Advice from you Dog Owners

Hey Guys

Looking into getting my first dog. I live on my own in a Condo (until the gf moves in), that's about 750 square feet.

I'm trying to do some research at the best dog for the condo environment. I work 8 hours a day (9am to 5pm and am home usually by 6:30pm). But my work isn't that far away so I could come home at lunch for a short visit, then head back to work.

Can you guys offer any advice on what type I should be looking at? Medium/small size is what I'd like. Something along the lines of a Pug/Beagle (Puggle) mix?

I wouldn't have any problem giving discipline when needed, but I obviously don't want a nightmare. A quick learner that doesn't mind spending time alone, that won't destroy my furniture, lol.

Beagle is not a bad idea. Maybe look into a Bulldog as well. Stay away from maltese, yorkies. Dachshunds are pretty good too if you like weiner dogs.

The issue with bulldogs is that they require some grooming attention. They are one of my favourite dogs, them and Staffordshire bull terriers (can't own those in Ontario though). Bulldogs require help with cleaning under their wrinkles because moisture can build up in there and cause skin sores. It's more common when they are younger because the folders are bigger and all over their body. But still a great dog, all the weight of a big dog in half the size

I also gotta say that I absolutely love my Springer Spaniel. His name is Ernie, he's a great dog, listens great, is great with kids, and new people. He's also very protective, he will sleep outside my door all night long, he wont move unless he hears someone at the front door. Besides that, he will lay there. He has always cried when he needed to pee, and was very easy to potty train. The main issue with them, is that they stay puppies forever. They will start to look older, but never stop wanting to play like a pup, so they can have a little more energy than you may like. They aren't as bad as a boxer, or a border collie, but they are definitely playful.

Here's a couple pics

Nice dog Brandon, Same thing, we have a rottweiler German Shepard mix and he only cried as a pup when he had to pee or take a dump. I would suggest a German Dog, they are one of the smartest dogs and easiest to train.

But just make sure you have the time and dedication to do it, I know numerous people who have gotten dogs and they have ended up giving them away. Be prepared to have hard nights.

Nice looking dog Brandon! Reminds me of the dog I had growing up.

I think something a bit smaller would be better. 22lbs or less.

I hear you Deep. There's an ad for a dog sitter/walker in our building ($15-$30 a day) or something. So I mean, I always have that to fall back on the days that I won't be able to come home at lunch time.

22lbs? Even a bull dog weighs in at 60lbs, but is still pretty small.

I know pugs have a lot of health problems, or at least I have heard of it

Ah I guess. Ignore the weight then, it's the size that is a key factor. So yeah, the size of a bulldog (maybe a little bit bigger) but smaller than say... a golden lab

Ernie is up to my knee. Weighs around 60 - 70lbs. I'm 6' tall, he's definitely a medium sized dog. Bigger than a beagle, smaller than a yellow lab
Here's a shot of their size, this obviously isn't Ernie's breed of springer, but you get an idea

Fyi pugs also have the annoying habit of leaving small, razor sharp thin hairs everywhere! If you allow it on your furniture, you can bet that after you stand up you'll be coated in hair - Worst than a cat.

Cute little dog you have there Brandon

For 750sq foot condo, a small pug sounds good. You don't want a long haired double coated dog either.

For a little 20lber, as long as he has a place to go potty, you don't necessarily have to take him for walks. If your spending the time with him and giving him exercise that's good enough. My dog is a trooper, he can go days without walks, lol. I do however spend the time with him. Only time we hire a dog walker is when we go on vacations.

As a fellow dog owner my advice is dont do it. They require more attention then a girlfriend or a child and you can never sleep out. If you go out and have a few drinks you have to make it home to make sure you let the dog out or have someone do it for you. If the dog gets bored he will trash your house. It will take a while to house train him. Also living in a condo you cant just let him out. You will have to take him down for a washroom break 3-4 times a night unless you set up something on a balcony.

