Dogs

[Zeb_Carter]

Yep! You hit the cock on the head! So to speak.

 

[slyc_willie]

Great advice, all around. Thanks, everyone.

Cloudy, I would absolutely love to have an Akita, but as you said, they're too big for a single apartment. That's the kind of dog to have with a house.

I had never considered a Corgi, to be honest. I may have to do a little research on them.

When it comes down to it, I'll probably end up going to a kennel/shelter/pound in the Orlando/Kissimmee area, which is where I am moving to.

 

[carsonshepherd]

It's a shame an Akita is a little too big for an apartment - they're perfect dogs: super intelligent, devoted to "their" person, and lazy as all get out.

(they have their dignity to consider...or at least mine did. You couldn't interest him in a ball, or toy, or even a run - too dignified)

One thing about an Akita: no one will ever break into your place while the dog's there, I promise. They don't like interruptions to their naps.

My boyfriend really wants an Akita. He has an 11-year-old Malamute right now who's very independent and bossy. An Akita sounds like a good counterpart for him.... but I made a serious promise to myself no more dogs while my German Shepherd is still with us. He would be heartbroken if another dog came between us...

Aren't dog people silly?

 

[cloudy]

Great advice, all around. Thanks, everyone.

Cloudy, I would absolutely love to have an Akita, but as you said, they're too big for a single apartment. That's the kind of dog to have with a house.

I had never considered a Corgi, to be honest. I may have to do a little research on them.

When it comes down to it, I'll probably end up going to a kennel/shelter/pound in the Orlando/Kissimmee area, which is where I am moving to.

I dunno, slyc, I kept Mojo in the house (they don't shed nearly as much as most long-haired dogs do), and he mostly plopped down in "his spot" and stayed there, only moving to go into the bedroom when I went to bed. I think if you managed a brisk walk every day, it'd be okay. Females only get to about 2 ft at the shoulder, males a little bigger. They're not so much big as they are solid, you know?

 

[cloudy]

My boyfriend really wants an Akita. He has an 11-year-old Malamute right now who's very independent and bossy. An Akita sounds like a good counterpart for him.... but I made a serious promise to myself no more dogs while my German Shepherd is still with us. He would be heartbroken if another dog came between us...

Aren't dog people silly?

Akitas are really wonderful dogs. Very, very family-oriented...devoted, protective, etc., of the entire "pack." Mojo was great with my kids, if a little bit prone to playing the martyr, but he dealt with my youngest crawling all over him when he was just a baby, and didn't move a muscle if the baby was on top of him (although he would look at me with the funniest expression...like "can you see that the child is crawling on me? Get him off." )

 

[slyc_willie]

I dunno, slyc, I kept Mojo in the house (they don't shed nearly as much as most long-haired dogs do), and he mostly plopped down in "his spot" and stayed there, only moving to go into the bedroom when I went to bed. I think if you managed a brisk walk every day, it'd be okay. Females only get to about 2 ft at the shoulder, males a little bigger. They're not so much big as they are solid, you know?

Lol. Kind'a sounds like me. Funny, I always imagined them being between two and a half and three feet at the shoulder. I had only actually seen one in my life. Perhaps my memory is a bit fuzzy after about twenty years.

A brisk walk I can handle. It would be a good way to wake up in the morning, since I don't have to be at work until 11 am. Running I can't do, so if Akitas need a jogging partner, I'd be SOL.

 

[carsonshepherd]

Akitas are really wonderful dogs. Very, very family-oriented...devoted, protective, etc., of the entire "pack." Mojo was great with my kids, if a little bit prone to playing the martyr, but he dealt with my youngest crawling all over him when he was just a baby, and didn't move a muscle if the baby was on top of him (although he would look at me with the funniest expression...like "can you see that the child is crawling on me? Get him off." )

The little-shedding thing sounds attractive. Our Malamute and GS shed nonstop. The thing I like about my GS is that he's so responsible. He's almost human in his sensitivity to the emotions of his people. He never wants to be away from me, he even follows me into the bathroom. He would've made a fantastic seeing eye dog... unless a tennis ball rolled by!

 

[carsonshepherd]

Lol. Kind'a sounds like me. Funny, I always imagined them being between two and a half and three feet at the shoulder. I had only actually seen one in my life. Perhaps my memory is a bit fuzzy after about twenty years.

A brisk walk I can handle. It would be a good way to wake up in the morning, since I don't have to be at work until 11 am. Running I can't do, so if Akitas need a jogging partner, I'd be SOL.

This is good that you'll have time to walk the dog every day. Every dog needs a brisk walk, just like us!

 

[cloudy]

Lol. Kind'a sounds like me. Funny, I always imagined them being between two and a half and three feet at the shoulder. I had only actually seen one in my life. Perhaps my memory is a bit fuzzy after about twenty years.

A brisk walk I can handle. It would be a good way to wake up in the morning, since I don't have to be at work until 11 am. Running I can't do, so if Akitas need a jogging partner, I'd be SOL.

They're too dignified to do anything resembling a jog.

They're formidable dogs, solid and muscular, but not all that huge. Makes sense when you consider that they were originally bred to hunt bear.

