Looking to get small young dog - one that is easily teachable/intelligent, does not bark a lot normally (not counting when dog is lonely, etc). Is female or male dog better? Do not think I want long-haired dog b/c of shedding. What is good thing to use to protect wooden floors in event of accidents?

Poodles - they are smart, don't shed, don't bark much and are easy to train.Once a dog is no longer a puppy they should not be making a mess in the apt. so long as they are taken out 3 or 4 times per day.

I just recently got a Chia-Pom. They are the greatest !! She is almost full grown and weighs 3.5 lbs. They do have long hair, but do not shed as other breeds do, they drop their undercoat all at once 2 times a year, and do not require grooming. VERY SMART. Potty trained in 2 days at 8 weeks old. They are perfect for apartment living. They are easily taught not to bark, and very agile dogs. Because of their size, they do not require a lot of exercise.

i would say poodle. but their pretty high energy.how much time woudl you have with your dog each day? how much excercise? i would also say a greyhound. very lazy. a walk each day will keep them satisfied.

I don't really know if any dog is suitable for apartment living due to space and exercise issues. However IF it was me and i was going to have one in a "smaller" space than usual then i would choose the breed i have now. Lhaso Apso, i would not get a bitch/female like i have tho, because you then have the seasons every 6 months or so, which can be messy. Ours has her own knickers and stuff which helps in that department but the added bonus about this breed is they DO NOT MOULT ! yay !! :O) ( so no hair falls out )Anyway, like i said if you are going to have one i would choose a minature dog of sorts if that makes sense, however all dogs get lonely so if nobody is going to be home all day then i dont advise you get one at all. They need lots of loving and attention and walks etc... Anyway, good luck with your quest.Kind Regards :O)

There are quite a few breeds that are suitable for apartment living. A Silky Terrier, Yorkie Terrier, or Poodles for a few. They do need excercise however, all dogs do. I would recommend crate training. Read as much as you can about training dogs and what is required for them to be a happy dog in your home. I read the book Cesar's Way by Cesar Millan, very helpful. There are many out there, of course. Cesar has a different approch to dog training. From what I have read his ideas sound natural and right. I bought mine on eBay for $9.00. Check him out on his web site.

I am getting a Silky next spring. I have never had a toy breed before, but have an opportunity to get one. I met the male, he is a gem. The best part they don't shed or smell.

Happy hunting.

I have a yorkiepoo. Its a designer dog. I rescued her. Shes a perfect dog. no shedding no yapping only when someones at the door. not high energy and shes small and easy to take along anywhere.
shes always been my best dog ever.
I just got a boston terrier I heard they are good for apartment living.

If you want an intelligent dog, small, doesn't mault, easy to brush but has very long hair it's a King Charles my neighboor has one and it's the most cleveriest dog i have ever seen!

Hello,
I would have to say that I can't think of any dog that has all those things that you want but I can say that a Jack Russell Terrier is a great friend/pet, doesnt bark and easy to teach bt the only thing withe them is that in some seasons the start to moult. I would also have to say is that the Pomeranian doesnt moult and they don't bark... great pets!! About what sex to get I would have to say get a female because they arent as dirty as a male. Even if the male has been toiet trained, they are still pretty dirty as I have experienced myself....

Good Luck finding the right dog for you!!

Tiana