I'm currently looking for a new addition to the family. I live in an apartment with my girlfriend and we're looking for a dog to fit in with us. I've been all over the web, and have come up with a few options but was hoping to get some assistance from a helpful forum. Open to size although definitely do not want to go as small as a chihuahua or as big as a Great Dane.

Exercise is not an issue, I am an avid runner, although I do not exactly need a dog that can keep up with me. We're outdoors alot, parks, the beach, etc. So despite the apartment, the dog will definitely see a lot of good ol' mr. sunshine.

I've been concentrating on Schipperkes, but am open and ready to as many suggestions as I can possibly get with as much information and specifics as possible.

Any Schipperke owners out there that could possibly chime in??

Our JRT did great in apartment living, as long as we walked her at least 1 hour everday, rain or shine. It didn't matter if we went to an indoor place, Mall, or track, as long as she had her walk, Okay. She is now in the country and is pushing 7 years, and is alot calmer, and still the best little dog that I have ever wanted to own.

Thanks for the suggestions, I hadn't thought about Schipperkes being rare and possibly expensive...i'll still keep them in mind if they'd do okay in an apartment.

I thought Jack Russel's were real hyper? If they'd do okay with atleast one walk a day, which he'd get at a minimum, i'll definitely look in those.

Don't know about Dobies, a Lab would be as big as I would want to go. What's the concensus about labs, no good for an apartment??

Also, I live in Houston, so a Husky or a Spitz would just be cruel in this climate right??