 

[starrkers]

Shedding is another point to consider. Labs moult all year round and LOTS (at least here they do). Ellie fur clogged the vacuum on a regular basis. (Gee I'm doing a great job of talking up Labs, aren't I? I do love them really - but they're a bloody menace when young!)
Temperament wise, a lot depends on the age of the dog too. I have a small terrier (Aussie equivalent to a rat terrier) and he was a riotous beastie as a youngster. He's 7 now and will happily spend all day asleep. He still has his mad attacks in the yard when it suits him, but sleeping is his major activity now.

 

[3113]

I would have to advise against terriers. Not that they're bad dogs, but they stay very active for quite a while. Way into "middle age" for a dog, my mom's wire-haired fox terrier would race about the house leaping up on the ottomans and couch and chairs. Once she even slammed into the window (she came creeping out from behind the couch looking very chagrined). They like to chase squirrels and bark. And, of course, once they get their teeth into something they don't want to let go. To a terrier, if you grab a blanket or towel or pillow they've got in their teeth and try to take it away from them you've just declared a tug-o-war...one of their all time favorite games.

 

[slyc_willie]

I would have to advise against terriers. Not that they're bad dogs, but they stay very active for quite a while. Way into "middle age" for a dog, my mom's wire-haired fox terrier would race about the house leaping up on the ottomans and couch and chairs. Once she even slammed into the window (she came creeping out from behind the couch looking very chagrined). They like to chase squirrels and bark. And, of course, once they get their teeth into something they don't want to let go. To a terrier, if you grab a blanket or towel or pillow they've got in their teeth and try to take it away from them you've just declared a tug-o-war...one of their all time favorite games.

Nemo, the Dachshund I grew up with, was much the same. He loved tug-of-war. But sometimes, he'd get feisty and let go of whatever we were tugging on and go for the face. The one and only time I got my nose pierced

 

[MrsDeathlynx]

Nemo, the Dachshund I grew up with, was much the same. He loved tug-of-war. But sometimes, he'd get feisty and let go of whatever we were tugging on and go for the face. The one and only time I got my nose pierced

That's one issue my dad's half mini and half normal dachshund has, she loves playing tug of war. Though you can get her to stop easily enough, you just have to be firm. But she's apparently great with my nephew, quite protective of him actually. The worst she does with anyone is bark, but she is an incredible dog. I've been up there a couple of times since I found out I was pregnant and she loves sitting with me in the chair and if any of the adults go to give me a hug, or anyone hugs anyone, she tends to get barky to protect, lol. She's never nipped or bit though. The thing to consider with any breed of dachshund is their back, if you have a high bed it's a good idea to get a small set of portable stairs so they don't strain their back too much going up and down.

You do have to train them when they are puppies though, they tend to be smart but at the same time you have to consider what each breed of dog was bred for.

Dachshunds...To flush badgers and such out of dens when hunting.
Rotties...to guard and protect, I believe but could be wrong.
Shepherds...Both herding and protection.

There are many others, herding dogs tend to have more energy, then again spending all day in a field with animals and running around them it's not a big surprise. Smaller dogs also tend to have more energy, usually are diggers so you have to watch out for that in a yard. It's too bad it's probably going to be a small appartment, because the larger dogs tend to be more mellow, just like draft horses.

I still stick with the going to a shelter and looking at the dog's profile, spend about half an hour alone with the dog in a room or out for a walk if possible. But don't shy away from the shy dogs, they usually perk up once they get to know a person. *stops rambling now*

 

[3113]

Smaller dogs also tend to have more energy, usually are diggers so you have to watch out for that in a yard.

LOL. I recall one day that my mom shouted out in the yard for the fox terrier. The dog came trotting up happy as a clam, proud and delighted with that doggy grin and lolling tongue...paws and muzzle covered in dirt. My appalled mother said, "Oh, no not my flowers!"

Yep. Her flowers.

 

[MagicaPractica]

I had a thought this morning as my dog cowered while the kittens bounced around the house. Something that I didn't consider when I chose my dog is the level of, for lack of a better term at the moment, self-assurance.

A dog that is sweet but a little shy is likely to be scared by noises, like mine. She is scared of the house creaking, the kittens bouncing around, the fire crackling. She lies directly under my white noise machine during thunderstorms. The only time she doesn't notice these things is when there is another dog around to play with. A dog that bounds forward to meet you when you see it for the first time is unlikely to have these kinds of problems but may also be a little more aggressive in other ways.

 

[Chantilyvamp]

I had never heard of an Akita before but having looked at some online they are gorgeous and I would love to have the puppy I found over here!

 

[3113]

I had never heard of an Akita before but having looked at some online they are gorgeous and I would love to have the puppy I found over here!

