[CoconutPete]

What size dog are you looking at? Anything bigger than a dog you can "palm" is just wrong if you life in an apartment.

[Litos]

i'd look at getting a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog.

small dogs that look very simlar, but one is more energetic than the other.

if you want a small energetic dog that looks awesome, get the Boston.

if you want a small laid back dog, get the Frenchie.

if you CAN, go to a Frenchie Rescue or Boston Terrier Rescue to find one that is out of their puppy stage.

raising an 8 week old puppy when you're gone most of the day is hard work.....

kennel training is tougher when the puppy is in the kennel for 8 hours a day...

[Templar]

I 100% agree that the OP should adopt from a shelter, especially since you're just looking for a pet. It is best that you adopt since the population is way out of control and a lot of dogs in shelters are euthanized if they aren't adopted. But, there are purebreds in shelters too if that is what you really want (you just have to look), and I've owned multiple purebred dogs for 20+ years and have never had one with genetic problems. Saying they all have serious problems is nonsense. If you do your research and take your time you will likely find some with no issues at all.

Also, a big dog is almost impossible to manage in an apartment. I tried it, and wound up moving to a small house with a large yard when my lease was up. Any dog requires lots of exercise for it to be calm in the house, but large dogs obviously need more space for that exercise. So unless you plan on taking the large dog for long walks at least twice a day, a smaller dog might be better. Also, consider that when the dog is finally housetrained, you'll need to get up, put the leash on, take it down stairs if you live on an upper level, let it go to the bathroom, walk back upstairs... etc. It can be a bit of a hassle. With my dogs, they are trained to ring a bell on my doorknob to my yard when they need to go. I hear the ring and get up and open the door. They go out, run around, do their business, then scratch at the door to come back in. Impossible to do in an apartment.

I highly recommend crate training if you are going to be at work during the day. I am lucky in the sense that I can go home for lunch, so my dogs are never alone for more than 3 hours at a time, but crate training is one of the BEST ways to house train a dog. Not only does it keep your place clean, but it keeps the dog safe (i.e. not chewing on power cords while you're gone). If you can afford doggie day care then it doesn't really apply, but I never could so I crate trained mine. They know when I get up, walk them, come back and shower/change that it's crate time, so they wait in their crate for a couple of treats then I leave. They both fought the crate at first, but after they realized it wasn't a big deal they both go right on in.

Bottom line, there are a lot of factors to consider. Some good advice in this thread, but some pretty incorrect advice too... I definitely recommend to adopt since you're just looking for a companion. Don't ever, EVER buy a puppy from a pet store since a lot of them come from puppy mills (look them up, they are terrible). You really need to think about whether or not you're ready for a dog. It's not just about paying for the dog now, but there's vet bills, food, and a whole mess of other expenses. Lots to think about...

[bga23]

Make sure you're willing to commit to care for this dog for the next 10-15 years, it is work and can be expensive at times but it is well worth it.

I lived in a 1200 sq ft apt with two 65 pound dogs and they did great, they'd get walked 2-3 times a day and go to day care a few days a week. It was definitely a lot more work than it is now that I have a house with a large fenced yard and a doggie door.

I've had 3 rescue dogs, all mixed breeds and can not suggest enough to go this route. But if you feel a need to go for a pure breed you can still get one from a rescue. There are breed-specific rescues for just about every dog around.

There is nothing like the unconditional love of dog.

[coh4777]

I have three dogs, all adopted shelter dogs, so I definitely echo everyone else who says to adopt. A lot of good advice on this thread, but one thing I want to say is that living in an aprtment does not necessarily mean you cannot have a big dog. I got my first dog, a shar-pei mix, about 5.5 years ago while I still living in Manhattan in a studio apartment. Even when full grown at 45 lbs, he was able to live comfortably with me. I believe this was due in large part to my commitment to giving him enough exercise. 30-45 minutes walk, dog park playtime or off-leash in central park in the morning before work; 30 minute visit from a dog walker in the middle of the day while I was at work; and another 30-45 minute walk or visit to the dog park at night when I got back home. On the weekends, we would spend longer at the parks or take the occassional excursion out of the city. So if you are a relatively active person and understand the exercise and socialization requirements of dogs, then you can certainly manage a bigger dog.

