https://dogbehaviorscience.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/100-years-of-breed-improvement/ A hundred years ago purebreds were pretty messed up, but with another century of inbreeding todays dogs are just freaks.
I have a house with a yard but live alone. So I ended up giving my dog away. It sucked leaving him home while I worked and wasn't fair to him. Especially if u go out or gym etc. They can tell when you leave and when I do finally come home they're like where you beeeen man?!
I can't advise anymore than what's already posted in this thread that getting a mutt is the safe way to go. They are MUCH healthier both short-term and long-term, they'll live longer, healthier, happier lives. Also, please go to a shelter, those animal shops are mostly puppy mills, where they are raised in horrid conditions and kept in such until they are sold. I got mine from the SPCA on Portway. She's 9.5 years old and other than a bit more napping has the same energy and bounce in her step as she did as a 6 month old. She has had only a small minor health issue which was extremely easy to fix (ordered her some pills online for $20) and I'll be shocked if she leaves me in the next 3 years. I could not be happier with my decision, she's my rock.
I'd recommend a dog from an animal shelter. They have both purebred and mutts there. Plus at least at the Austin animal shelters, if a pet has been there awhile, a couple of dedicated volunteers do write reviews on dogs up for adoption that'll give you a better idea of the dog's temperament. For example, one of my dogs is a Border Collie I got from TLAS. Border's are typically horrible apartment dogs because they're typically high energy and can get destructive if not given proper stimulus. The one I have though really doesn't care to go out unless she has to pee and is very much an indoor dog.
Any breed of retriever is going to have a ton of energy and may not be able to get it all out in an apartment. Poodle breeds (you don't have to give them a poodle cut) make some of the best inside dogs and they don't shed. Anything mixed with a Poodle usually takes on the non shedding and the more laid back personality of a poodle. (usually)
The only downside to non-shedding dogs is the cost of trimming their coat. If you're on a budget, it's one of those overlooked expenses you might not be expecting. Plus, their coat sticks to everything. Burrs, sticks, dirt, and leaves just stick to their coats like they're taped or something. They're more high maintenance in that regard because if you do take them outside, expect to spend at least 20 minutes to an hour brushing nature out of their fur when you come back home.
Frankly, your desire for an active dog while living in an apartment simply doesn't work. Don't force it. If you want a big dog, Danes/Mastiffs can be suitable for apartment living, but you should really look into life expectancy and veterinary expenses to ensure that's something you are willing/capable of taking on. Otherwise, hold off a few more years until you get yourself a more suitable housing situation and enjoy the extra cash flow.
Yeah I'm gonna say that's a crappy theory. I had a mutt that died at 3 from an enlarged heart. Almost small mutts develop leg problems. I specifically chose my dog because of his bloodline and family history of great health. He's a pure breed spawn of show dogs.
You will need to play with a Lab, but they are the greatest dogs ever. I had my guy in an apartment with me for 2 years and he never caused any trouble, and was an amazing guard dog. I did play with him every night for about an hour and walked him every morning for about 30 minutes. I would recommend adopting one that's over 2 though, that's when they start to calm down.
Thanks for the input y'all. Still struggling to make a decision. The last thing I want to do is have to return the dog.
The only thing I can tell you about is a Great Pyrenees. And I mention it because for a large dog, they are less energetic than most. They were bred to be sheep guarding dogs, not runners or hunters or terriers. They do like to range a lot, but they do it at a walk. So, I don't think they'll go as crazy being cooped up while you're at work. That's probably true of all the other livestock guardian dogs too (not to be confused with herding dogs that tend to be more active), but I haven't owned those.
