or perhaps a rescue lab mutt may be perfect. They love people, love walks, aren't particularly hairy or high maintenance....

and I love their dog -- but they have a yard for it to run around in. I'm afraid I couldn't meet their energy/activity needs.

chasing each other, and mostly, our three cats. Key is not overfeeding them - we keep ours lean.

whom you've interviewed for desired characteristics.

But I'd like to have some breed qualities in mind in advance.

smart, pleasant, no-shed., probably a good addition to your mutt's mix.

My favorite breed is Bedlington Terrier but you may want to stay away from terriers for some of their general characteristics and your requirements.

Have fun!

They are intelligent, loving, and clean(ish). Easily trained, and anxious to please.

Not to mention...adorable!

We met a golden doodle puppy at the vet's office last week named Edgar. Cutest puppy I've seen in a long time.

wanted to provide a companion to our Bedlington Terrier years ago, thought that would a great combo. Due to my 'lifestyle,' I can't keep a dog now, but would sure like to!

Had a miniature when I was a kid, GREAT little dog, house-trained himself!

If there's not going to be anyone at home during the days, you probably shouldn't get a dog.

Yet DC is full of dog owners that work all day (in fact, every dog owner I know, here and elsewhere, works all day). Plus, I have to think that my empty apartment is still better than an overcrowded shelter. But yes, I've had that thought, which is why I'm asking.

Two small dogs. Or maybe a cat to go with the dog?

Not meaning to offend, but I think you're thinking too much. About breed, I mean. A rescue dog will love you forever, no matter what the breed. And you never know about yapping/barking until you get any dog home.

I have two dogs that have to be home alone all day, but they have each other. I used to have three, and will have three again some day. I leave the radio on for them, sometimes the TV. They, of course, do miss me (and I miss them), but it's better than one dog alone, and it's better than one alone in silence. And if it's a rescue dog... in my opinion, the forever-for-the-rest-of-your-life love they will get from you out-weighs the fact that you're not there during the day. At least, I think so. I will never not have a dog because I live alone. We have each other, even if it's only during the evenings on weekdays. And I intentionally stay home most weekends - the whole weekend - to make up for being gone on workdays. My fun time is with them.

I'm a strong advocate of rescue dogs. Six of the seven dogs in my life have been rescues.

And we're committed to going the rescue route, too. Thanks for the encouragement!

I'd love to adopt a rescue Dalmatian right now, but my sweet Sandy will be 15 in a month, and to bring in another rambunctious dog at her age would not be fair to her. When the time comes, I'll bring home both a Dal girl and probably a labradoodle/goldendoodle-type dog, like Sandy, for my wildwoman Riley to play with.

Then there will be mayhem.

Just make sure that you've also found out from your landlord about what size dog is permissible if you haven't already. Most landlords that allow dogs have weight (a.k.a. size) restrictions. The only rental properties I've ever been able to find that allows my big dogs are private rentals, and they're damn hard to find. Since you're looking for a smallish dog though it probably won't be a problem. From what I've experienced most landlords draw the "too big" line at around 35 lbs. or so.

If I was in your shoes I'd do a private adoption through a vet that knows the dog and knows the people that need to put it up for adoption. Vets always have lists of dogs and cats needing good homes. My vet has a big three ring binder in their waiting room full of "free to good home" ads that customers have put in, and they're usually because of having to move where they can't keep the pet anymore or got a new job where they have to be away from home for long stretches of time, or they've had really bad financial problems and can no long afford the pet, or got stuck with a pet they were only supposed to babysit and the actual owner decided they can't or don't want to keep it, etc. That way you can find out a lot more directly from the current owner about the dog and make some kind of deal where if there is any significant problem that you can give it back or something like that. You can also probably get a chance to spend more time with the dog its home environment to see how it behaves and even test it with some thing likes ringing the doorbell, or what the dog does when everyone leaves the house, etc. With a private adoption from someone that for some reason has to let the pet go, they want the right person to have it so wouldn't be inclined to lie about its health or behavior for fear that you might want to get rid of it and put it in a shelter or something.

If you do a private adoption though just make sure that you work out a written contract that covers what they told you about the dog and that they are transferring ownership to you so that at some point in the future they can't try to get you to give the dog back.