Little dogs also tend to have a more high tempo temperment. I have a 130 pnd Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff). He is a great dog. Never jumps on people, not a hyper dog at all.

I love my dog but I will prob not get another. I want to go south for a week and finding someone to watch my dog was harder then finding someone to watch my kids.

Just my 2 cents

Also does your condo have hardwood floors? MY dog trashed the hardwood in about 6 months and ruined my carpets. Luckily for me he has not chewed my any of my furniture as a lot of dogs do but he did eat my 2 week old Blackberry.

That's why I'd only ever get an outdoor dog. Ours is 100lbs or pure Alaskan Malamute. He's got his own chain link dog run with dog house in it.

The way I grew up, people live in the house, dog lives outside

I have Devon Rex cats. Let me tell you that they are literally a dog trapped inside a cats body. VERY VERY VERY Dog like cats. Read up on them. incredible personality. Not snobby or shy like most cats, they are IN YOUR FACE all the time. Very great companions.

They are all the fun of a dogs company, without having all the extra responsibility. They sleep when your not home, and poop and pis in a box. The coolest thing about them is their ability (or lack there of) to "talk" very vocal cats. Not meow y annoying vocals, more like barking, im serious. they think they speak English, I can have entire conversations with them lol.

Just sayin

EDIT, forgot to mention, I got two of them (siblings) because one alone would tear your house appart out of spite when your not home and because of boredom. The two of them entertain eachother when Im not home.

leaving for the weekend isnt an issue either. They manage fine by themselves. When your home is another story.

Your welcome to meet them if you ever consider a Devon instead of a dog.

I have a Korean Jindo, which is part of the Spitz family.

She's a good size, only 44 lbs at her heaviest I think it was.

We were in a 3 bedroom apartment, square footage I'm not sure of, but it was larger than your condo.

Anyways, really great dogs, known to be super loyal, but must be trained properly, because they can be aggressive to others.

Really depends on the dog.

My pup was easy to train, these dogs are super smart.

She chewed my cellphone charger once, never again after I scolded her face to face, no abuse or physical stuff of course. Potty trained herself, and lets you know when she wants to go outside with a whine, and eats when she wants to, so she's kinda like a cat in that sense.

They basically groom themselves, but are double coated dogs so she sheds like a mother 2 times out of the year.

They're runners so you have to take them out often or when you do you have have to go for long runs and train them off leash.

What else can I say? Not too big, not too small, great dog.

Females are smaller than the males, and males look more aggressive and can be too.

Hard to find these dogs though. My father's friend bred them.

They're only recognized as a pure breed in California, the UK (I think), and Asia.

Don't ask me why, I have no clue. If you want to meet my dog, let me know.

She's at my parent's place near Jane/Eglinton.

Oh yeah, they are easily leash trained as well. Brave and fearless personality makes them very trainable, like a dog

Short hair, not a lot of shedding, and people with allergies aren't bad around these guys.

Beauty!

Thanks!

My friend's a dog breeder. Specific type of dog, I forget the name. Nova Scotia something or other.

Here are some pics.

By the way yes that's a real freakin' wing in her mouth. Eww.





Edit: Mike here's his email address. He said he can help with finding breeders and such, and to avoid pet stores. Anyways, here's his email address and remind him that I referred you so he doesn't just skip the email. lol
christopherchoi@hotmail.com

Sorry, been busy at work to reply quickly.

Rob, a cat is defiantly out of the question. I can't stand them, lol.

My whole condo is hardwood floors. I was planning on getting one of those pee mat containers (that look like grass) which blocks the odor. There was a site which advertised them for every size dog. Aren't the floors usually durable?

Tim, you made a valid point. Though I think I'm past the "drinking every weekend, and partying all the time" stage in my life. I would rather save my money then blow it on alcohol. I'll go out the odd time, but I never get that drunk where if I came home to a dog, I would just ignore it.

