I've been thinking about adding a family member around the holidays/new year. I'd like a small or medium-sized dog, but I don't want one that has a really annoying, high-pitched bark. I'd actually prefer a large dog but I think I'm going to wait until I have a house in a few years. I live by myself in a second floor 900 sq ft apartment, and there are lots of nature and trails around me so space and daily exercise shouldn't be a problem. I also work from home most of the time, so I won't be leaving it alone for 8+ hours on weekdays. 2-4 hours most of the time. I want a playful dog that will get all excited with new people and play fetch, but also likes to sit in laps and chill out. I wouldn't mind having a dog that would raise **** if there was ever an intruder... I'm aiming for 1-5 years old. I think I'm just going to start looking around at CAP/SPCA over the next couple months...you can never plan on looking into a dog's eyes and knowing he/she's "the one", but I wouldn't mind getting some input if there's a certain type of dog you would recommend. and for the love of god, no cats.
Don't discount the giant breeds- Great Danes or Mastiffs. They're really big couch potatoes, and usually very chill. Honestly, they're perfect for small apartments. They also have the added benefit of scaring the **** out of anyone who tries to break into your apt.
what're your preferences on shedding? i have a shiba inu, and aside from the fetching, they sound like what you're looking for. but they do shed more than i anticipated. and they dont look very good if you shave them.
black or yellow lab - great dogs and also great with children. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
You describe a whippet! And they don't shed much either. Great for Texas weather and super animals. That's a puppy photo I just found. Ours (not shown) is now 30 lbs, a little higher than my knee, catches frisbees like a mofo, loves people and other dogs, and is a chill couch/lap potato in the house.
Get a mutt. Something with some lab in it. Avoid pit I have Rhodesian ridgeback, great dog but mutts are usually healthier and have less breed type issues. Labs have lots of energy so you may not get much work done if you get a dog that's bouncing off the walls all the time bigger it is shorter it lives
Whatever you do, do not get a beagle. I love mine, but we got our first one as a puppy and lived in an apartment at the time. It was hell. If you share walls with anyone, a hound of any type is not for you.
http://www.selectsmart.com/dog/ I took the quiz and gave answers based on what I know of you and on what you said here in the thread. I'm not sure you'll like the suggestions if you get the same ones I did...
I should get some Mutt of some kind, but the top two full breeds were the Schipperke and the Welsh Terrier. Not sure what a schipperke is.
1. Mixed Breed Dog 100% 2. American Eskimo-Standard 69% 3. Cocker Spaniel 69% 4. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen 67% 5. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 65% 6. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 65% 7. Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) 64% 8. Shiba Inu 64% 9. Polish Lowland Sheepdog 63% 10. Whippet 62% Shedding isn't really a deal breaker for me. Also, what updawg said worries me. I'd get a big dog, but I would rather have my companion live 12-15 years like my childhood dogs (shih tzu poos).
We must have been lucky. Dexter has always been one of the most mellow dogs I've ever owned. We heard all the horror stories about Jacks, but never had any problem with him. He was full of energy the first two years, but after that became a couch potato. Never barks unless he has something to say and loves to play. He was also the runt of his litter so that might have had something to do with his personality.
A little different than what I got for you. Of your results, I like the Nova Scotia Retriever and the Shiba Inu. Although the Cocker Spaniel did give you 69, so that's pretty good too.
Boxers are great dogs... we have one and she is great around the kids, loves to play, is very affectionate, confident, good with other dogs (wants to chase cats), and is a good guard dog. The females go about 55-60 pounds, which really isn't that big. They are very athletic but the good thing is they are also smart so they'll quickly learn any new game you want. Not natural retrievers, but when you teach them to "get the ball" they do it with great gusto. Our dog has a cropped tail, but not cropped ears. Here's some more info from a kid's site...
