Advice

TarheelDB · 07-29-2008, 08:30 AM

I am looking at getting my first dog (the first that I will be solely responsible for), and am looking for some advice.

I currently live in an apartment, and due to regulations a doberman is not a possibility...while this sucks, I am trying to make the best of it (when I do get my own place the dobe puppy will have an adult playmate!). I am interested in several breeds, and was wondering if anyone had experience with these breeds, specifically in an apartment setting.

The breeds are:
Boxer (I really like the breed, but have very little personal experience with them)

Weimaraner (my family has had weims in the past, and I love them...but they have always had much more open space than an apt. provides)

German Short-Haired Pointer (again, some family experience here although not as much as with weims)

Thank you for any help or advice, it is much appreciated!

BanesDaddy · 07-29-2008, 08:59 AM

my girlfriend had a boxer as well as an old roomate. they are very good dogs, but they have a lot of energy to burn. so you would have to do a lot of walking and exercise with it to keep it from getting into trouble. my g.f wants another one but i keep telling her with our pit, dobie, and rottie its just not feasable. ive never known anyone with the latter ones.....sorry if i wasnt much help

**JenTN** · 07-29-2008, 09:15 AM

My best friend had a weim. I loved that dog, we were roomates for a while. However, with sooo much energy I don't know how well they'd do in an apartment- especially a younger one!

**MIA** · 07-29-2008, 04:10 PM

Out of the three you listed I personally would pick a boxer. They are fun, cuddly, and smart. They do have energy but do better in apartments than the other two from my experience. I am not a weim fan but being in rescue I see the neurotic disasters.... I do like GSP's but again super energy remember those two are hunting dogs and meant to go ALLLLLLL day.

obiethedobe · 07-29-2008, 06:13 PM

I looked into Weim's too, they have lots of energy, and can be nippy with kids. I also heard you can't have cats or any small animals with them as their prey drive is over active. BUT i know that it is all up to the individual dog and there must be some out there that arent a "typical" weim.
I love the look of them the most though.
I agree that a boxer would be the best choice as they are typically more laid back than the others.

**RedFawnRising** · 07-29-2008, 07:37 PM

Again, of the three you listed, what MIA said.

Have you thought of maybe rescuing an off the track Greyhound? They are short-haired nice size dogs and while they do like a good daily sprint, many of them are pure couch potatoes when inside the home.

Just another suggestion to mull, if you like their looks--I personally think they are gorgeous and like their personalities too.

**MIA** · 07-29-2008, 09:04 PM

Oh good call RFR Greyhounds are LOVELY apartment dogs and great buddies!!!!

TarheelDB · 07-29-2008, 10:43 PM

Thanks for the replies...the excessive energy was my main concern (any dog will get a lot of exercise, since I am a very active person)...I have looked into a rescue greyhound, albeit briefly...that's another good possibility

Thanks!

thea2003 · 07-29-2008, 10:49 PM

Even the weims not in rescue are nut jobs!!!!
But you have to look at their circumstances, most are not given the right amount of exercise, i know of someone who had dobermans and then decided she wanted something with less energy and got a Vizsla...LMAO i think she went the wrong way!!!

bleh60 · 07-29-2008, 11:04 PM

i have to add on that I am sure bred well and in the right hands weims are nice dogs, in fact I have met two that were in the right hands, but many I have met have been neurotic. I had a boxer for a short while and she was much calmer then a lot of the breed and I think males are more hyper. They are great dogs though, Id suggest a rescue boxer.

The greyhound is also a great idea.