Drop in to your local vet offices and ask them if they have a list of dogs available for private adoption. I just can't imagine that any of them wouldn't. Another thing that's nice about doing an adoption that way is that the vet would already have the dog's medical history that you can be informed of, and they'd know the dog personally themselves.

I don't think it's really so much about the breed but about the individual dog. I think you'd want to adopt a dog that doesn't have past or present behavioral issues or that tends to bark a lot. One thing I do love about the three Akitas I've had/have is that they are a breed that doesn't tend to bark much but they can bark or howl just as much as any dog without training and especially if they pick up the habit from a noisy dog they're in a lot of contact with. My next door neighbors' Bull Mastiff was always a very quiet dog until one of their relatives moved in for a few months with their contently barking dog. Bubba, the Bull Mastiff, picked up the habit from that little yapping menace, and for the rest of Bubba's life he barked his brains loose ALL THE TIME at absolutely nothing because they never trained him to stop doing it. Thankfully, both Boo and Yoshi didn't pick up the habit from him, but Yoshi did pick up his noisy habit when it comes to car alarms though he howls instead of barks.

The one that lives right next door is incredibly well behaved. I've never once EVER heard him bark in the 3 or 4 years since they've lived here. He's an indoor kind of guy, too, and doesn't like leash walks much or even being in their yard longer than going to the bathroom and spending a couple of minutes playing kissy-poo with my big beasty through the shared fence.

Another neighbor a few blocks away also has one that looks identical to the one next door except for having a whole lot less black markings that's the same way. He loves to play kissy-poo through his fence with my dog when we pass by, never ever barked even once including when they first met, and though he has a big yard he stays on the patio unless another dog walks by.

They're both really cute and friendly but with dignity... they don't jump up and down or run around at all. Come to think of it neither one of them even has any toys since they have no interest in them for some reason. They do grow really long hair if you don't clip them though. The only ones I've ever seen wearing that long carpet of hair are the ones in dog shows.

Oh wait! I also know a third one that's all white that one of the women at my vet's office owns. She hangs out at the front desk all day with her owner, and also never barks or shows any excitement other than in her facial expressions, and she's been blind in one eye since she was really young I think from a bad infection. The woman at the vet I think mentioned that she adopted her when she was brought in for treatment for the infected eye I guess because for some reason there was no owner and was found somewhere as a stray. I remember she said something about when the dog was brought into the office she had some kind of skin problem like mange or something and was missing a lot of her fur, so I really think someone just found her in bad shape and brought her in.

We have neighbors who has one, too, and we occasionally take care of him when they're out of town. They'd be a fine choice if I were willing to give up the desire for long walks/hikes. Very sweet dogs.

. . . . . they fall short on one of your criteria. They're brachycephalic. They are also on many airlines' "Caution" list for air travel, as they are very temperature sensitive. There have been too many cases of the dogs stroking out or dying as a result of excessive tarmac heat while being transported. Since they're from the high mountain regions of China and Tibet, even though small, they are *very* sturdy and cold tolerant. Ours will loll about in the snow like a human might lay on the beach!

Also, a short walk (which ours *loves*) is all they can handle. They get can winded easily with exertion.

Apart from that, they're great "Liddles" (as I call small dogs). They love people, they get on well with other dogs and cats. They really love little kids. They're hypoallergenic, but in their case it also means they're high maintenance as they need frequent trips to the doggie spa for baths and cuts. Every two months is about the maximum interval. Every six weeks is a lot better. And that's $50 a pop!

Yeah, Shih Tzus probably wouldn't be a good idea for that at all. I guess what you really need is closer to something more medium sized like about the size of a Beagle... a dog that could easily still keep up with you for long walks and hikes without your having to slow down so much for a tiny dog in order to more match their stride.

