Looking to get a dog, suggestions?

[Jiggy_12]

So for the past few months I have been tossing around the idea of getting a dog. I have had a dog almost my whole life when I lived at home with the family, and now out on my own for a while I am somewhat missing my 4 legged friend.

What I am looking for is a dog suited for my 2 bedroom condo, which is on the 2nd floor of the building. I live on my own, and work 5 days a week and am not able to make it home during the lunch hour. Preferably a small(ish), quiet, lowest maintenance possible dog that could get by with only being walked twice a day.

I have turned to CP as the wealth of people here should surely have some experienced dog owners that can offer some good suggestions for breeds. A few I have been considering are the Welsh Corgi, Min-Pin, and Boston Terrier.

Are these good choices? anything else I should be looking at or for?

Thanks!

[rubecube]

What's your price range?

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by rubecube

What's your price range?

Get a rescue dog . . . . . then you don't need a price range.

Just remember . . . . puppies are hell, little terrorists.

A dog of reasonable intelligence and a smidgeon of energy in that particular situation would be bored through the day and contrive projects to stave off boredom . . . . like destroying the furniture in the apartment.

An older rescue dog might be more comfortable lazing about through the day.

Failing that, you might secure a dog but look for ways for it to be taken out at noon or for it to go to doggy day care through the day.

Failing that then, in all honesty, and I say this with all sincerity, it sounds like you need a cat. It would be happy in that kind of environment.

Cowperson

[FireFly]

You have to be careful with small dogs as they poop a lot and need more attention. I'm sure you can litter train a dog though.

[Kybosh]

I would definately recommend against getting a puppy for your situation. You need to constantly watch them and Cowperson is right about them being little terrorists. Consider a more mature dog (2+ years) and it might be a little easier on you. Just remember that your dog doesn't care if you don't feel like taking it for a walk and they'll let you know if they're displeased. I'm not trying to persuade you against this but just know that it is a big commitment. I wouldn't rule out larger dogs for your condo either as long as you can get them out to off leash areas and what not regularly.

[Flash Walken]

SPCA

Seriously, why waste hundreds of dollars on an inbred idiot puppy when you could get a full-grown dog who actively needs your assistance!?

Talk about man's best friend, just wait until after you set him free from that kennel.

[doozwimp]

I usually like bigger dogs but given your living situation that probably isnt a good option. If you can find a suitable breed (or mutt) I would definently go to the SPCA or find a rescue dog.

Pugs, in my very limited experience, are very low maintenance dogs.

[Ford Prefect]

I'd stay away from the Welsh Corgi. They're a wonderful dog ... one of my favourites in fact. But a friend of mine has one and they're a pretty high maintenance dog that need a lot of personal time and attention, which from the sounds of your situation may not be available. It almost sounds like you need an older dog. I cringe at the idea of pretty much any breed of pup being left alone all day, five days a week. Not that I think that's bad for the dog, but with a pup it might be really bad for your upholstry, and rug, and walls, and curtains ... you get my drift I'm sure.

Edit: In your situation, Cow Person's suggestion to get a cat is a good one. Unless you're a cat hater that is. Cats are even lower maintenace than fish, and if you treat them right they make good companions.

[Flames in 07]

I'd say go to the SPCA and let the dog pick you.

For every pet someone gets from there instead of a petstore that's one less pet that goes to the gas chamber.

[Jiggy_12]

These suggestions are great guys and girls, thanks alot.

I'm going to check out the SPCA I think, seems like a good way to go. It sounds like a dog about 1-2 years old would be ideal for me.

[Incinerator]

don't forget to double check your condo's bylaws and get written permission from your condo board before committing to a furry friend or any type.

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by Ford Prefect

I'd stay away from the Welsh Corgi. They're a wonderful dog ... one of my favourites in fact. But a friend of mine has one and they're a pretty high maintenance dog that need a lot of personal time and attention, which from the sounds of your situation may not be available. It almost sounds like you need an older dog. I cringe at the idea of pretty much any breed of pup being left alone all day, five days a week. Not that I think that's bad for the dog, but with a pup it might be really bad for your upholstry, and rug, and walls, and curtains ... you get my drift I'm sure.

Edit: In your situation, Cow Person's suggestion to get a cat is a good one. Unless you're a cat hater that is. Cats are even lower maintenace than fish, and if you treat them right they make good companions.

Note that there are two breeds of welsh corgis, and they have somewhat different personalities... I'm guessing your friend as a pembroke corgi (the more common, tailess variety), while there's also the slightly larger, more colourful and tailed cardigan variety. Cardigans are somewhat more laid back, and our guy is fine with being left alone for around seven-eight hours every weekday, as long as he gets some attention in the evening. But I was able to stay home last year when he was a puppy. Like you said, that much time alone is going to be difficult for any puppy regardless of breed.

[browna]

Most Petlands always have rescue puppies and dogs (and cats) available..that's where we got our pup 3 years ago.

[kermitology]

Get a cat! :P

I miss having cats. I've always had extremely affectionate cats, and they require so much less attention.

[prarieboy]

Get a Bulldog. By the time they figure out your gone your just getting back from work.

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by kermitology

Get a cat! :P

I miss having cats. I've always had extremely affectionate cats, and they require so much less attention.

Unless they're my cats... Couple of attention whores I have.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

Get a rescue dog . . . . . then you don't need a price range.

Cowperson

Aren't you the guy with 2 pure-bred golden retreivers?

Just kidding, for all I know, they are rescue dogs.

It just reminded me of a girl I know who was pushing me to adopt a rescue animal, and then she went out and bought a pure mastiff because "she wanted one her whole life".

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

Get a rescue dog . . . . .

Or....




a Rescue Ranger?

[badnarik]

We have a little maltese who sleeps all day. I take her out once in the morning and once before bed.
http://65.36.133.56/images/lulu2.jpg

[Drunk Skunk]

I'd just like to echo the rescue dog sentiments. A dog that costs hundreds, or thousands, of dollars will not make you or your family happier then a rescue dog. Unless of course it's some super dog that will take out the trash and make cookies. A super dog is probably worth some money.