So I’m finally moving out on my own into an apartment, so I’m getting myself a dog because I’m an adult and mom and dad can’t tell me no.
I’m looking for a dog that can run around, be playful, and even accompany me on a hike or rock climbing trip. There’s a park right next to the building with plenty of space to run around and I could play catch with that thing all day. However, I am going to be working and, in the same way I can swing into an outdoorsy mood, I can swing just as easily into a “lets watch movies all day” mood. So if there’s a dog that could be just as content sitting next to me and letting me pet its little head all day, that’d be nice.
Little shedding would be a plus, but I won’t count out the most perfect dog because it sheds some.
Most importantly though, I want a FUCKING DOG, you know? Your chow chows, havaneses, Pomeranians, and chihuahuas can all screw themselves because, above all else, I want a real American DOG. I run with the Husky, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Australian Shepard, English Bulldog crowd and I love a nice medium to large size dog. While all dogs can be cute and playful, a chow chow doesn’t look like it could work the docks for 12 straight hours, chain smoking the whole time. A husky looks that part and I really love that in a dog, if that analogy makes sense.
I rescued two mutts from a shelter. One was a lab mix, one a pitbull/boxer mix. They are both the most wonderful dogs. One is wickedly smart, the other dumb as a box of rocks. Both are incredibly tolerant of my one year old (who loves to poke eyes, pull lips, and stick his hands in their food bowls while eating). Both would love to play all day outside, or cuddle on the couch all day. The pit/boxer mix barely sheds.
That’s a mutt. I recommend finding a rescue organization in your area, rather than just going to a shelter. In my experience, rescue orgs are more likely to work with you, finding just the right dog. They insisted that I take Toby home for a week before making a final decision on keeping him, and that he got along with my other dog.
I’ll also throw Australian Cattle Dog into your mix of breeds. There seem to be a lot of ACDs and ACD-mixes out in the shelter pool these days. If you’re ready to be active with a dog, they’re amazing companions.
I’m settling in but right now I’m wanting to see what’s right for me and do my research before I make a hasty decision on such a big thing.
I want to get a shelter dog if at all possible, but I want something that will fit me, ya know? I don’t wanna get a rescue just because its a rescue. I want it to fit me and my lifestyle.
Great Danes look cool. I’ll definitely think about them. What about a Bernese Mountain Dog? Its kinda like a St. Bernard but a lot more badass. It seems to fit my personality, too.
In an apartment you need to keep the size down. It doesn’t have to be one of those little rat dogs, but a large dog won’t get enough exercise indoors, and you have to worry about what kind of damage it could do. You also need a dog that can handle being alone all day while you’re at work, and won’t freak out when you get home late or go out at night. Frankly, I’d suggest an older rescue dog. Picking a breed doesn’t really help because even within breeds each dog is an individual, and mutts are just better dogs anyway.
I agree with those saying to get a shelter dog. Whatever you do please don’t get a dog from a mall pet shop. There are so many wonderful dogs sitting on death row.
There is one problem with shelter dogs. Especially shelter puppies. You really don’t know what you’re getting. I adopted Bentley a year ago. He was the cutest puppy in the shelter, sweet disposition, etc. He was a cross between a chihuahua and miniature Australian Shepard, or so they said. They said he’d likely grow to 25 pounds, max. Even the veterinarian said 25 pounds max.
My chihuahua mix now tips the scale just south of 50 pounds. And he thinks he’s a lap dog, or so he wishes. He’s a great dog, very healthy and well worth it. Long legs that love walks, etc.
Before you adopt, you really need to consider whether you have the time to devote to training, exercising, walking, house breaking, etc. If you do, you will gain the most loyal friend you’ve ever had. And a shelter or a rescue is the way to go.
Huskies are great dogs but
I have a friend/client who used to breed them.
They shed like crazy, they are escape artists and they love to run, and run, and run some more.
A friend had one who liked to escape and it wasn’t unusual to find him 50 miles away.
I had a husky mix who was almost impossible to keep confined. He got out of a kennel that was guaranteed to be escape proof and it took him less than a minute.
Sounds like you would do well with a labrador, boxer, dalmation, doberman, beagle, golden, and (don’t laugh) standard sized poodle or some mix of those breeds.
They can be energetic but like to cuddle too.
Not that you asked, but I’m going to throw this out there anyway, because I too love dogs:
I’d suggest you get moved into your new apartment and live there for at least a year to make sure you’re ready for all the responsibilities that goes along with living on your own.
for instance, do you have a pet deposit for the apartment complex? Can you afford to drop $200 at the drop of a hat when poor Fido hurts himself? Are you prepared to walk your dog a good four to six times a day?
Also keep in mind that there are other non pet related emergencies or unexpected bills that come up that will take a chunk out of your income.
Please take a trail run with your own life before you involve a dog.
Have you ever owned a dog, for which you were the sole caretaker? Do you know what is required? Will you have enough money for vet bills? Are you willing to exercise the dog twice daily – and if you want a large dog, exercise them A LOT twice daily? Do you know how to train a dog? Are you willing to learn, if not? What will you do if your dog barks all day when you aren’t there, or eats your sofa, or growls at your friends, or has irrational terrors (all pretty common problems in rescue dogs).
From your post, you appear to be one of those people who acquires a dog on a whim without thinking it through. This kind of person causes a large percentage of the canine suffering in this country.
Picking a dog because of its macho appearance has got to be in the running for the prize for stupidest way to pick a dog.
I don’t think that’s quite fair to the OP as that’s not what he said at all. I completely understand what he meant. He wants a medium-sized dog that looks like a basic dog, not a miniature toy/lap dog/fancy dog. I mean, I don’t think anyone would describe a golden retriever as “macho.”
And everyone shouting “just get a shelter dog” are all well and good, but there is more to a dog than that. Yeah not every dog behaves exactly to their breed standard, but generally it will give you a good basis to start from. With a random shelter dog (if you get a puppy) you have no idea what the dog will become.
$200? I wish. Yearly vaccines, stool sample, heartworm preventative, and flea control products cost more than that. An emergency for injury is gonna be more.
In my experience not all large dogs require lots of exercise. We had St. Bernards, and they are quite content to lounge around all day. Avoid dogs who like to run, like huskies, greyhounds, retrievers, etc.
I second the concept that you should live on your own for a while before adding the responsibility of a dog. See how your time and money management works out first.