It's funny, but everything you want in a dog is just like the mutt we had when I was a kid... just the right size, quiet, no problem being left alone in the house, liked long walks, no fur complications like having to get them groomed, looked very average (nothing "foofy" about him), liked people and other animals yet wasn't high energy at all, etc. He was just the ideal dog for what you want. We never could figure out what breeds produced him. He looked like a mutt. I think there must have been some Bull Mastiff in him though since he had the same type of fold-over ears and was slightly jowly but mostly because of his sort of couch potato almost boring personality though he still liked long walks and trotted along instead of the lazy stroll. He was also a good size being somewhere between 35 and 40 lbs. or so. His coloring was like a Doberman though, so he must have had some of that or maybe the mini ones in him but his hair was a little bit longer, and he had a white star on his chest. A good, easy, no frills, all around basic "dog-like" dog he was.

on the "right dog breed for me", you will come across a huge assortment of "tests" that you can take to help you get started on which breeds have the right characteristics you are looking for. Then you can use that list to look for dogs in shelters or with breed specific rescue organizations.

Based on your list of requirements, I think you need a couch potato in general, but who would be up for your activities. I have a boxer - she is a HUGE snuggler, active when outside, perfectly fine inside. Hardly ever barks. She doesn't fit your size requirement though. If you are potentially moving overseas, would definitely want a dog that could ride in the plane with me and not in cargo for that long. Bostons are great, as are pugs. Those might be two dogs to look into. I am also partial to beagles for small dogs, but they do have the hound dog bark, so probably not what you are looking for.

I'm in Richmond, Virginia, and our spca website goes through each dog they get and classifies them as wall flowers, couch potatoes, life of the party, etc. You take a little quiz, it recommends which of those categories fit what you are looking for and then matches you to potential dogs they have at their shelter. Take a look and see if your local shelter has something similar.

Best of luck in your search. It sounds like you will be a great dog owner. I know you work during the day, but a dog walker is a great idea and can keep your pup happy while you are at work. And, there are also tons of dogs who are the couch potato variety who don't seem to mind if you are gone for bit - more uninterrupted snooze time for them!

I don't have any experience with other Jack Russells, but Coco is pretty quiet and laid back and will take long walks with them (not jogging though).

We have a beautiful black German Shepherd (Noelle) but she does bark and thinks she's Yertle the Turtle - Queen of Everything She Sees. And she can see *A LOT* since we live on a hill!

Before her, we had a husky/german shepherd mix (Silver) who would have been a great companion for you - quiet, could easily go on a 3-4 mile hike, didn't jump and genuinely liked all people. So even though certain breeds are known for their energy or protectiveness, you can't always go by that. Each one is an individual.

If you're considering a breed rescue, talk with the people there. That's how they paired us with Silver, saying she was a perfect 'first dog' for us to have. We picked Noelle out from several at the various pounds around here. I wish there had been someone to ask questions about. She's a totally different dog when she's on leash, rather than off leash at the dog park or in our house. We have a trainer coming into our house after the New Year to work with us on her on-leash/public facing behavior.

Good luck with your search!

We have, in addition to our Shih Tzu (see above), a Border Collie mix and a GSD. The Border Collie is scary smart but has no herding instincts. She is also very protective of her pack and is our self appointed alpha. She tried to alpha us, too, but she finally gave up that idea. I don't suggest Border Collies except for experienced owners.

The GSD is perhaps the gentlest creature that ever walked. She barks seemingly protectively, but she's really saying "Hello I Love You Come Play With Me Here's My Favorite Toy And Maybe You Could Throw A stick For Me To Chase" Even the Shih Tzu is alpha to her. But she would travel well, loves to walk. Can even do easy runs. She's gone along on bike rides, but not fast ones. She is gentle with people, cats, and with little kids. She exhibits an innate sense of how much gentleness a person needs so as to feel comfortable around her.

I would suggest a small GSD as a good candidate. That's the one thing ours is not. At 100 lbs she is big for the breed. She is not at all fat. Just tall and solid muscle. Anyway, a 50 to 60 lb GSD is not at all uncommon, particularly bitches.

I would start by talking to people at the rescue groups/shelters in your area. Let them know what you are looking for, or what is a deal breaker. These people know so much about the temperaments of dogs, and the dogs that they have available. You can check out the dogs that they suggest, and that might fine-tune your requirements as well as let them know more about what you are looking for. It may take some time, but you will find the right dog sooner or later. Many rescue groups also will accept the dog back (or even require it) if the fit isn't right once you get it in your home.

