Wanna help me pick a dog?

My hubby and i are moving and want to add a dog. We have one 4 year old papillon right now. She is as sweet as can be. I can do anything to her and she will take it. Though we are looking to add another furry baby. here is what i was looking into, but please feel free to add to the list.
-Standard poodle, Shiba inu, Catahoula leopard dog or a Samoyed.
We do want a bigger dog, medium or up.
We wil live in apartment decent space though
will be alone with the other dog for 6 hours a day. shorter on others.
There is a dog park close by i would enjoying using more
i have a bike i would like using with the dog for 30 min to an hour. will try my best to do everyday.
I do not mind shedding, i have a Vacuum and i enjoying brushing and grooming my dog. it is bonding time.
I am not sure if i can handle a dominate dog. Papillon is the only breed i have experienced with personally.
No children but they might visit once a year if i am lucky. family lives cross country ahah
I do not want a high energy dog like a Husky. I honestly do not think i can keep up with the animal ahah.
must be okay in warm weather, I live in Florida. It only is cold for about 4 months?

Ahah any ideas? Thank you! XD

I know Catahoula's are high energy and don't think would be good for an apartment.

IMO, get a cat, they are better!! :D

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Shiba's are beautiful, but they are semi high energy (not too much over a pappy), but keep in mind they have a very thick coat. It's not long, but it's thick. Like a little bear.
Samoyed's are beautiful, but again, very thick coat. Not sure of their temperament personally.
Standard's fair well in our weather, can be high energy up to around 4-5 years old, and are big, might be too big for an apartment. They run upwards of 50lbs and most apartments that are pet friendly usually want 30lb max. (some even as low as 15lb)

Honestly, if they are in an air conditioned home most of the day, and you are doing the running / biking in the evening or early morning it isn't a huge deal. Just make sure you always pay attention to your dog, it will let you know when it's getting over-heated from too much play time.

From your list, I think the Shiba is a good fit. They make good apartment pups and have enough energy to run with you. You can also have them groomed lion-style to cut down on heat in the summer. (so freaking adorable seeing a shiba lion cut lol)

I would add to your list the following breeds, Google them and check out which ones you think might work for you
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) (I'm biased...love my sheltie :D )
Greyhound (these guys are couch potatoes, and getting one from a racer rescue is always a great thing, they love to bike-run :) check the weight requirements though)

My personal opinion would be to adopt from a shelter, or rescue a racer greyhound.

If you are in an apartment I dont think a Samoyed is a good idea. They have a lot of fur and need some space. They have a good temperament but you will be vacuuming twice a day with the amount they shed and it will be all over your clothes and everything you own. I would say a Shibas size is better for an apartment but not sure how their energy and temperament.

do some research on boxers! They are very *energetic, athletic* puppies, but if trained properly as adults they are really great. They are incredibly smart, and can leap amazingly...they are short haired. Or get a cat. Or some pet rats, which are just tiny weaseldogs.

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

Shiba's are beautiful, but they are semi high energy (not too much over a pappy), but keep in mind they have a very thick coat. It's not long, but it's thick. Like a little bear.
Samoyed's are beautiful, but again, very thick coat. Not sure of their temperament personally.
Standard's fair well in our weather, can be high energy up to around 4-5 years old, and are big, might be too big for an apartment. They run upwards of 50lbs and most apartments that are pet friendly usually want 30lb max. (some even as low as 15lb)

Honestly, if they are in an air conditioned home most of the day, and you are doing the running / biking in the evening or early morning it isn't a huge deal. Just make sure you always pay attention to your dog, it will let you know when it's getting over-heated from too much play time.

From your list, I think the Shiba is a good fit. They make good apartment pups and have enough energy to run with you. You can also have them groomed lion-style to cut down on heat in the summer. (so freaking adorable seeing a shiba lion cut lol)

I would add to your list the following breeds, Google them and check out which ones you think might work for you
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) (I'm biased...love my sheltie :D )
Greyhound (these guys are couch potatoes, and getting one from a racer rescue is always a great thing, they love to bike-run :) check the weight requirements though)

My personal opinion would be to adopt from a shelter, or rescue a racer greyhound.

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Thank you. I do not mind shedding. That is not to much of a problem for me. My pappy sheds. maybe not as much as a sammy or shiba would of course ahah.
I guess my main concern with picking a dog, is the energy level. I do like to go for walks and jogs and if the dog needed, a bike ride. :] I know all dogs need the exercise. but instead of seeing how many stars a dog has or what the "breeders" say. I want to know from real people ahah.

