dog suitable for small garden/apartment

ene

hi,

myself and my partner really want to get a dog so we will be moving to a flat with a garden that accepts dogs in january as our current place is not suitable.

we ideally would want a puppy and we have both had dogs in the past -labrador. westie and daschunds. So we have had a variety of different personalities and needs.

we both work full time- myself from 9-6 and my partner works shifts so she has spoken to her boss and he is happy for her to work weekday nights or weekend days so there will always be someone at home with the pup for the first few months. After the dog is settled in with us and is a bit older (8 months plus) we will either consider doggy day care a couple of times a week or get someone to come in a walk it.

basically what i am asking is what sort of dog would be suitable for this arrangement? My partner ideally would get a lab or a retriever if i let her but i have said they are too big and have too much energy for a small living space.

any advice would be really appreciated!

Millem

ene wrote: »

hi,

myself and my partner really want to get a dog so we will be moving to a flat with a garden that accepts dogs in january as our current place is not suitable.

we ideally would want a puppy and we have both had dogs in the past -labrador. westie and daschunds. So we have had a variety of different personalities and needs.

we both work full time- myself from 9-6 and my partner works shifts so she has spoken to her boss and he is happy for her to work weekday nights or weekend days so there will always be someone at home with the pup for the first few months. After the dog is settled in with us and is a bit older (8 months plus) we will either consider doggy day care a couple of times a week or get someone to come in a walk it.

basically what i am asking is what sort of dog would be suitable for this arrangement? My partner ideally would get a lab or a retriever if i let her but i have said they are too big and have too much energy for a small living space.

any advice would be really appreciated!

I think it depends on the individual dog's personality. I have labs that are soooo lazy but they adore human company. Buy my parents lab has sooooo much energy. All of our dogs are indoor dogs and only go out in the garden to go to the loo or in the summer they like to sunbathe (while you are outside or leave back door open). For us the size of the backgarden makes no difference. My girls curl into balls and my parent's dog sits on their knee!! Hehe so doesn't take up much space!!
My OH always says all 5 of us could actually live in a 1 bed apt with a garden!
One of our neighbours has a jack russell who I would describe as having 20 times the amount of energy as my girls!
Big dogs cost more to feed and vet bills. I am losing a war against dog hair at the mo so that is one thing to consider!!

Many years ago we orginally we going to adopt a westie as our first dog but then we got sent (very good) info on them and decided their personality was not for us!!!

Would you consider a rescue? If the dog is in foster they would be able to give you a good idea of a dog's personality.

VonVix

I'd be inclined to suggest a sighthound/lurcher. Most I've met have been incredibly affectionate and completely lazy, of course you get exceptions who bounce off the wall but they aren't the most common from my experiences lol.

They don't seem like dogs who need a lot of space, they just need a couch!

A lab is likely to get destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They are a breed who really need their people and something to do. I feel the same way about a golden retriever. They are both lovely breeds but they do need a lot more personal time with their humans.

Millem

VonVix wrote: »

I'd be inclined to suggest a sighthound/lurcher. Most I've met have been incredibly affectionate and completely lazy, of course you get exceptions who bounce off the wall but they aren't the most common from my experiences lol.

They don't seem like dogs who need a lot of space, they just need a couch!

A lab is likely to get destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They are a breed who really need their people and something to do. I feel the same way about a golden retriever. They are both lovely breeds but they do need a lot more personal time with their humans.

I agree about the human contact! My girls just love hanging out with us. They even sleep in our room! :eek:

VonVix

Millem wrote: »

I agree about the human contact! My girls just love hanging out with us. They even sleep in our room! :eek:

Lol, I'd say that keeps you feeling safe!

And another thing to the OP, garden size doesn't really matter, it's more important that the dog can get out of the house with you on a regular basis. If most dogs could choose they'd sooner be in the house with you for the whole day than spend a single hour out the back by themselves.

ABajaninCork

Shih Tzu all the way!

Milly33

I was just going to say a lurcher, whippet.. they are unbelievable lazy dogs so they are..Look up any picture of them and youll see them lying on a couch.. They love going for runs and that's it they just sleep other than that.. They are lovely dogs to have and cute as pups, one thing I will say is do not get one if ye lets say may argue loudly they are very sensitive to their surroundings and to you so if ye lets say shout or give out id go with something else

ene

VonVix wrote: »

I'd be inclined to suggest a sighthound/lurcher. .

ok now i have to be difficult and say i personally don't like lurchers.... don't shoot me!

ene

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Shih Tzu all the way!

personally again i would prefer a bigger dog... this is after having westies and daschunds!

VonVix

ene wrote: »

ok now i have to be difficult and say i personally don't like lurchers.... don't shoot me!

That's okay! Honestly, I didn't either until I met/interacted/worked with loads of them. I could never own one personally (they are too chilled out for me, all they want is cuddles and a nap, I prefer dogs that are hard work!) but I can definitely see the appeal when it comes to their character, they are such a pet.

Can you give any other info as to what kind of dog you would like? Especially temperament wise? Granted it is not a one size fits all, but breeds do generally have stand out traits amongst them.

ene

temperment wise i think a breed that would be good with kids and strangers- obviously this is down to socialisation is well! I don't like cavialeir king charles as they aren't intelligent.... so i suppose i would want a bright dog, one who is playful and likes toys!

i do think a labrador or a retrievers personality seems nearly perfect but i just don't think size wise and energy level wise they would suit us!