Nova Scotia Duck toller for the previous post they are amazing dogs as well highly trainable

I understand, completely. Some people are just not cat people, but I challenge you to have the same mind set after meeting MY cats.

This breed is popular with people, as yourself, who question whether or not they are up for the responsibility of a dog, but want the qualities a dog gives them as a companion.

That grass floor mat thing sounds imperitive if you have all hardwood. I too live in a condo, with hardwood everywhere. Just breaking a glass on the dining room floor is big damage, cant imagine a dog scrambling around the condo playing and running around.

U may want to consider area rugs until its mature enough to settle down and not damage the floor.

Good luck and cheers.

Nova Scotia Duck Toller is a super cute dog. I'll do some research on that breed

Bingo Jason!

As for aren't floors durable Mike...well let's just say a dog's piss isn't water. lol

Training the dog is all up to you.

Man those Nova Scotia duck toller's are really cute as pups!

Those puppies are WAY too adorable, nice looking breed!

Personally I like Mix breads so I would recommend that, and getting it from a pound (They usually need it more). Mine was a mix labrador and terrier Here's Zazou as an infant, and all grown up. Greatest dog ever!

Good point, way too many animals who need a good home who have an uncertain near future in a crowded shelter.

Whatever you choose, just don't buy an overpriced one from a Pet store. They can develop psychological problems being boxed up in their little enclosures all day. You can find a pure bred pup from any breeder for 1/2 the price. The pups are raised in litters and the breeders will not let them go until they are 8 weeks old. They need to spend that first 8 weeks with the mother and other siblings. I've seen 4-6 week old pups being sold in pet stores.

My wife and I drove to Ottawa to pick up our Casper from a breeder called Yukon Jak. I paid $800 for him, and he's a show quality Alaskan Malamute. Registered with papers and all he would have been $2000, but we're not into that stuff as we just wanted a pet.

Anyways this dog is NOT for you :

Gorgeous dog Reza!

I'm just a general fan of the whole spitz family.

Thanks Michael, I feel the same with the Spitz breeds. Spitz family of dogs are well adapted to cold weather climates. In -30 degree weather, I find my dog sleeping out on the snow instead of inside his insulated dog house.

Reza how does he deal with the summer, I was told having a pool for them to jump in is good.

In the summer I put a huge tarp over the dog run so he gets shade all day and his water bowl is always full. On the really hot days I'll add ice to his water bowl. He chills out or sleeps in one spot during the day and just paces himself so he doesn't heat up, same behaviour as wolves in the summer. He definately enjoys his baths in the summer too. I just tie him up to the garage door and hose him down after lathering him up with baby shampoo.

A little kids pool is a great idea, they will more than likely be in the pool all day.

Yeah that is what i heard, the plastic kids pools are the best. So do you ever let him come inside?

My dog likes to stay indoors where the AC is blasting.

Haha.

Also, spitz family dogs don't really need shampooing that often, their skin is sensitive.

My dog rubbed her snout raw due to allergies, we tried everything at the vet, nothing worked until we tried teatree oil and she stopped after a while.

Never, he doesn't know what inside is. It makes them more rugged and they stay healthier as outdoors is their natural environment. Only time I let him indoors was when we picked him up at 8 weeks old and it was -28 degree outside. I let my wife keep him inside the house in a big box for 3 days. After that I put a heat lamp in his dog house and that was it. He adapted very well.

The eskimos didn't take these dogs off their harnesses and pull them into their ingloos to sleep with them. A little hay tossed next to the dog was adequate enough for them to curl up and keep warm in -40 degree temps. As long as you have some sort of dog house to block off the wind, that is more than enough. My last malamute didn't have an insulated dog house or partition in his dog house to block off direct wind. He was fine.

Here's Casper at a little over 9 weeks old. The wired fending has since been replaced with 10x8 foot chain link panels :

Spoiled dog !