I thought shibas have a double coat? wouldn't shaving them damage the coat?
Thank you again. I shall look more into shelties. I wanted a greyhound originally, but most do not like cats or small things. and that wont be good for my little papillon. she is no bigger then a cat ahah

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

I know Catahoula's are high energy and don't think would be good for an apartment.

IMO, get a cat, they are better!! :D

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That is what i was told, Though a customer of the shop comes in who owns Black Mouth curs, (i know not exactly the same thing but is a cur none the less) saying they are not as high as some say and will do fine in an apartment as long as the energy is let out. But that is only one person telling me that. and online i read they cannot. So i am iffy there.

I do not want a cat, They are wonderful but i cannot fall in love with them :[

I agree on the boxers. They are great dogs just a little too slobbery for my taste.

Have you considered a corgi?


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Why not check out your local humane society? There are thousands of lovable mutts without homes. You could probably bring your papillon in to see how they interact, or at least someone would be able to direct you to a dog-friendly individual. Adoptions are generally less expensive than a pure-bred too (though you should be able to financially comfortable enough to support your pets, of course).

This too! It seems the best dogs turn out to be random mutts, often purebreds have several health problems and are slightly nerotic...if your set of a purebred you should sart looking at some dog fancy magazines, they are great.

If you get a rescue dog, you can start off by fostering it, and testing it's limits and behavior before hand.

Our latest dog is a rescue, the last one to be rescued in her litter. She is really sweet and gets along well with my other dog, an American Bulldog. You might want to check with a couple of rescues in your area and see what they have available.

Definitely love my mutts. A mutt can and will fit every requirement and a lot of times are healthier, saving a life, and many times Free!

I couldn't give up my GSD mix for the world. She was found in my friends yard and she is the Perfect dog for us. Such a smart girl!

unless you want to comb for 3 hours samoyeds arent the best suitable dog for an apartment either i have a friend that breeds champion ones and their hair is awfull to comb shibas are great much easier to deal with

I'm a big fan of mutts, especially when you have other furry kids that they need to get along with. As someone mentioned, you can take your pap with ya and see how they interact. As far as purebreds go, the only kind I've ever lived with was a pug. I love the stinker to death, but I'm also partial to only him, have yet to see one that is built as well with so little breathing problems! Not much help in that department, haha. A friend of mine owns an American Eskimo Dog, and she's gorgeous! Like a little white fluffy fox.

I love my australian cattle dog mutt. I would seriously look into the breed! They are called "velcro dogs" because they love to be right next to you all the time. They are great agility and frisbee dogs and are just so fun! They don't get too big and generally have short bursts of energy. A run/bike once a day should be more than enough to keep their energy levels down.

I also suggest going to a rescue. They have some of the best and sweetest dogs! Plus all their shots are all taken care of. I personally don't like getting dogs as puppies. I like the adults. They need homes too!

But seriously consider an ACD! They are wonderful dogs!!

Rot are great as well, if your interested in something a little bigger. Our rot is the sweetest dog ever, and a huge couch potato! If we want to go for a walk he is up for it, if we just want to play games or watch tv he will sit right next to us all day long. He will play with oil German Shepard or when we had them he loved to play with the ferrets, who where smaller then his head.

I second the rescue/SPCA idea. Great opportunity to help a dog find a home, and for you to find a dog that is personality screened, spayed/neutered, and most likely UTD on health care.

If that isn't the right fit, go on infodog.com & find an all-breed show in your area. AKC shows are a great way to see a wide variety of breeds, and talk to breeders, professional handlers, and owner-handlers. Just remember to leave your own dog at home, and wait to talk to exhibitors when they're out of the ring (instead of waiting in line to go in). You may come across a breed you hadn't even considered before that could be just the right dog for your situation. If you do go the purebred route, ensure that the breeder health & temperament tests & titles their dogs. Stay away from BYBs that are only in it for the $$$.

Another idea is to sit in on some obedience classes in your area - especially the puppy kindergarten or intro obedience classes. This can give you an idea of how certain breeds tend to behave in group settings (keeping in mind that every dog is an individual), and also get you familiar with a good place to build an obedience foundation for your future addition. :)

Good luck!

We have an Italian Mastiff and he is absolutely the best dog we have ever had. We also have a Boston Terrier, and also a mutt currently.

When I wanted dog I found a few dog quizzes online. You answer questions about yourself, your living situation, and what qualities in a dog you want and it will give you choices. It showed me dogs I never thought of and some I had never heard of. That's how I found old English bulldogs which turned out to be a perfect match.

Alright THANK YOU Everyone!
We shall go to the ASPCA :]
We will continue to look.

Have fun!

From experience in a grooming salon I'd prefer a standard poodle. They can be a bit hyper but in general many are very sweet, gentle dogs (+ very, very intelligent)!

