Expert: Patti - 4/2/2009

Question
I'm getting a one bedroom apartment and i really want a dog of my own.  I don't know which breeds of dogs are best for an apartment. Or ones that are ok to be left alone for awhile i am in class for 6 hours a day.  i really like beagles but i heard they don't do that well in apartments.  I prefer a dog that size or smaller.  I say something called a pocket beagle to and i heard some people say that its not a true breed just the runts or something like that.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Jeremy,

Before you get a dog, make sure you're allowed to have a dog in your apartment, and that it's in your lease.
Also, college is usually for 2-4 years, meaning you might be needing to move again in a fairly short amount of time. When it comes time to find a job, having a dog makes it harder to find a place to live. You will also have the time factor of how long the dog is alone, to consider.

I wouldn't recommend getting a puppy. They need much more care, training (and chances to go outside) than you may be able to provide. While it's true a "runt" is smaller than it's litter mates, they're usually prone to illness. Your best bet is a dog that's naturally just small.

Most dogs with low-key personalities can be left alone for about the 6 hour stretch you asked about. Beagles are great dogs, I had one while living in an apartment. But they do have a very loud bark, if it takes to barking (not all do.) You have to be sure to provide the proper amount of mental stimulation, physical exercise, and training, to avoid this.

Besides the Beagle, breeds that are fairly low-key to consider are:

Dachshund
Whippet
Pekingese
Bulldog (as long as there's no flights of stairs to climb daily)
Pug
Basset Hound
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Boston Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Greyhound (though it's not small, it's a very laid back dog)

You should also consider mixed breed dogs. These are often healthier than their pure-bred cousins. While breed descriptions of pure-breds are helpful, there are plenty of "non-standard" pure-bred dogs out there. Be sure to meet any dogs you're considering adopting, and evaluate each as an individual. Here is some info on how to evaluate a dog's or puppy's temperament:

http://www.nrta.com/breedforfoundation/temptest.html

http://www.petside.com/wellness/how-to-find-the-shelter-dog-youll-love.php

If you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, many times they have evaluated their animals for temperament. This is a good way of ensuring your new dog's behavior isn't a totally unknown. The people who work at shelters can help match you to a dog that's suited to your lifestyle needs. A good place to search adoptable dogs of all ages and breeds is: http://www.petfinder.com

I would suggest adopting a dog when you're home form school for at least a month, so the dog can bond to you, and has time to get used to your home and daily routine. Then, take steps to ensure that it's okay with being left alone. By the time school starts again, your dog should be trained to being alone. Read about training a dog to be quiet when left alone here:

http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-bark-alone.htm

Dogs need something to do when they have a lot of time on their "hands". If you don't provide a dog with something to do when it's alone, boredom turns into barking (not to mention chewing, pacing and digging). Most dogs need at least two hours of vigorous, aerobic exercise a day. If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, an hour of mentally challenging and physically active fun and games is mandatory before leaving your dog alone for the day. You should leave behind a panting, heaving, utterly exhausted dog as you set off. A tired dog, is a quiet dog!!!
Leaving your dog with a Kong, BustCube or other food-dispensing toy can also keep it busy for several hours during the day.

Best of luck,

Patti