Your right with the shampooing, they are generally odourless dogs. They shed blankets though in spring and fall.

We should collect all the damn fur and knit a sweater or a little jacket for the rearview mirror like Brendan C did. LOL

LOL Michael that is a good one.

What about digging for your dog. We used to have a german sheppard and she would try to dig under the fence all the time so we ended up tiling the who are with cement tiles.

Yup they LOVE to dig. Casper's dog run is completely tiled up with those cement tiles now too. At first it was just a few cement tiles, then he'd always find a new spot to dig. I finally got sick of the holes and just tiled up his whole area, lol.

If these dogs wanted to escape they would rather dig a hole than try to jump the fence.

Sam and I have a Jack Russel/Beagle mix. He's crate trained and we live in an apartment, he doesn't bark. He's a very smart dog, and we got him when he was 9 weeks old.

He won't be much bigger than about 20 lbs, and that suits us.

Crate training is a big one. It's a little frustrating at first for the first few weeks, but afterwards, its like their little home and as long as you keep it clean, comfortable and have toys in there for him/her, it won't mind going in there at all.

Dexter sleeps through the night in his crate, stays in there 8 hours a day when we're gone, rarely does he have accidents in it and when we're home, we give him lots of attention.

My experience anyway....

Reza really? My dog isn't much of a digger.

Jindos are known to act up if left alone to their own devices for too long, especially in pairs.

They're also known to be master escape artists, and prefer to climb and jump fences.

When my dog was maybe 3 months old, I came home and found her roaming the livingroom when she was supposed to be in her collapsible cage!

She forced one of the corner gaps open and squeezed through!

She'll chase any squirrel she can see, and will try to eat birds. One time she caught a seagull...not a pretty sight, and she smelled like a fish store for a couple of days.

*barf*

So you got him when he was 9 weeks old... and then trained him along side yours and your wifes work schedule?

If I got a puppy on a weekend, and spent all weekend with him/her do you think he/she would be fine for 4-8 hours alone for the first few weeks? I just don't want the dog to feel like I'm abandoning them when I'm at work and they are stuck inside a create/blocked off area.

Adorable dog Reza!

I personally wouldn't buy a dog if I lived in a Condo, it just seems like too much work. Ernie is an outside and inside dog. He has a house outside, so if I'm not going to be home all day, I leave him outside, his house has some insulation and all that jazz, he lives the dream out there. Not to mention, when the bunnies come hopping through he goes INSANE.

but having to go up and down flights of stairs etc to let a dog out in the middle of the night just seems like so much work. I like the ability to just open a sliding door and out he goes, and in 15 - 20 mins I come back and he's sitting at the door waiting for me to let him in.

Ernie is 10 years old but acts like he's 2, just as stupid as ever, but he's my boy, and I love him more than my own mother and father! haha.

It just seems like the situation you are in right now Mike might not work for a dog, unless you have someone to come up and let him out a few times a day, or spend the day with him.

That's why I'm hesitating Brandon. The pee pad/grass thing would have to do for when I'm not home, and when I am home... I'd give him/her all the attention I can until bed. Then wake up 45ish minutes early every morning for a walk, and repeat until the weekend.

Lots of owners in the condo building have dogs. I see them all the time in the elevator so it's not like a super rare thing.

Not a problem Mike!

Just cage train 'em!

Never say goodbye, just leave or they'll feel abandoned.

Really?

Oh yea, son of a bitch can dig!

Mike, don't feel like your abandoning the dog. If your set on getting one, buy a crate and leave him in there while your gone for the day, similar to what Ryan does. He'll whine for a few days or weeks when he's a pup. Just don't attend to him when he does

Definitely do NOT go running when they whine or cry. That was my father's damn fault. We can leave her alone now that she's 5, but even still she bitches and whines about it.

He would run to her everytime as a pup.

Don't feel bad. Haha.

Is that David Spade?

