurcher or a greyhound

cjf

Il give my vote to the mutt!! I have a whippet x staffy girly and she would be great apt dog! Loves her comforts very gentle round the house only really gets excited at walk time and dinner time and fly hunting time!! Very quiet not a barker at all Hates rain loves sleeping under duvet curls up behind your neck on the back of the couch!! Think I got the best of both breeds!!

Inexile

borderlinemeath wrote: »

The miniature dachshund would beg to differ!! My friend has 3 standard dachshunds, great little dogs, very lazy too!!

Oophs sorry - when I refering to hounds I was shortening the word greyhound and they dont come in xtra small. Being involved in Greyhound rescues I tend to forget about the rest of the hound group.
Love the look of Dachshunds too especially the wire haired ones they look so superior.

de4d

most dogs excluding a few can be suitable for apartment living, it just depends on how you raise them. if you are getting a new born puppy then it won't matter nearly as much compared to getting a dog that is older.

cjf

de4d wrote: »

most dogs excluding a few can be suitable for apartment living, it just depends on how you raise them. if you are getting a new born puppy then it won't matter nearly as much compared to getting a dog that is older.

Important to note the ones that woulnt be ideal though! I have Doberman chap got him at 6 months old he is a 100% house dog but coulnt imagine living with him without my garden!! Know dobes do live happily in apts but just in my experience despite getting him at a very young age he needs the space of the garden to let off his little bursts of dober steam!! It's not so much his size because he is very good at curling himself up nice and small on my pillow!! Plus he is very alert and sensitive to strange noises so coulnt see him adapting to the sounds of other people coming and going etc he far too nosey!!

Gremlin

I don't know whay anybody thinks its different whether you live in an apartment or a house. A dog needs its exercise. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, you need to commit to at least two short walks a day or one good long one in the evening. If there is nobody home all day and the dog will be left alone, I'd seriously consider looking at a less hands on pet.

cjf

I do think it makes a difference depending on the natural traits and common behaviours shared by dogs of the same breed. Having a garden is no excuse for not bringing your dog out for walks apart from needing daily exercise bringing your dog out and about is vital for socialisation training and their mental health. Two short walks a day would in no way be enough of any of the above for one of my dogs. Also due to his instinct to guard and protect the home i don't think it would be practical living in an apartment as the noises of people moving around etc would have him on high alert all the time that said if by some circumstance I had to move into an apartment I would of course be bringing him with me and would just have to work very hard on training him to apt living.

Gremlin

Just re-reading my last post and I just want to be clear that in no way was I suggesting the OP would not exercise a dog. The OP was very clear about this in the thread starter. Just when I re-read I thought it could be read that way.

I was actually thinking more of other people reading this thread thinking about locking a dog up all day with no exercise.

@cjf: I hear what your saying about different breeds.

El Guapo!

Thanks for all the replies its a great help. Although I'd love a greyhound I don't think the gf is too keen on them. She wants something a bit smaller. I showed her this thread and she still isn't too keen on the idea so I think its off the cards.

I absolutely love staffies! My mate had one when we were kids and I used to prefer playing with the dog more than my mate!
So I think a staffie is definately one to consider.

Any other suggestions on smaller dogs are welcome!I really appreciate the help.

Inexile

Dean09 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies its a great help. Although I'd love a greyhound I don't think the gf is too keen on them. She wants something a bit smaller.

You could also consider a whippet - smaller than a hound.;)

Have to say I also love staffies. the few that I have met are just brilliant. A lot of staffs out there need loving homes so you should have a lot of choice.

username123

Dean09 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies its a great help. Although I'd love a greyhound I don't think the gf is too keen on them. She wants something a bit smaller. I showed her this thread and she still isn't too keen on the idea so I think its off the cards.

Whippet or whippet cross - check out Whippet Rescue Ireland - if those small guys dont melt your GFs heart she is a hard lady

D1976

We have one of these

seamus

This is what Staffies do when it's raining outside. Or when it's sunny, or windy, or Jupiter is not in Aquarius.

El Guapo!

seamus wrote: »

This is what Staffies do when it's raining outside. Or when it's sunny, or windy, or Jupiter is not in Aquarius.