Knine

I have Border Terriers. Very big dogs in a very small body. Very bright. They are extremely versatile. A well bred Border loves kids, people & even other dogs.

They do love their exercise & their food. My OH calls them the Border Pigs. They do have a hunting instinct. I had to get one of mine out of a tree last week. They are very playful even after hours of walking. They can live into their late teens.

ene

i have looked at border terriers and they seem lovely! my partner i think is really keen on them!

any other suggestions? and any hints for how to cope with a puppy/dog in a small area!

DBB

ene wrote: »

i have looked at border terriers and they seem lovely! my partner i think is really keen on them!

I know a good Border Terrier breeder

Similar size, similar temperament... the Miniature Schnauzer? Or if you wanted a slightly bigger dog, the Standard Schnauzer (though they're rather rare here).
Or how about the Tibetan Terrier?
These are all non/low-shed, and a nice size for apartment life. And hilarious characters too :pac:

ene

ha dbb are you a breeder?
if you are honestly do you think they would suit my op plan?

i have always loved Schnauzers so i think that would definitely be a option! think my partner isn't as keen though!

DBB

ene wrote: »

ha dbb are you a breeder?
if you are honestly do you think they would suit my op plan?

No, I'm not! I hope Knine doesn't mind me telling you that she breeds and shows Borders!
They're a fabulous little dog, probably at the softer end, temperament-wise, of the terrierish-ness scale, with a pretty good reputation around children. They're a pretty healthy breed too, but like anything else, you want to choose your breeder carefully as there are gangsters about.

ene

oh i will have to question her then! i am living near Brighton at the moment but i would have no issue travelling for the right pup!

compared to westies are they very similar? Molly is a pretty typical westie!

DBB

ene wrote: »

compared to westies are they very similar? Molly is a pretty typical westie!

I'd imagine Knine will be able to direct you to good breeders in the UK... they are a very popular breed indeed over there, and with the better standards enforced by the KC Accredited Breeders Scheme, I'd be surprised if you can't get yourself sorted out with a super dog over there
I would say that Borders are gentler than Westies, more patient, steadier, and less prone to aggression. Healthier too (but then again, Westies are one of the most illness-prone breeds there is )
However, I should probably leave it to Knine to tell you more about the breed, whilst I've worked with a few of them training-wise, there's nowt like living with a dog to know what they're like!

Knine

Lets just say that living with a Border Terrier there is never a dull moment. They are lively, playful & very funny. They make great house dogs. They will happily live with a family cat but would not tolerate the neighbours. Don't trust them with small furry creatures.

A Border Terrier with the correct temperament will get on well with other dogs. Buy a badly bred one & they will be quarrelsome & they have powerful jaws.

They do need a secure space because they can climb like monkeys & are escape artists. They are great at agility, tracking, hunting, swimming etc.

Temperament wise as DBB described above but put them in a hunting situation & they are relentless & very tough. They are good at recall off lead but you definitely need to do plenty of recall training as puppies.

They have a double coat that sheds very little that needs hand stripping. This keeps them very warm & means mud & dirt falls off. You can easily be shown how to do this yourself. If you clip off the coat it will no longer be waterproof. They come in a variety of colours - Blue & Tan, Grizzle & Tan, Red & a very rare Wheaten.

Let me know if you would like to find reputable UK breeders & there is also a Border Terrier Welfare group who often have rescues looking for homes.

VonVix

Border terriers are lovely, there's one that I've got a soft spot for, she's under a year old and will gladly lick you to death... I had a good giggle only last week when I saw her soaking wet, her coat reminded me of a porcupine. She is the cutest and sweetest little thing and I'm not a terrier person.

ene

borders seem like a lovely dog! knife could you let me know if you know any breeders near brighton? i don't mind travelling a bit for the right dog!

if anyone has any more suggestions i would really appreciate it!

Knine

Looking into Breeders near Brighton for you. If you were willing to travel, there is a fab litter who were born this week here in Galway. They are related to my own & temperaments will be great.

Ashbx

ene wrote: »

i have looked at border terriers and they seem lovely! my partner i think is really keen on them!

any other suggestions? and any hints for how to cope with a puppy/dog in a small area!

I agree with Knine!

I have a border terrier too and they are great. They do have a good bit of energy but as long as you walk them daily (I walk mine at least twice a day but I have a border collie so lots of walks are a must also!) but when we return, Chip, my border terrier is happy to lounge on the couch until I bring her out again!

Fantastic little dogs with great personalities!!

Much like you, I work 9-5 and my boyfriend works shifts (either 6.30 - 2 or 2-10) and have never had an issue with the terrier being left on her own.

ene

Knine wrote: »

Looking into Breeders near Brighton for you. If you were willing to travel, there is a fab litter who were born this week here in Galway. They are related to my own & temperaments will be great.

i would definitely be up for travelling if i need to but can not get the puppy till i move into my new apartment which will be mid january so i think those puppies might be a little bit too old at that point!!

thanks so much for looking into it!!