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Hello all,
For the last couple weeks, I have been researching and looking into getting a dog for my new place (condo.) I've been looking into condo-friendly dogs, and would like to get some suggestions. First some info about myself:
Place: Condo (no pet restrictions other than Pit)
Job: Typical 9-5 job; Home for lunch.
No kids. No other pets but betta fish.
Fairly active (run every other day)
I've been kinda leaning towards a retired greyhound, but I'm not sure about having such a big dog (despite their lifestyle.) I would like to get a dog that's fairly intelligent and healthy (even though I know these can be relative attributes lol.)
I have lived in condos, apartments, etc without yards with dogs most of my adult life. I found poodles and Shih Tzus are very intelligent dogs that don't need a lot of space to be happy. They are always sitting on my lap and sleep right next to me, which you may or may not like. Large dogs need room and a yard to be fair to them, IMO. My dogs don't shed either. I crated them as puppies to potty train them. Now they go in them every time I leave the house. They also live much longer than large dogs. I applaude your desire to save a greyhound, but since you are gone all day, this may leave them feeling unstable and nervous.
Can you handle shedding? Or do you want minimal shedding?
Are you wanting to take your dog running with you?
Are you willing to commit for life? I ask this because my dogs live a looooooooooooooong time. I had a peakapoo that lived for 22 years. My labrador is currently 16 years old.
Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs.
Mutts tend to be healthier than pure breeds.
Smart dogs tend to be more difficult. I learned this accidently. I always had "smart" breeds. Then I got a hound. Hounds are supposedly among the dumbest of breeds. Guess what? The easiest dog I've ever owned. Smart dogs know they don't have to listen to you. My hound is so eager to please!
My SIL has had two retired greyhounds. Both were very mellow dogs. Their size wasn't an issue. She was single and worked full time. Her dogs were always happy.
As I started to read through your criteria my first thought was greyhound. I'm a big fan of shelter mutts, and do agree with Hopes that a smart dog will keep you on your toes, I have two herders and they are a handful. You might try going by the shelter and hanging out with the different dogs to see what traits appeal to you. A lab mix out of his teenage years might be a nice fit too. In a condo I would look for a dog that won't bark every time someone walks down the hall.
What's your experience as a dog owner?
My parents are divorced. My dad always had a dog (chihuahua) and cat. My mom had none. I've gone back and forth between them my entire life.
Can you handle shedding? Or do you want minimal shedding? Sorry for not mentioning this. I would love a dog with minimal shedding. Short haired breeds havent given me any issues.
Are you wanting to take your dog running with you?
I would like to take the dog with me on my runs. They aren't long runs (at most 5K, usually at least 1 mile.)
Are you willing to commit for life? I ask this because my dogs live a looooooooooooooong time. I had a peakapoo that lived for 22 years. My labrador is currently 16 years old. Yes.
Interesting comment about smart dogs. I never really would've thought about them being more stubborn and/or strong-willed.
As I started to read through your criteria my first thought was greyhound. I'm a big fan of shelter mutts, and do agree with Hopes that a smart dog will keep you on your toes, I have two herders and they are a handful. You might try going by the shelter and hanging out with the different dogs to see what traits appeal to you. A lab mix out of his teenage years might be a nice fit too. In a condo I would look for a dog that won't bark every time someone walks down the hall.
Yea, I've visited a few shelters out there in the MD area, but I didn't want to make a decision base solely on "adorability." When I initially set off in search of a dog, I was focusing on Beagles and Jack Russells. I understand now, that these may not be a good choice for condos.
Whatever I decide on, it will be a shelter/foster dog.
On the topic of mutts, is it true about hybrid vigor? I've seen so many combinations of breeds, it makes it even harder to decide.
And one off-topic question, is anyone else turned off by altered dogs (docked tails and ears)? You see it all the time with certain breeds, but it just seems kinda cruel.
Retired greyhounds are supposed to be wonderful companions. Not to mention there are several rescue groups, and so many of these poor things get put down. If you are in Florida or other racing states, you won't have trouble finding great greyhounds. They LOVE running, but are total couch potatoes when not running. In other words probably the perfect dog for you and condo living. If you can get home for a lunchtime visit, that makes it perfect. I think being a runner, the greyhound is much more perfectly suited to your lifestyle than the llasha, as they wouldn't be good runners, or really many other dogs you may hear about. Great danes are other couch potato dogs that love to run, then lay around. Most of the other breeds either aren't great for running, or wouldn't like spending lots of time in a condo alone, or may be long haired, or other problems. I think your first thought of the greyhound sounds best. let us know what you get.
I love Dobies with big floppy ears, but doggie ears are kind of a downfall of mine, altering always seemed cruel to me too.
Shelters do pose the adorability problem, maybe hanging out at a dog park and talking to the owners about specific challenges would be useful. Jacks and Beagles can be fine as long as they get enough attention, training and exercise, a Boston might be good too.
I think vigor depends on the mutt mix, I have a lab/border collie who is almost 11 and still plays like a 3 year old, but she snores like an 80 year old man. If you had a bassett hound mix, maybe not as much energy.
I would like to take the dog with me on my runs. They aren't long runs (at most 5K, usually at least 1 mile.)
Since you want to run with your dog, the greyhound would probably be the best match overall. It's a mellow dog, doesn't bark much, doesn't shed much, and is a great runner. You don't want a small dog. My peekapoo needed carried halfway home from a simple walk.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArunSenior04
Interesting comment about smart dogs. I never really would've thought about them being more stubborn and/or strong-willed.
Sure! They can think for themselves!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArunSenior04
And one off-topic question, is anyone else turned off by altered dogs (docked tails and ears)? You see it all the time with certain breeds, but it just seems kinda cruel.
I don't understand the concept of altering dogs' tails and ears. I've never liked the look.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogmama50
If you had a bassett hound mix, maybe not as much energy.
A basset hound would be good for a condo. They're very low energy. They're very calm, affectionate dogs too. But bassets don't do jogging. And being pack dogs, a sole basset won't be happy being alone for long periods of time. He'd need two bassets since he'll be gone all day.
OP, I think the greyhound is the answer for you! They're perfect for apartment/condo living since they're used to small spaces. They don't bark. They have short hair. Seems like the greyhound is everything you want in a dog. Read up on the breed though because it's unique.
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