Toller's are $1000-$2000 per puppy, with the avg. price of $1500 according to your friend, Michael. Pretty expensive, but I guess it's fare since they are 1 of 4 true canadian breeds.

He sent me pictures and they are super good looking dogs.

After a bath

if you go pure breed they are all going to cost you. Andrew and I were talking about this with my Bengal cat they go up to 3K in price. You also have to take in to consideration its a life sentence not something that when you dont want it that it will go away. Your world revolves around them. Vet bills the saying sick as a dog came to be for a reason and well they are not cheap to maintain or fix when broken (goes with out saying on a DSM forum)
I think your taking the smarter path and getting some opinions which shows smarts on your side.
Condos also have issues with dogs, maybe its better when you get a house instead?

Okay so let's talk about cost then.

Say $1200 for the above puppy

... What are the bills that come with it? Cost of vet checks / grooming, etc.

I have a decent paying job, and well... the settlement cheque of my Eclipse put me well ahead. Not saying I want to blow it on a dog, but it would help to see some numbers

Well find out what fixing the pup will be and then from there hopefully a few dog owners will pipe up about costs.
I know my cat has cost me almost a grand this year alone however truth be told I knew that going in. Very temperamental bellies and what no one could have known a cryptic testical (only one ball had dropped by 6 months
There will be cost of kennel(always a good thing to crate a dog they don't piss where they lay)
May want some training so that you have a good dog when walking him in public areas (Optional but real)
toys surprisingly add up and with pups its way faster.
Trips to the vet over issues like he starts to vomit start at $100 here and that's NS not Ontario where I am thinking more.
Dental seems to be the growing trend with dogs and cats as well for health reasons and that just adds to the bills.
shots to keep them up to date is a few hundred in the beginning then maybe a small amount as time goes on.
Fleas and what ever else your environment offers up.
Please understand I am not trying to be negative I am only saying think it through simply due to the fact that shelters are full of animals that people didn't do their thinking up front. (as previously stated I think your doing the right thing asking opinions shows that your trying to think this through!)
PS above stated puppy is BEAUTIFUL great dogs very good with almost everything

Well said

Looks a tad like the Keeshond I had growing up when he was a puppy. Very handsome boy you got there.

Thanks Jason! I'll try and figure that out. Now that I've contacted Michael's friend... maybe he can give me some pretty close estimates since he has experience with this exact breed. Couldn't hurt to ask.

Reza - Huskey's in the puppy stage are one of my favourite dogs by far. I wish they could stay that size!

I love bull dogs in the puppy stage, too adorable

it may be too big and tough in a apartment, but I wouldnt trade my Chocolate lab for anything, he's my best bud, we hunt and fish together all the time, loves people and just being outside with you.

tipped the scales at 100 lbs lol, .... he's not fat he's big boned!

8 weeks


1.5 years

100lb chocolate lab? That's a big fracking boy! haha

My friend's chocolate lab was fat as frack, I think she was close to 150lbs, that thing was like a cow hahaha

JRT FOR THE WIN!!!

sorry, Jack Russel Terrier. A VERY good choice for apartment dwelling and well mannered, always well socialized, easy *EASY* to train, they don't eat much too (save some $), and well, they're cute as F#CK!!!

JRT! wish I had one

I find Jack Russel's too hyper.

Mike, you can't go wrong with the advice my friend Chris is giving you.

Also, vet costs, etc., aren't too bad. Kinda like going to the dentist for us humans.

Grooming, you can do on your own, or if you get a short haired dog you don't have to groom them.

I've never had to take my dog to a groomer, just did it myself. Thick coat have to brush a lot twice a year, but that's it.

If you're worried about the cost of a dog, then don't get one, they are a LOT of work.

You have to be committed and consider the dog a part of your immediate family. Can't really think of it as just a dog or I really wouldn't recommend getting one.

Literally like having a baby.

