Dear Critter Corner: I am looking to get a dog but live in a crowded apartment complex and have heard to stay away from large dogs. Do you have any recommendations on what breed of dog to adopt?
There are many decisions to consider when adopting a dog and renting a property. The first, that many people overlook, is if your landlord has placed any restrictions on pet ownership! Many apartment complexes will have breed and size restrictions that can vary wildly. Some will also limit the number of pets you may keep on the premises.
If you are fortunate enough to be able to have your pick of the litter, the next questions you should ask yourself are about the activity level of your house. How many hours a day do you plan to leave your dog alone in the apartment? Is this going to be just a bed rest stop for your dog, while the rest of the day is spent adventuring outdoors together? A quick rule of thumb is the more time alone the dog will be, the less their energy requirement should be as well.
Many large breed dogs require a lot of exercise, or they start to get mischievous. Huskies, for example, are notorious for escaping out of back yards, either over or under fences, when left unsupervised. Bulldogs, on the other hand, are known for being loving lounge dogs. There are exceptions to every rule, such as with a Jack Russel Terrier which is a one of the most energetic dog breeds in a small package.
The next question you should consider is how much noise is acceptable in your home? Small dogs like Chihuahua’s can often be quite vocal. Meanwhile, a Great Dane is known as being one of the quietest breeds of dogs. Some breeds, like German Shepherds, tend to be suspicious of strangers and may alert bark whenever someone walks past the window. Many people appreciate this, but the letter carrier may not. The best answer is to do some preemptive research on dog breeds and try to find one that matches the energy level and characteristics you are looking for in your best new roommate.