[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Raymond

Like smaller breeds? Like chihuahuas and toy poodles?

No, not necessarily. In actuality there are many breeds that are large that are suited for apt living unfortunately apt complex rules usually indicate a weight requirement which is useless as an example, a Greyhound is a great apt dog where a Miniature Pinscher is not. Size is not what should determine which breeds are suitable. It comes down to how they adjust, how much exercise they need, how energetic they are and especially in most cases, how much do they bark. So you are not going to see just small dogs but will find medium as well as large breeds that will fit with your current living situation. It then comes down to the time they need with regards to exercise and how much time you have to give them daily.

[chiclet]

Don't forget that the original poster has birds and especially if they are out of their cages a lot, many older dogs could be a problem. I love greyhounds but I didn't want to risk one with my birds. Of course a senior dog with health issues that would preclude them chasing birds would be great as well.

[cigwyllt]

I wouldn't trust any bird out of its cage with any dog. It would be foolish to try even with a tiny puppy. If it is important to have the birds flying free then the dog needs to be kept in another room whenever they are out.

[thoughtful]

I'm a big time Pom lover and I like the breeds, that are in a spitz family and other similar breeds. I'm dreaming to have a husky in a far future, but i didn't know about their hunting obsession. I'd like to know, would husky be aggressive to the small dogs, if he'd grow up around them. Is this obsession unpredictable, (like fighters) or it is an environmental thing? I heard, that huskies usually are sweet dogs.

[reeskujo]

Not necessarily...While Yogi is a better one to answer that question I've trained many where there were smaller dogs in the household with no issues...It also depends on how much socialization they have with other dogs and how long they've stayed with there litter mates...My Husky was a rescue who was dumped at 6 weeks so she didn't get the proper socialization or training from her mom and litter mates and while I used to take her to work when I was training to give her tons of socialization around other dogs she just progressively got more dog aggressive...I finally had to stop bringing her with me since she would go after anything from a Yorkie to a Great Dane...On thje other hand she was one of the sweetest dogs I've ever had...When it came to people she was the sweetest dog I've ever had...You could most likely break into my house and steal everything as long as you pet her and gave her a treat...LOL

They are however known at times to be people aggressive in fact a lot of apt complexes are not allowing them...As a trainer though I think a lot of that is do to improper socialization and training.

[Raymond]

Guys,

Thanks for all your help! I think I'm not gonna be ready for any dog.....mutt or not. Maybe later on in life. But thanks everyone!

[reeskujo]

I'm really glad that you have more sense then a lot of people and you've put the needs of a puppy before what you want...So many people don't have the maturity to do that and the poor puppy/dog pays for it in the end and winds up in a shelter...

I commend you for being responsible and thinking it through!

[CorkyMax]

Sorry to have talked you out of a dog at this time. But it is prob. for the best right now. But, hey, you could spend those many free hrs. at a shelter and make a deserving dog happy to see you and play with you and you could be 'boning up' on a lot of experience for when you are ready!

[Raymond]

Don't apologize! lol It is the best for now.

[cigwyllt]

If only everyone was as sensible as you. So many people take offence when suggestions are made or questions are asked. When the time is right for you to get a dog you will be armed with the reasearch and have a good idea of what you want and need. Well done.