If I were u I'd wait till I live in a house or work from home in a condo - once u get a dog they need constant attension for the first couple weeks or like another member said they will get bored and start destroying ur furniture

Reza Do u feed ur dog raw meat ? Neutered?

Daniel, we just got him neutered from the OSPCA in Newmarket. Cost $70 instead of $700 from the vet ! 5-6 month wait time though. He's 2 years old now. Its the first time I have ever gotten a dog neutered too, and I really felt that he didn't need it.

I feed him 2 CUPS of dry dog food every day. He gets 1 cup (i.e. 250ml) of pebbles in the morning and 1 cup in the evening, thats all! No meat. His food costs me $40 a month. 30lb bag of Authority dog food. I don't take him to the vet regularly and neither do I fall in for their BS cash grabs if I have to take him in. A lot of vets are full of it. Other than regular vaccinations and deworming, I have $0 vet bills. I do not believe in insurance for my dog either.

I know how to give my dog people medicine when they do get sick, I've been doing it for years. For example, imodium, childrens tylenol, sudafed, and other off the shelf things from the drug mart in small childrens quantities. I even clean my dogs ears out with a long tweezer, cotton swabs and hydrogen peroxide. I don't use BS dog shampoo either that costs like $10 a bottle. Baby shampoo (tearless) works better and is like $3 a bottle. I like to keep my pet costs at a minimum. Honestly, I don't even feel that he costs me anything. $40 a month on dog food in nothing.

I'll tell you a little story when I went to pick him up from the OSPCA a few weeks earlier after he got neutered. There must have been 25 cats & dogs there getting neutered or spayed that day. All animals were indoor pets except mines.

They brought all the dogs out one by one. With all owners standing there, every dog that came out had a problem or another with it. A lump, rash, fleas or something that was of concern. The lady there took the time to explain to each owner what they found wrong with their pet while they were operating on him/her, while every other owner was standing there listening.

When she brought Casper out, she said they could not find ANYTHING wrong with my dog, not even fleas, nothing, NADA

There was one main difference b/w my dog and all the others, he's an outdoor dog

Good point I agree. Less exposure to all harsh chemicals we use for cleaning and more fresh air.

Plus I'm sure it helps their immune systems. Purely a guess.

I know it's hard to keep from giving your pet a treat now and then, but it's best to just give them dry food like Reza does.

My father screwed that one up too and has to feed our dog wet food now or a mix of both. Jeez.

Once they try wet food or raw meat (which is great, but costly) they will NEVER go back to dry food. NEVER.

Keeping them outside exposes them to everything and their immune systems gets really strong. I do give him 1 treat a day too like a milkbone. Occasionaly he'll get one of those huge mammoth bones which can keep him busy for a few days.

My dog LOVES his dry food, lol. Makes the stools easier to pick up too!

Oh, if you know any Korean people, ask them for their leftover Kalbi bones. Great for their teeth, my dog loves 'em!

That's actually really good information Reza, I had no idea about the children's shampoo. Ernie's hair gets pretty long and shaggy, he looks cute as hell, kinda like a big mop, but I wont be buying any more of that dog shampoo that's forsure.

With Ernie, he gets his bowl filled up once a day, and he eats it in portions, it's weird, he will only eat his food if you tell him too, or if you are eating too, then when you eat your food, he thinks it's time for him to eat his food, and goes off to eat.

I do give him a chicken breast occasionally, or some steak, it's not much, but maybe once a week he will get one or the other. He is well trained though, so you tell him to go down the stairs of the deck outside to eat, he will sit there and wait for the food. He wont get any potatoes again though, he shits like no ones business after some baked potato! haha

When I was trying to find a dog, I did tons and tons of research on various breeds.
I also waited until I WAS READY and able to devote most of my attention to whatever dog I would bring home.

I looked at general personalities inherent in various breeds, visited pet stores (just for visuals, not intent on buying).
Did some short term fostering of a few dogs for the humane society here and there to make sure I was ready for the commitment.