At the same time, if you choose to get a smaller dog, do NOT fall into the trap of thinking that they have enough space in your home and therefore do not need as much outside time. They need just as much exercise and socialization time as a larger dog. Most small dog owners do not understand this, which is why they end up with annoying, coddled, overexcited, anti-social, yappy dogs. Even worse, these owners think this behavior is cute and endearing. Bigger dog owners can't afford to make this mistake or else they will end up with an out of control dog that can injure another dog or person. So whichever route you go, understand that you will have to give them daily long walks and opportunities to meet new people and dogs.

[NAV8TT]

golden retriever

[bosstones]

Originally Posted by Litos

i'd look at getting a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog.

small dogs that look very simlar, but one is more energetic than the other.

if you want a small energetic dog that looks awesome, get the Boston.

if you want a small laid back dog, get the Frenchie.

if you CAN, go to a Frenchie Rescue or Boston Terrier Rescue to find one that is out of their puppy stage.

raising an 8 week old puppy when you're gone most of the day is hard work.....

kennel training is tougher when the puppy is in the kennel for 8 hours a day...

Good advice. Having grew up with a dog, I've been pondering adopting a dog for a while, but my work hours vary and are sometimes long. Recently, I found out that I can get dog care (sitter) through work, though. Although I would like a larger dog, I figure one would be too big for my place and yard so I looked at medium and "larger small" dogs. Bostons seem to be a great balance since they're not too big & not too small and have a lot of character. They're also easy to take care of, from a general maintenance aspect, and are not horrific shedders (which is a big deal to me). Their short coat is very easy to maintain. The main downside is that they, like other short muzzled dogs, may have breathing difficulties in extreme heat or cold. From what I've read, they can be a little gassy. That may vary by diet but I don't know.

Likewise, since it's just you and it's your first dog, stay away from puppies unless you know you have a lot of extra time to dedicate to them.

Good luck, OP. Let us know what you narrow things down to.

Originally Posted by coh4777

At the same time, if you choose to get a smaller dog, do NOT fall into the trap of thinking that they have enough space in your home and therefore do not need as much outside time. They need just as much exercise and socialization time as a larger dog. Most small dog owners do not understand this, which is why they end up with annoying, coddled, overexcited, anti-social, yappy dogs.

Like Jack Russell Terriers. Small/medium-ish dog but enough energy to make you think it's hopped up on something. I remember reading about how adoptions and such of Jack Russells spiked years ago after that 'Wishbone' show came out for kids and then people were dumping them into kennels/shelters or just letting them go altogether because they didn't know what they were getting into.

[MrRoboto]

Whatever you do, get a Lab. Best breed. They are equally at home playing/running as they are chilling out on the couch. Don't make the mistake of getting an overactive breed such as a border collie. If you can't keep them active they will eat your house.

[B.Haven]

Originally Posted by Templar

I 100% agree that the OP should adopt from a shelter, especially since you're just looking for a pet. It is best that you adopt since the population is way out of control and a lot of dogs in shelters are euthanized if they aren't adopted. But, there are purebreds in shelters too if that is what you really want (you just have to look).

I have owned 2 Boxers (neither which we're adopted) and they're great dogs. Id recommend checking out the breed to anyone looking for a dog. Our current boxer is only 8mo, we live in a 1200sqft condo and he gets along just fine. Walked in the morning and night.

However, we have a cat that we adopted from a shelter and I swear shes more appreciative than either dog has ever been. Probably just a human reaction to doing a good thing... It feels good to know you saved them from almost certain doom.

No matter what you do... Be committed. It's a life long thing, and letting a pet go is very hard.