While maintenance of the coat can be a pain, I love their personality :)

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Originally Posted by Capray

This too! It seems the best dogs turn out to be random mutts, often purebreds have several health problems and are slightly nerotic...if your set of a purebred you should sart looking at some dog fancy magazines, they are great.

If you get a rescue dog, you can start off by fostering it, and testing it's limits and behavior before hand.

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http://file.walagata.com/w/the-salamander/ISSUEZ.jpg

Actually, "mutts" inherit the same health problems as their parents.
If you do not know precisely what dogs 'made' the mutt, you can easily double up identical genetic health problems, unknowingly.

"Hybrid vigor" is an unfortunate myth.

At least with purebreds, you have a set list of known issues that assist in diagnosing a health problem.

With mutts, it can be compared to a crap shoot.

For example, you get a mutt that looks like a German Shepherd mix.
[which could actually be any one of dozens possible combinations, none of them actually being a GSD]

Then, it has eye trouble.

Is the common Pannus issue of GSDs?
Chronic keratitis?
Allergies?
External irritation?
Malfunctioning lacrimal glands?

Who knows?

You have no 'known breed history' to start by eliminating known breed problems and can easily rack up a fortune in vet bills trying to pin down an accurate diagnoses.

I have nothing against mutts.
I've had mutts.

But no one should automatically assume a mutt will be any healthier than either parent or the sum of their respective recessive genetic issues.

I would definitely rule out the Catahoula, though.

They are sharp, driven dogs and not for the casual owner.

http://www.westwinddogtraining.com/hybridvigor.pdf

http://ezinearticles.com/?Beware-the...ogs&id=5115104

Narrow down your choices and then find a good reputable breeder who religiously tests for known genetic problems.

Your new dog-friend will share your life for many years and you owe it to yourself and the dog to make sure you have every possible base covered in order to avoid heartbreak to the best of your ability.

How about an english mastiff. i've owned many dogs and my mastiff is by far my favorite. he's a big couch potato.

I vote for looking into local rescues and shelters. Who knows which dog might steal your heart :) not sure if anyone suggested it but take a look at www.petfinder.com

I wouldn't go for a Samoyed or a standard poodle, they both require high grooming needs, and I know Standards can be on the hyper side. A mix coupel be the best match:) You could also consider a Whippet, if you get it as a pup and introduce it to your Papillon. I love Papillons, wouldn't trade mine for anything. You could also consider something like a Basenji. They are awesome apartment dogs. I have worked with a couple of them, they are fun. But a shelter dog is always a good choice. They really seem to understand that they have been given a second chance:)

Just wanted to add that I wouldn't suggest a Shiba. I like them...but from my experience working for a vet, Shiba's are nasty little buggers. I swear it's the only breed we muzzle every time because they immediately try to bite. :rolleyes: Not sure what they are like at home, I know one of our customers has a lot of trouble with her male...super aggressive dog. Anyway, I hadn't seen a whole lot about them in the thread, so I thought I'd give you the heads up on that little personality quirk. Sure...they're adorable...but a pain none the less, and if you only have experience with Papillions, I wouldn't suggest Shibas. Maybe a corgi? Or an Italian greyhound maybe. Or...just go hang out with some different breeds at the shelter and see which one fits you best. ;)

I have 2 rotts. 1 of which is in my house. My female rott is very good inside protective when need be and loves to play not very hyper at all. I would highly suggest one or German Shephard these are my 2 fave dogs also. Both gret inside dogs in my experience

This may sound crazy but most people don't think of this dog because lack of info. For your situation I would highly suggest a retired racing greyhound.

Contrary to popular belief they are perfect apartment dogs. They are nicknamed the 60mp/h couch potato. They don't need any more exercise than a normal larger dog, they don't shed much (but their hair is super short anyways) and they are very friendly.

Seriously look them up online. Retires racing greyhounds. There are plenty of agency's that adopt them out and they make amazing additions to the family. Good luck!


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Interloc,

The only reason I hadn't suggested a retired racing greyhound is because of the Papillon that they have. I love greyhounds and you are right that they make great appartment dogs. But sometimes don't do well with small fuzzy thing, i.e... Papillon:) running around the house. Sometimes they look at little dogs as if they are a prey item, like a rabbit. That is my only warning about a Retired Greyhound. Other wise they are great dogs:D

Xolos! They have an awesome temperament, loyal protective, sweet...and best part of all NO HAIR! :D

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Someday I will have one. The apartment I'm in doesn't allow dogs. It's they however are fine with 14 snakes so woohoo. When I can get a dog tho, hands down 100% retired racing greyhound.


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