I live in a bachelor apartment and have a Boxer. No issues with it as I started training the moment I brought her home at 8 weeks.
The training has been constant ever since.
She's a year and 8 months old now, she sits, lies down with head up, puts head down, paw, other paw, give me 5, wait, leave it, give me kissy, roll over, drop (when she has something in her mouth), Speak (bark), speak quiet (low medium pitch hum), LOOK LOOK! (Used for her to scout around on full alert), it's okay relax (snaps her out of alert mode) etc etc.

When I took her to the vet a few months back for rabbies vaccine and checkup, she was in perfect health, no issues, and the vet was saying how lucky my dog is to have an owner that provides so much life for her in terms of exercise, training, attention etc.

And I work full time during the day.

The bottom line is research, make sure you're a good fit for the breed, and spend as much time as you can with the dog, and never stop training/going back to things that you may have stopped teaching a while ago once your dog it.

Mocha won't eat unless I say "okay". She'll sit in front of her bowl full of food just staring at me waiting for me to say okay. If I put my hand in her bowl while she's eating, she backs up and waits for to say it's okay again.

If you're willing to put in the time/money/effort, go for it!
I wouldn't trade my dog for the world!

Mike, in response to your earlier post.

Yes, we did train him alongside our work schedules. I work a very straight 7-5 shift whereas Sam works awkward hours and random days off being with Corrections, so there is someone home most of the time.

If you've been raised with dogs, taking care of one will come naturally.

If you want to hunt get one of these, lol

i had 6 of these growing up, did lots of coon huntin' in the valley, lol

I have a pug beagle mix a pugle at least that's what he is supposed to be.He is a great dog but he is way bigger then what he was supposed to be he is 45lbs + and has a huge head.I've seen a few boxer mixes and he is bigger then them,people are always going ''we thought it was a pugle but he so big we weren't sure'' I tell them it's the giant pugle and some beleve me LOL

I'm not big on Pug mixes as you can get even more health issues and Pugs can have enough or so they say.

Everyone on here has seen my Pug, Gizmo. He's over a year now and a ball of energy. This picture is several months old.


I was always told pugs are not energetic dogs but I think that's a lie or Giz is just the odd one out. He plays fetch for hours on end, gets 2km (some times longer) walks every day (unless it's raining) and is pretty much always ready to play. Of course he is a puppy still so this might change.
Only down sides to a pug is they are high maintenance, you need to clean their wrinkles, watch their weight (Gizmo is 20lbs which is over weight according to the CKC but the Vet says he's best kind) and they shed an lot, I mean a LOT. You will need to take out stock in 3M because you'll be using lint rollers all the time and vacuuming/cleaning every other day. That doesn't even cover grooming the dog.

All that said, I wouldn't give up Gizmo for the world. He's an awesome dog with a great personality.

Also, I think in your Condo a smaller dog is a better idea then a big one (just my imo). If I had a bigger yard I've have a bigger dog. I want a Malamute or Lab one day.

Cute dog Anthony

Pug's shed a lot? That right there might force me to rule the breed out. Damnit

The breeder of the duck toller puppies is slow at responding (or maybe he'd rather me phone him). I wish they weren't so damn expensive from him

I think if I were to commit to buying a dog, that it'd need to be after Christmas as things get pretty busy with the family.

Dudes, I just got to pet and play with a little 8 week old Golden Retriever in my office lobby.

Little pup's a future guide dog, poor guy, this is all the petting he'll ever really get, apart from his future owner who will be very lucky to have him.

I forgot how sharp puppies teeth are. Little guy was gnawing at my fingers like all pups do, almost took some skin off.

LOL

Mike any dog you get will be awesome. Just remember to take LOADS of video and pictures, because they grow so damn quickly.