I have to say I really love them. I have to try convince the gf now. Any idea of a website where breeders will be selling pups? I had a very quick search a few mins ago and didn't find much.

sensibleken

Dean09 wrote: »

I have to say I really love them. I have to try convince the gf now. Any idea of a website where breeders will be selling pups? I had a very quick search a few mins ago and didn't find much.

If youre going to get any dog I would recomend getting a rescue. there are 100s of staffies in need of good homes out there.

If you are insistant on getting one from a breeder spend a few weeks researching them. they are a popular breed which unfortunetely means puppy farming is a danger

westies4ever

sensibleken wrote: »

If youre going to get any dog I would recomend getting a rescue. there are 100s of staffies in need of good homes out there.

If you are insistant on getting one from a breeder spend a few weeks researching them. they are a popular breed which unfortunetely means puppy farming is a danger

East galway rescue have a lot of staffies - not sure where you're based though OP

seamus

Dean09 wrote: »

Any idea of a website where breeders will be selling pups?

I'm not going to harp on about rescues and pounds, and I request that none of the other posters do.

You clearly want to buy a purebreed and that's your right. My advice is to avoid websites altogether if you're looking to buy a good example of a breed. You will not find a well-bred pup from classified ads, and in most cases you will be giving your money to a puppy farmer.

You will need to contact the IKC who can give you a list of reputable breeders whom you can get in touch with.

DBCyc

Dean09 wrote: »

I have to say I really love them. I have to try convince the gf now. Any idea of a website where breeders will be selling pups? I had a very quick search a few mins ago and didn't find much.

If you take her to meet any staffy, she won't need much convincing!

El Guapo!

seamus wrote: »

I'm not going to harp on about rescues and pounds, and I request that none of the other posters do.

You clearly want to buy a purebreed and that's your right. My advice is to avoid websites altogether if you're looking to buy a good example of a breed. You will not find a well-bred pup from classified ads, and in most cases you will be giving your money to a puppy farmer.

You will need to contact the IKC who can give you a list of reputable breeders whom you can get in touch with.

Thanks for that. I know it'd be better to rescue a dog and my last dog was rescued from a pound but this time round I'd like a pup tbh and it'd be hard to find a pup in a rescue centre.
I want to to this as responsibly as possible and I would be very wary of who I buy a pup off and I don't want to buy off any joe soap who doesnt take care of their dogs. I don't necessarily have to have a pure breed but a pup is a must this time round.

seamus

Many of the rescues will have pups coming in all the time, especially Staffie pups, so it's worth keeping your ear on the ground in that respect. They don't post them up on their websites usually because they go out to foster until they're 12 weeks or so and then they get quickly snapped up by people who've walked in and stated that they're looking to rehome a pup. So it just looks like rescues rarely have pups, but they get pregnant bitches in all the time.

So if you're willing to wait, it's worth getting your name down with one of the rescues as someone who is looking to rehome a staffie pup.

Just note that many rescues require a letter from your landlord or management company confirming that dogs are permitted in your apartments.

toadfly

Not to harp on but EGAR have a 3/4 month old male purebreed staff in rescue at the minute.

Good luck OP staffs are amazing dogs, I adopted from EGAR just over 2 weeks ago, a 9 month old staff cross.

misschoo

westies4ever wrote: »

just a recommendation for what NOT to get - a westie - they may be small and cute but they are powerhouses of energy and they bark - a LOT!

Hi I own a Westie & I live in an apartment and my dog gets on fine in the apartment!! It's not correct to generalise Westies barking alot etc..... all dogs bark whatever the breed!

A point to note about rescues - I am looking to get another dog myself and would prefer to go down the rescue route but Rescues absolutely will not entertain me as I do not have a garden! I think this is very unfair as I walk my dog fisrt thing in the morning, at lunch time, when I get home from work & again last thing at night - hail rain or snow!

So don't rule out a Westie - my dog is the most loyal, faithful little thing I have ever met!

ISDW

misschoo wrote: »

Hi I own a Westie & I live in an apartment and my dog gets on fine in the apartment!! It's not correct to generalise Westies barking alot etc..... all dogs bark whatever the breed!

