You've gotten a lot of great advice, but I just want to restate:
no matter WHAT breed you may decide, see if there's a rescue for it and talk with them. Since they foster dogs first, they will know the temperment, etc. and can do a "best fit".
Don't think you need to ONLY get a small dog. You want couch potato? After boxer's get to be adults, they are the definition of couch potato. In fact, we joke that the only time Wyley would get "protective" is if someone tried to steal the couch!!
I do think an adult dog would be a better choice for you than a puppy - especially if you aren't experienced with raising dogs. It's been 40 years since I've had a puppy, the youngest dog we've aquired lately was 8 months, Wyley was 3 years old when we got him. The dalmatian we got from the pound was over a year and I had him crate and house trained in about 2 days.
Also consider crate training ANY dog you get. Dogs are naturally "den" animals, and done correctly, they will go into their crates on their own just to get away from things. All of our animals have been crate trained.
The best piece of advice I can give you, however, is talk to the vet you will be using. Find out how much this is going to cost you (even for a healthy animal, there's booster shots, teeth cleaning, heartworm and flea prevention, etc.) Tell the vet about your life and he or she will be able to recommend a good breed, and may be able to recommend sources.
small dog breeds/dogs suitable for an apartment (update p 6)
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Walden
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Yeah, I reckon you're right. They are skillful criminal masterminds, and you mustn't let them manipulate you. OTOH, they are never, ever, boring.Redwolf wrote:They are so smart, they wrap novice owners around their poodly little toes and become absolute horrors. A poodle takes an experienced handler who isn't fooled by those innocent-looking brown eyes...
Reasonable person
Walden
Walden
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Jack
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Regarding rescues: I am currently talking with a shelter who has contacts with various rescues in the central KY area. I'm also considering, if I do get a dog down the road, getting an older dog because it seems they're harder to adopt--everybody wants puppies.
Again, thank you everybody for all the input. I really do appreciate it. If I get a dog eventually I want it to be a well-informed choice.
Again, thank you everybody for all the input. I really do appreciate it. If I get a dog eventually I want it to be a well-informed choice.
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izzarina
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Cranberry wrote:Told you so (guess my number pad isn't working)!izzarina wrote:Cranberry wrote: I'm doing that, too. Unfortunately, men only come in breed: stupid.
Boys have cooties too. Another reason to just stay away from them entirely.Someday, everything is gonna be diff'rent
When I paint my masterpiece.
When I paint my masterpiece.
Perhaps being a foster parent to shelter dogs while they're waiting for a permanent home?Cranberry wrote:Regarding rescues: I am currently talking with a shelter who has contacts with various rescues in the central KY area. I'm also considering, if I do get a dog down the road, getting an older dog because it seems they're harder to adopt--everybody wants puppies.
It could either be in your own home (with most expenses paid for by the agency) or you could volunteer at the shelter.
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Nanohedron
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Oh, yeah: also a mod here, not a spammer. A matter of opinion, perhaps. - Location: Lefse country
