What dog should we get ?

[Grindelwaldswand]

Me and DP have finally reached the point in our lives we can afford a dog/puppy as we work reasonable work hours and can be with it constantly but we are struggling on deciding a breed, there is so many to choose from
We live in a 1st floor apartment so something intelligent and easy to train quickly but we don't want a something from working stock as it would require to much care
I want a small dog but dP favours larger breeds like GSD and Rottweilers and Labradors so something medium size in between would be perfect
We would love a rescue dog over buying a puppy but not sure dogs trust etc will consider us because we live in an apartment ?
Any advice on breeds please ?

[buckingfrolicks]

good to hear you're thinking of a rescue dog.

Something with a bit of cocker spaniel in it? clever dogs :) Frankly I'd go for a staffie - absolutely wonderful dogs. www.battersea.org.uk/dogs/roxy-1?filters=true&returnID=14832338097248370040&id=267601

Depends on the size of your apartment but rotties gsds and labs take up a lot of space!

[Floralnomad]

Greyhound , a nice size and lovely to live with .

[ButterfliesRfree]

I like larger dogs but as you say you're in an apartment I would definitely say go for a small breed.

[Grindelwaldswand]

DP has his heart set on a GSD but i worry about the hip scores and the problem with their back legs ive seen so many stooped ones used as studs and they are practically sat down constantly is that normal ? For context if we end up with a large breed it will be out of the apartment for about 5hrs a day minimum on various walks with me so it won't be cramped and its a fairly spacious apartment with 2 rooms so it could even have the spare bedroom for quiet time if it wants it. We just want a dog so badly

[CarrotLegsWanted]

I would say that smaller dogs (terriers in particular) are very reactive so in a flat with lots of unexpected noise from neighbours etc- I'd avoid s terrier.

A lazy but large dog like a greyhound / staff would be good for walks (not hikes)

Or a small lazy dog like a King Charles spaniel

[Grindelwaldswand]

Greyhounds are too spindly and nervous for our liking i have a friend with one and as lovely as she is she is extremely hard maintenance she shakes constantly by nature and she has broken her bones by jumping on and off the sofa id be a nervous wreck with a greyhound because id be trying to dogproof the apartment constantly to stop it falling or getting injured

[Grindelwaldswand]

How do we find a good GSD breeder ? We tried pets at home and it was appalling and very low priced all the pictures for puppies had an air of puppy farming about them we'd also consider a rescue as i said before but DP would love to go through the puppy stage with the dog

[TrionicLettuce]

If you're considering adult rescues you don't really need to get too hung up on breeds unless there are any breeds you particularly want. If you approach rescues with your requirements (and what you can offer a dog) they can match you up with individual dogs they have that would suit you most. If you do decide you'd like a particular breed there will be breed or type specific rescues for them. Quite often these will have dogs in foster all over the country and will also rehome all over the country as well. Most breed clubs also run their own rescues which is worth keeping in mind if you do decide to go for a specific breed.

The smaller, independent rescues tend to be a bit more flexible with their rehoming criteria. They also have the benefit of often keeping their dogs with fosterers rather than in kennels so they have a much better idea of how the dogs behave in a home environment.

I'd approach a few rescues for home checks then go from there.

[BitOfFun]

A GSD would be totally the wrong choice. I agree with the suggestion of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are sporty, but cuddly and undemanding.

[TrionicLettuce]

If you want to buy a puppy the best place to start is the breed club. You can find a list of GSD clubs on the Kennel Club site. If you contact either the national one or relevant regional one they should be able to put you in touch with decent breeders of whatever type it is you want who are planning litters.

[CarrotLegsWanted]

A GSD needs a lot of stimulation and attention and activity.

I would say they're not far off a working dog (hence the police using them).

Training a puppy of any breed not to wee indoors can be tricky. But considering you're in a flat and can't simply open a door to let them out for a wee then I'd steer clear of a puppy tbh.

A rescue is the best bet. When you see and learn about the dog you'll just know if it's the right one for you.

[Grindelwaldswand]

Yes we have reasearched that breed and other large breeds and we can offer everything they need, DP has said he won't consider a small dog because he simply prefers bigger dogs im more open to smaller breed's though. We've looked at a Newfoundland breed also as they are simply gorgeous but still doing research into their needs

[TrionicLettuce]

If you can make it to Crufts in Birmingham next March there's a Discover Dogs area where you meet examples of just about every KC recognised breed and chat to breed enthusiasts. It's a great way to research prospective breeds you might be interested in and get an honest appraisal of what they're like to own.

If you're interested in GSDs you can also have a look and see if there's a GSD training club near you. It's quite a common thing and they may be happy for you to go along, watch and chat with the owners there. The GSD comes in a number of different types (various lines of pet, show and working dogs) and they're all quite different both physically and in temperament.

They're definitely a breed that requires a lot of research before going ahead and getting one. You also need to be extremely careful to find a good breeder who is prioritising health, temperament and conformation.

[TrionicLettuce]

Is your apartment ground floor? If not then I wouldn't consider giant breeds at all. Frequent trips up and down stairs aren't good for growing joints in such large puppies and they too big to carry very quickly.

[TrionicLettuce]

*get too big to carry, obviously

[Grindelwaldswand]

Its first floor 1 flight of small stairs to get up not steep at all. We are definitely going to crufts in march how exciting !! Thanks for that suggestions