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.