A point to note about rescues - I am looking to get another dog myself and would prefer to go down the rescue route but Rescues absolutely will not entertain me as I do not have a garden! I think this is very unfair as I walk my dog fisrt thing in the morning, at lunch time, when I get home from work & again last thing at night - hail rain or snow!

So don't rule out a Westie - my dog is the most loyal, faithful little thing I have ever met!

Have you contacted rescues? I know a lot of rescues that will rehome to people without gardens, as has been discussed here.

jonon9

Long time reader and dog lover. I would also recommend a JRT. I got my jack 8 months ago and shes the best thing since sliced bread but these dogs are so full of energy she would gladly run all day long but that doesnt bother me as it fits my lifestyle, like today for example I took peanut for her walk that last about an hour then she loves to play ball all day long and then a calming walk in the evening and thats everyday. Theses dogs can be a boldy if not properly excercised but I guess thats the fun and joy of owing a dog.

Inexile

misschoo wrote: »

Hi I own a Westie & I live in an apartment and my dog gets on fine in the apartment!! It's not correct to generalise Westies barking alot etc..... all dogs bark whatever the breed!

A point to note about rescues - I am looking to get another dog myself and would prefer to go down the rescue route but Rescues absolutely will not entertain me as I do not have a garden! I think this is very unfair as I walk my dog fisrt thing in the morning, at lunch time, when I get home from work & again last thing at night - hail rain or snow!

So don't rule out a Westie - my dog is the most loyal, faithful little thing I have ever met!

Some rescues will rehome to peole with apartments. I know the one I volunteer for Kerry Greyhound Rescue will consider apartments. It looks at the person and their environment as a whole. Apologies for dragging this thread back to greyhounds.

westies4ever

misschoo wrote: »

Hi I own a Westie & I live in an apartment and my dog gets on fine in the apartment!! It's not correct to generalise Westies barking alot etc..... all dogs bark whatever the breed!

A point to note about rescues - I am looking to get another dog myself and would prefer to go down the rescue route but Rescues absolutely will not entertain me as I do not have a garden! I think this is very unfair as I walk my dog fisrt thing in the morning, at lunch time, when I get home from work & again last thing at night - hail rain or snow!

So don't rule out a Westie - my dog is the most loyal, faithful little thing I have ever met!

Don't get me wrong - its got nothing to do with whether or not they are loyal or faithful. I know and love the breed very well.

I love westies, I wouldnt have another breed about me - I have two and have had them for years (the clue is in my name). Fair play to you for walking yours four times a day but thats a huge commitment and most people are not going to be able to do that.

They do bark - anyone comes around they are going to let you know - in an apartment with people passing your door regularly, I dont know how that works.

They are originally bred as working dogs - they are not lapdogs and they like nothing more than to be outside in the garden rooting around, digging, chasing anything that moves etc etc. I dont feel lead walking satisifies all their natural instincts.

I just feel a more 'lazy' type dog is more suited to an apartment.

http://www.officialwestieguide.com/westie/west-highland-white-terrier/should-i-get-a-west-highland-white-terrier

brianrcarney

OP did you get something? I am wanting to get apt dog too and after reading the love for greyhounds / lurchers it has been a little infectious... anyone know who will let apt dweller adopt?

Inexile

brianrcarney wrote: »

OP did you get something? I am wanting to get apt dog too and after reading the love for greyhounds / lurchers it has been a little infectious... anyone know who will let apt dweller adopt?

As I said above Kerry Grehound Connection (KGC) will consider applications from people living in apartments. Look at the website www.kerrygreyhrounds.ie. Some of the dogs on the site are now be in the UK and will not be available. However, KGC have a number of hounds currently in kennels and foster in Kerry and surrounding area so there is a lot of choice. KGC will rehome throughout Ireland.

sensibleken

brianrcarney wrote: »

OP did you get something? I am wanting to get apt dog too and after reading the love for greyhounds / lurchers it has been a little infectious... anyone know who will let apt dweller adopt?

we have an apartment and we got ours from http://www.orchardgreyhoundsanctuary.com/

shane1990

i have a whippet in my appartment an hes great he sits around all day he so laid back i would reccomend them too anyone