You mentioned that poodles were out because they are too "foofy". Well, I used to think that too, until one time when I met a standard poodle playing with a couple of labs. That poodle was no prima donna. It jumped in the lake and played hard right there with the labs. This poodle also was not groomed with that silly foofy haircut that they do on those poor dogs. It was basically just a clipping that formed to the body. But you probably do have to groom one. I had a friend who had two miniature poodles that were never groomed and I thought they looked unkempt.

Here are a few cuts----are they too foofy? (OK, the second one might be, but I thought it was too cute!)

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://redandapricotpoodles.com/teddy-bear-poodle-grooming.html&h=600&w=598&sz=470&tbnid=LWhqbnjHpHWatM:&tbnh=134&tbnw=134&zoom=1&usg=__kgTahg1z1zLXNNHCmdYDtF0ZIuo=&docid=oX_Zot9BAJ6mAM&sa=X&ei=jA6hUvJ00eWwBMyWgtgD&ved=0CFAQ9QEwCA

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/doggrooming/sets/72157626462967077/&h=640&w=501&sz=145&tbnid=PoJSdunbrEUoaM:&tbnh=139&tbnw=109&zoom=1&usg=__ZvBsvoc5KaVjR1ehUNHmsWZ6SZ0=&docid=jpgSjhtNhakD8M&sa=X&ei=jA6hUvJ00eWwBMyWgtgD&ved=0CEwQ9QEwBg

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://www.rocketswag.com/animal/dogs/poodle/Poodle-Haircut-Styles.html&h=599&w=400&sz=57&tbnid=iaTksFa7huq8RM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=81&zoom=1&usg=__CkLEwKu3MiYHhGemUe-DnB03LEQ=&docid=ostIAH7Vp9wywM&sa=X&ei=jA6hUvJ00eWwBMyWgtgD&ved=0CFMQ9QEwCQ

That first one looks EXACTLY like my Sandy!

I think that is such a cute dog, although my favorite was the second picture for some reason. But it was foo-foo.

(Meant to post this as a reply to you.) And I agree with you about poodles; my aunt had a standard who was one of the smartest, most fun dogs I've ever met. It's my wife's prejudice, not mine; but, heck, if I could get her to agree to marry me, I can wear her down on this if need be.

So that is a good start at attacking the prejudice.

But it doesn't have to be a poodle. I love mutts.

Lower energy, plus you know exactly what you are getting into. And I am also in favor of going through a reputable rescue group. You can tell them your circumstances and they will make an effort to match you with the best possible animal. I am also a poodle fan. Currently, I have Border collies, super high energy animals, but when we downsize into an apartment, I intend to switch over to miniature poodles. The toy size would not be for me, but the miniatures are small, intelligent and good for walks and playing too. Good luck!

DON'T.

I adore this breed, and we have owned two. The health problems that come along with them are simply devastating.

Good luck with your hunt!

But I prefer smaller dogs. A large dog in an apartment can sometimes because like a bull in a china shop. My brother's lab has issues at my parent's house and is always knocking over things - they have a 1100 sq ft bungalow with a fully finished basement so it's not that cramped but the poor dog walks around like she's Buddy the Elf in the North Pole. Plus big dogs can cause more trouble during the day. My SIL just posted a picture on facebook the other day that their lab had figured out how to open up the cupboards and get into the garbage under the sink, LOL. What a mess! She'll also go after anything on the counters. When she gets bored she goes crazy getting into stuff. Little dogs can't reach very high so less destruction.

I grew up with a 'foofy' dog - a poodle/shih Tzu mix who looked all poodle and she was actually extremely independent. Her only fault was yappiness - a risk with any small dog. There are some that are good though - I had a cockapoo/maltese mix who was very zen and extremely loyal. He did love me being at home and I didn't work, but my parents have always worked full-time and had dogs (the 'foofy' dog above) and they had my dog's niece who was actually a bit more neurotic (she had more maltese in her) but she was fine all day. Right now they have a poodle/havanese/maltese mix who is totally fine all day without them. He's a bit yappy though but not too bad. They trained him from the start that he would get a treat whenever they left the house, so now he looks forward to it, lol.