You mean a pup like this:

http://www.puppyparadise.com/Breeds/akita_ph.jpg

That'll turn into a dog like this:

http://www.almarakitas.com/Baby1.jpg

Here's a nice idea of the size of an Akita...and I think you should go for one Slyc!

http://members.tripod.com/~CobaltAkitas/NorthwestDogClub092000.jpg

Looks like a medium-sized dog to me. Not big, not small and not super small (I take it you're not interested in a teacup Chihuahua

http://i.pbase.com/t1/92/77692/4/51227753.51227753.jpg

 

[AngeloMichael]

I've always been partial to Keeshonds, they are my absolute favorite breed. They are medium sized dogs, the females get to about 25-35 lbs., the males 35-45 lbs. They are very affectionate and live to please people and receive attention. I've only had one male, and although he was a sweetheart, he was the most difficult behaviorally (couldn't leave him alone in the house without him having an accident). The females I've had have all been very well behaved. Once trained, they could be left alone at home for hours and not get into trouble.

A nice walk once or twice a day, is all the exercise they need, and a good half hour to an hour of playtime at home (catch, fetch, tug-o-war, etc.) start them with toys as a puppy and they won't use your furniture as chew toys.

I just got a Keeshond puppy last February, her name is Winter:
Winter at three months:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v735/Drawkcabi/000_0362.jpg

Winter all grown up:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v735/Drawkcabi/Winnie1.jpg

She is completely loyal to me, she is a great watch dog, but wuld never think of biting anyone outside of play bites. She loves these toys called nylonbones, she chews them constantly. She also love to play golf...she has a plastic dumbell shaped toy and uses it to swat balls around on the floor. She's extremely comical and very affectionate. Right now she's sleeping between my legs as I am resting them on an ottoman.

Here are a couple slide shows of her:
Winter's First Year

Winter on Deck

Don't be daunted by their coats, they are actually easier to deal with than short haired dogs because their hairs are easier to clean up and they only shed their coats twice a year. They do enjoy a nice brush every 1-2 weeks though, and they only need to be bathed about once every few months.

But whatever breed or type you decide on, try using petfinder.com first when looking for a dog. There are so many sweet ones out there that need a good home.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

We have an American Bulldog

http://www.selenakittyn.com/index_files/romeodec2007_1.jpg

and a Cocker Spaniel

http://www.selenakittyn.com/index_files/soph.jpg

Both great dogs!

 

[DomRick]

How awesome to see someone put so much thought and effort into a new pet. Bravo, my good man. As an active volunteer with a rescue group (adoptahusky.org), we see way too many dogs that are abandoned because they weren't the right fit. It took me about two years of research when I decided I wanted a husky, then another two years to finally get my first. However you go about it, there is sage advice in getting a breed, or individual dog, that matches your energy level and meets your other desirability factors. Best wishes in your search and new pack leadership.

 

[Misty_Morning]

aDuring my life I hed numerous dogs as pets. I must admit that I would have never thought of having a dog in an apartment, but I considering that ...

I am going to recommend 3 different dogs.

1. A dachsound....had one for 5 years and then he stolen. Extemely loyal, smart and very protective. I would assume a good breed to have in confined living spaces, though mine had ooodles of space to run free.

2. An australian shepard. THE smartest dog I EVER had, and the most beautiful as well. Small enough for an apartment (I presume), but lively enough for a life full of joy.

3. Italian Greyhound. Never had one but had a few friends that one. Very intelligent, small, and vey well mannered.



Just my 2 cents.






(go for the aussie...if I ever get another dog....thats what I will get)





p.s. DO NOT get a dalmation....although bright and intelligent they have so many health problems it would break your heart.

 

[cloudy]

That'll turn into a dog like this:

http://www.almarakitas.com/Baby1.jpg

This is how mine was colored, but they also come in black or brown markings on white.

They're wonderful dogs.

2. An australian shepard. THE smartest dog I EVER had, and the most beautiful as well. Small enough for an apartment (I presume), but lively enough for a life full of joy.

The next one I get will be either another aussie or another akita. I raised aussies for awhile, and I would think that they would be a tad too energetic for apartment life, but I could be wrong.

 

[3113]

We have an American Bulldog

Yeh, bulldogs. I have a soft spot for them and Boston bull terriers. There's a pair of English bulldogs that get walked around the neighborhood.

Puppies are *too* cute:

http://www.buysellcommunity.com/uploads/020606/hdvdpdbrobnc.jpg

And the adults are just loveable:

http://www.puppydogweb.com/caninebreeds/dogimages/bulldog_pds.jpg

There's a brave dog! Don't you just yearn to get one and name it "Winston"?

Here's what one website says about Bulldogs:

The English Bulldog is good for apartment life. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is an indoor dog. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather.

Unfortunately, this placid, uncomplaining and loyal dog is also a chewer. Ah well....

 

[MrsDeathlynx]

The only thing about the English Bulldog is their breathing problems. With a squished face they tend not to breath as well, they also snore pretty loudly. That and because their body is so compact their intestines are squished, which means more gas...

 

[slyc_willie]

You guys have given me a lot to think about.

Cloudy, I've changed my perception of Akitas since doing a little research on them. I have to admit that I tend to be leaning toward the breed at the moment. Still, I have a few months before I move, so who knows what I will have decided by April.

I don't think I'd get another Dachshund. As fun, loyal, and intelligent as Nemo was, he was the only Dachshund in the world for me.

Australian Shepherds . . . hmm. Might have to check them out.