I have a blue nose pitbull(18 inches in height and 87lbs in weight), its my second pitbull and IMO its the best type of breed even though its banned in ontario...they are just pure clowns. I got the last of the grandfather pitbulls just before they were banned, they are perfect size breeds for apartments or a house. I feel bad that people wont get to have first hand experience with pitbulls anymore.

I agree with Mike, everyone loves their particular breed of dog the most and will tell you that's the breed to get.
The most important thing is to do your research, google, CKC and AKC websites are a great wealth of information.

We did a bunch of research before before we got Gizmo but somehow missed the shedding thing lol. Still I would not trade him for the world.



My Anut in MI has a Pit Bull and he's a HUGE suck. He thinks he's a 100lbs lap dog. I'll admit I was skiddish at first but he's such a gentle dog it's unreal.
Sad that one breed can have such a bad rap just because of a few people.

When I was at school yesterday they had a bunch of these little guys for a photo shoot. I wanted to take one home with me.

Agreed, one of the regular patrons at my father's old bar brought his pitbull in with him everytime.

I was nervous at first as well, but the guy was so relaxed and happy.

Huge suck for sure.

Hey Mike, read this: http://bestnew-pet.com/jindo-jindo-dog-detailed-characteristics.html

and more on Jindos on wikipedia.

Again very hard to find, but if you do find a pure Jindo, go for it!
You can tell by all the pictures online and of my bitch whether its pure or not.

If you have to question or it doesn't have the shape/face of my dog then unfortunately it's not pure.

That is if it's a white/cream coloured one like mine is, which is the most sought after kind of Jindo.

The darker coloured ones can look like a small Shepherd, or just look like a pumped up aggressive version of my dog.

Edit: Jindo on 'roids if you will. lol

Preferably Jindos should not be kept in apartments but rather a home with a large backyard to play in. This breed needs plenty of daily exercise.

Jindos are beautiful but I was also reading into this "he Jindo is a breed that craves the companionship of its owner – left alone or ignored for any length of time it will become bored, lonely and destructive"

They need lots of exercise, but they actually are great condo dogs. They don't mind it. I read it elsewhere and my dog is the same way.

There are conflicting views, but they're fine in condos really.

Bryan> that's if they're neglected. If you train them well and take them out daily without missing a day and making it a good trip out, they're completely fine alone.

Great guard dogs. Really.

Only downside, which is their achilles heel, would possibly be their independence. True, if they feel neglected or lonely, they WILL do something about it, whatever that may be. lol

One day my dog just out of the blue decided to give me the stink eye and ignore me.

This was because I had stopped taking her out, and my father took over.

So when I visited she'd kind of flip me off lol

Eventually I won her back, but damn they're so great!

She's a true bitch!

So two walks a day (say around 8am, then around 6:30pm) then a couple visits at lunch time during the week would be enough for that kind of dog?

I guess any dog wouldn't want to be alone for 8 hours a day until it's at least a few months old?

The dog being alone for 8 hours of the day is perfectly fine. A lot of people work 9-5 jobs and do as such, most of the time leave them in a crate or enclosed area in the house while your gone. Unless of course you trust your dog to have the whole house to himself.

Also, you don't really need to walk your dog twice a day. Once is more then enough, unless he's got to go pee or poo and you have no choice!

Once they are adults and your not overfeeding them, they sh!t one time a day. My dog usually shits once a day, or he'll split it up into 3 times during his walk, thus I carry at least 3 doggie bags with me. He'll squat just for the hell of it, I think for a "Good Boy"! Dogs are weird sometimes.

Ok cool, thanks for clearing that up Reza!

Wow Mike, yes, that's a great amount.

Later when the dog gets older you can leave them for longer periods.

You never ideally want to, but many people train their dogs that way or cage train them, etc.

If pit bulls weren't band id say get one there great ! heres mine when he was 6 months old

Just your average day, swinging on a tree at the park?

yup pretty much he loves doing that lol.

I've noticed a few Staffs/pits hanging from trees, must be something within the breed.