I currently have a yorkie/poodle/maltese and so far she's my favorite mix. Her only fault is she's very tiny, but when she barks it's not very loud at all. She's not very yappy though, but she does bark when she sees people coming to the door. Or when she wants something from you (like food) and you are ignoring her (lol). She loves ALL people so she'd do well with a daytime dog walker, whereas my other dog would've been freaked out to have a stranger come get him. She's good with being alone too - she waits patiently in her bed by the front door (she can see out the side window). I've been told she has a very yorkie-ish personality, so maybe look for a yorkie mix or other small terrier. Good luck!

Last edited Fri Dec 6, 2013, 04:04 PM - Edit history (1)

I was going to mention unfoofing a poodle with haircut, but that's been covered. I am delighted that you are committed to a rescue (see my sig graphic) and think that's a great start to getting a loyal and loving dog.

If you don't enjoy vacuuming, watch out for anything in the Spitz family (or mixed w/)-- a curled, fluffy tail is a giveaway that you will be spending lots of time with your Hoover. GSDs (and GSD mixes) also shed a fair amount.

The best small-but-still-loved-long-walks dog I ever had was a Scottie mix. Purebred Scotties have a fair number of health concerns but this little guy was healthy as a horse with a mild temperament and a friendly disposition (he loved other dogs and cuddled with our cat constantly.)

I'd say your best bet is to start hanging out at your local SPCA/Humane Society. My experience has been that when you see your dog, you'll know.

When ours is backlit, you can literally see fur flying off her as she walks.

Regular baths and Furminating help, but my broom and vacuum are in constant use.

And I want to thank you all, as well as pre-emptively thank those who may yet post. DU is a great community, and I'm sure happy to be part of it!

Let me add to the chorus of poodle lovers. I suspect that my Moe and Sandy (see the squeal above at the sight of that 1st poodle photo!) are either labradoodles or goldendoodles. I've know lots of dogs in my life, and am on my 6th and 7th dog, but I've never met a sweeter "breed" than a mixed-poodle dog. Affectionate, sweet, gentle, playful, loves other dogs, loves people... we used to call Moe "Moe the Ho" because she'd kiss anybody on first sight. And Sandy is the calmest Zen dog I've ever known. The only negative aspect of both my doodle girls is a sensitivity to flea bites. Drove them crazy, and if they weren't headed off, they'd chew themselves silly to get relief. They're allergic. Other than that... the perfect dog. I can't really call it a breed, and since they were both rescues, I don't know where the skin allergy comes from, but they were/are definitely half poodle. Love 'em!

All--- bar none--- of our animals have just "shown up." That includes one pet store Siberian Husky who lived happily for 15 years in and outside (he loved it outside when it was freezing cold-- in the summer, he liked the AC)...a little yellow something or other with a curly tail named Betty, a cat that moved in named "Oscar," about 5 turtles, 2 Mallard ducklings that flew off to...somewhere? Mallard Nirvana? A white "Peking" duckling named Daisy that lived inside until she got bigger, then moved to the back porch, then under a Magnolia tree (lived to be almost 15--- World's Greatest Duck, I swear to god, I still miss her)....

Now, we have Scout who was found running down a major highway, and Stinky the gray striped cat who got dumped on us-- Scout is 8 or 9 now (who really knows) and just hangs...She and Stink are both indoors because we don't have much of a yard-- and they like it.

So-- Just go to the pound and get a dog. For a hundred years, people have had dogs even if they worked 8 hours a day. People have moved with dogs. Just go get one. Get a Benji type mutt or something.

You'll be fine. Dogs love living with folks. They do. Your dog will love you if you work 75 hours a day, or 8.

Quit overthinking this, and go to the pound and when you see one that you think is the cutest thing you will ever see again in your lifetime, well--- there's your dog.

BTW, we feed Solid Gold Hund 'n Flocken. Don't freak out over dog foods either. The cat eats duck and green pea made by some famous actor. Dick Van Patten or something.

Just don't give them shitty foods and you will be fine. Hund 'n Flocken has never had a recall. Scout's been good on that for almost a decade.