[Wulf]

I've been trying to research breeds that adapt well to apartment life. Not finding the info that I am looking for though. I want a dog that will do well hiking, camping, going four wheeling with me. Basically a buddy that can keep up, but not suffer in an apartment. I have owned Heelers & pits in the past and both are not suited to apartments. Pits because of obvious breed restrictions and Heelers are just too active to be cooped up. A medium sized dog would be best, but has to be weather tolerant, both cold and hot. Hoping that I can get some good suggestions. I will most likely be adopting from a shelter or rescue.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Wulf

I've been trying to research breeds that adapt well to apartment life. Not finding the info that I am looking for though. I want a dog that will do well hiking, camping, going four wheeling with me. Basically a buddy that can keep up, but not suffer in an apartment. I have owned Heelers & pits in the past and both are not suited to apartments. Pits because of obvious breed restrictions and Heelers are just too active to be cooped up. A medium sized dog would be best, but has to be weather tolerant, both cold and hot. Hoping that I can get some good suggestions. I will most likely be adopting from a shelter or rescue.

There are many sites if you search apartment dogs but be careful as is typical, some just copy others where others sometimes are more realistic. If you see one on a site double check to be sure it is on the others as well.
Based though on what you describe re: outdoor activities and hot and cold, I would look at the Keeshond. Nice medium size dog that is basically laid back in apartment but is active outdoors and does well in cold or hot weather.

[Wulf]

I have been searching (with no luck), that's why I asked here. Not finding all the info I am looking for. Most sites don't provide additional info, just breed suggestions for apartments. I would prefer a shorter haired breed than the Keeshond. They would probably require a lot of maintenance. I need low maintenance, lol. But thank you for the suggestion.

[jameserickson80]

There are various dog breeds suitable for apartment living. Here are some: Maltese - they are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Chihuahua - likes warm weather and dislikes the cold. They need space just like any other dog. Because they are small does not mean they can be kept in a vary small area. Havanese - very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Havanese are born to live in your home, and not in a patio or a kennel. but at the same time, they require plenty of exercise. Basically, the appropriate breeds are those that are small.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Wulf

I have been searching (with no luck), that's why I asked here. Not finding all the info I am looking for. Most sites don't provide additional info, just breed suggestions for apartments. I would prefer a shorter haired breed than the Keeshond. They would probably require a lot of maintenance. I need low maintenance, lol. But thank you for the suggestion.

In that case, the best at this point is probably a Lab. They can do apartments so long as they are given a little daily exercise and are a great outdoor dog. They fit all that you noted in your post. No real grooming outside of an occasional bath and nail clip which if outdoors as much as you note, may not even need that.

Originally Posted by jameserickson80

There are various dog breeds suitable for apartment living. Here are some: Maltese - they are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Chihuahua - likes warm weather and dislikes the cold. They need space just like any other dog. Because they are small does not mean they can be kept in a vary small area. Havanese - very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Havanese are born to live in your home, and not in a patio or a kennel. but at the same time, they require plenty of exercise. Basically, the appropriate breeds are those that are small.

You may need to re-read the original post regarding all things pertaining to the OP's activities. These breeds are not breeds you will take on hiking, camping or 4 wheeling trips.

[Wulf]

Thanks Yogi, appreciate the help. I will look at labs. The dog will be getting a lot of exercise, just not so much during the time while I'm at work. I am considering a dog walker once a day during the week though.

[SchnifferDoodle]

Hi Wulf!

I think your choice of breed also needs to take into account the type of apartment (size) and also building management/neighbours. I am very fortunate to live in a "pet friendly" apartment building, but many people aren't. We have many dogs (probably 50 in a 120 apartment building). I have a Schnoodle (Schnauzer-Poodle cross) which can sometimes be a bit "barky" as a breed, but luckily he rarely barks at home - only to someone knocking on the door and when he hears the neighbour's boxer walk by (and only when his chain jangles). They are great apartment dogs. He sleeps all day and with three walks a day (early morning, 4pm, and before bed) and that seems to keep his energy levels okay. But, he's not an outdoors/adventure type dog. That might be in the way I raised him though. He prefers to chase a ball around the apartment, rather than a ball in the park.

As Yogi said, a Lab could be a great choice. They are certainly outdoors type dogs, but are manageable with their energy levels. The only thing I'd worry about is hair levels in a small space. Depends on how big your apartment is. If you work long hours a dog walker would really help.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Wulf

Thanks Yogi, appreciate the help. I will look at labs. The dog will be getting a lot of exercise, just not so much during the time while I'm at work. I am considering a dog walker once a day during the week though.

Than I personally would think a Lab would work great for you. They love to play and please and are great outdoor dogs and generally more laid back indoors. Friendly and socialize and train easily. Good luck.

[DoggieVogue]

I personally love labs and think it would be a great breed to accomodate the outdoor activities you are looking for. However, lab puppies can be quite the handful so I wasn't sure if you were looking to adopt an older dog or get a puppy. I feel a lab puppy may be a bit destructive in an apartment environment, however they are easily trained. They do seem to double in size as they grow as puppies haha.

[Wulf]

Not planning on adopting a puppy. I have researched many breeds, including labs. Though I still have not made a final decision yet. I do know for sure I will be adopting a dog no younger than 6 months. Starting to think it might be a good idea to search for other living arrangements than an apartment. Or wait until I buy a house in a few years. I'm finding that the breeds I would be restricted to do not suit me or my lifestyle. I do very much appreciate the input and advice, it has giving a lot to think about before I decide.

[cigwyllt]

Much better that you put the thought in now as you are doing than just jumping in and finding yourself in a situation that won't work. Even if all you are able to establish is that you need to move home before getting the breed you want you will have done a lot more than many people do and you and the dog you eventually get will be a lot happier for it.