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"Guy" Breed for Apartment?
Help me find a mid-size apartment dog that's not too girly!
Found [17] Posts :: Page 1 of 1
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Posted: 11:42:52 AM 10/10/2008
I'm a young professional who lives in downtown Chicago and want a breed who will adapt well to my one-bedroom condo. I definitely don't want a dog less than 20-25lbs, ideal being 25-40lbs. I've been looking into two breeds, the Shiba Inu and the Basenji. Both dogs are the perfect size. I have no kids, so being good with kids doesn't matter.

Any ideas?
Rottluvr
Posted: 12:29:45 PM 10/10/2008
I would think one of the bully breeds(bulldog, pit bull, etc.) would be a good match. Also many of the terrier breeds might be a good choice. When it comes to choosing a dog for an apt, I think energy level and the amount of exercise your willing to provide are more important than size.
summersmommy
Posted: 12:49:32 PM 10/10/2008
I agree rotttlvr.The amount of time you are willing to devote to excercise is critical.If you want a dog that requires less excercise and can be alone however long you need them too then definately not a pitbull..maybe an english bulldog.Is there a budget you want to stat w/in or are you going through a rescue or ASPCA?
ruffian
Posted: 1:21:11 PM 10/10/2008
Shibas and Basenji's are both quiet, I have 2 Shibas, lived in an apartment with both as well and they do work well. But you have to know that you can never let them off lead, I would even be hesitant in a dog park, as they are very often same sex aggressive, but they will also NEVER back down from a fight. But the other side of shibas is that they are not affectionate, they do not come and cuddle, or even want to be near you for the most part. They dont lay on the couch with you, and rarely even greet you at the door when you come home. They are like teenagers as long as they have food they are willing to hang out in their room alone, LOL.


Have you ever considered a Bulldog, they are heavier, but need less exercise as both the other breeds, and are very affectionate.
Ha Ha I got me one, and it is Pink, please click me.[url=http://dragcave.ath.cx/viewdragon/nDZ6][img]
ruffian
Posted: 1:22:53 PM 10/10/2008
Oh ya just wanted to add that I had both my shibas before I had my son and they are very very good with him, and with all people, my parents have one as well and he is good with kids too, actually all 4 that we have had have always been great with kids, they just dont play.
Ha Ha I got me one, and it is Pink, please click me.[url=http://dragcave.ath.cx/viewdragon/nDZ6][img]
Posted: 1:36:31 PM 10/10/2008
I love your description of the Shibas, ruffian! I'm starting to think maybe the breed is too aloof for me. That description really put everything I've read about them in context.

Also, in reference to the earlier post, I'm not sure I'm ready for a pit bull--and bull dogs aren't really my thing either.

I've been reading up more on the Norwegian Buhund. My only concern with them would be the barking--as I have neighbors close by. The shedding is also not desirable, though not a major pitfall.

What about the Basenji? Do they warm up to humans more than the Shibas?
gbroxon
Posted: 1:56:46 PM 10/10/2008
I've heard Basenjis described as smooth Shibas and Shibas described as hairy Basenjis. I've been told that their temperaments are similar, although I've never had a Shiba.

My advice, if you are considering a Basenji, please do your research. They are definitely not for everyone.

A good place to start:

http://www.basenji.org/Index.htm

Good luck in finding your companion!
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/100690
Buddha4me
Posted: 3:06:07 PM 10/10/2008
When I was trying to decide on a breed I tried to do as much research as possible. One thing I found helpful, was to take a test online. I don't know what website it was, but there are several out there. You can go to a search engine and type in what type of dog is right for me, and it should pull up several sites. They will ask you general, put important questions, like where you live, what you expect from the dog, how much time you have to devote to training, grooming etc. I don't know how acurate these are,(they were all free) but it helped put things in perspective for me, so I could research more into breeds that fit my lifestyle.
Halosfire
Posted: 4:51:41 PM 10/10/2008
My uncle is a 45 year old business man that lives in a Kansas City apartment/condo. He has a West Highland White Terrier that weighs 25lbs and is the perfect apartment dog. I would look into that, sturdy little dogs.
Posted: 4:58:15 PM 10/10/2008
Good advice, Buddha4me... I actually went through a few of those little online surveys and that's where I originally got the idea for Shibas and Buhunds. Almost all of the rest of the suggestions are too small/too girly for my taste.

Halosfire: no offense but that's exactly the type of dog I DON'T want. Don't like any of the little long-haired dogs...

I really like a lot of the Spitz breeds, but many of them are too big. Like I said I really don't want to go over 40lbs or so.
ruffian
Posted: 6:14:56 PM 10/10/2008
What about a schipperke? The only problem I can see with the Buhund, and the Norbottenspets which is another small spitz breed, is that they are not very common, Shipperke are pretty common, but also really loving from what I have seen.
Ha Ha I got me one, and it is Pink, please click me.[url=http://dragcave.ath.cx/viewdragon/nDZ6][img]
ptlvr1986
Posted: 6:42:09 PM 10/10/2008
Schipperkies (spelling) are very loving dogs. They can tend to have high energy levels. I have seen quite a few and I have seen from very energetic to mellow. They love to please and learn tricks. very intelligent dogs and very loving
www.dogster.com/dogs/424462 - Socks

www.dogster.com/dogs/424475 - Falcor

www.dogster.com/dogs/740796 - Titan
Pen2
Posted: 7:17:10 PM 10/10/2008
How about a Beagle, Dalmation or an American Staffordshire Terrier?
None are what I would call girly, and they are all suited to apartment living, as long as you can exercise them well daily.
Good luck.
shinyblackpit
Posted: 10:41:05 PM 10/10/2008
The first breed that came to my mind was boston terier.
I see a few suggestions of pit bulls and amstaffs, and they are my personal fave, but it isn't easy to find an apartment complex that allows them. Then when you move, you have the same problem all over again, unless you move to a house.
"Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those that matter, don't mind...And those that mind....don't matter."
ruffian
Posted: 1:22:37 AM 10/11/2008
He said he like the Spitz breeds which is why I suggested the shipperke.
Ha Ha I got me one, and it is Pink, please click me.[url=http://dragcave.ath.cx/viewdragon/nDZ6][img]
Posted: 6:04:05 PM 10/11/2008
Thanks for all the great suggestions... of course there is no "perfect" breed but I actually made my decision today! On Monday I'm bringing home a 6 month old purebred Shiba Inu named Copper!

I know I'll have my hands full, but it's really a sweet dog and I'm looking forward to the challenge. Thanks again everyone!
heatherfeather
Posted: 4:17:47 AM 10/12/2008
I live/work in downtown Seattle. I see lots of guys with little dogs. At my vet, there was a very hot single guy with a Frenchie named Lunchbox. I thought it was cute. I also see alot of people with Boston Terriers, Yorkies, Westies, and Shih Tzu. Haven't you heard? Little dogs are a great way to pick up chicks!

Or, do what I did, get a Lhasa Apso and give him a mohawk and a spike collar...he's not girly at all!

Sorry, I probably wasn't helpful at all!
Even if you are on the right track, you will still get run over if you just sit there. (Will Rogers)
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