According to a recent statistic, there are nearly 90 million dog owners in the United States. To say that we are in love with our dogs is an understatement! So when it comes to choosing the ideal dog for you and your apartment space, it’s good to consider some of these key factors:
- Energy levels vs size. How much energy does your little (or big) buddy have? How much energy do you have to spare? Many dog owners lament that their small dog has more energy than their entire family, while other owners report that it’s hard to get their large breed off the couch. So – energy levels may not have so much to do with size as they do breed. According to the American Kennel Club, there are 15 breeds known for their high energy levels including Russell Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Corgis, and Beagles – just to name a few. These breeds are simply more active and will require more frequent walks and playtime in order to be a happy apartment dweller.
- Barking! While we should keep in mind that dogs do bark for a reason – to protect us, to “talk to us” about something that’s out of the ordinary, to get our attention for treats and tricks – for our neighbors, incessant barking can become a problem. Breeds that are known to bark more than others include Beagles, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, and Siberian Huskies. To combat this breed tendency, start with exercising the dog in parks, trails, and dog parks where they can socialize and burn off extra energy. Play frequent games with the dog to keep their mind occupied and of course, get your precious pup some professional training.
- Breeds. Some dogs are just meant to be on a farm, roaming, herding sheep, and running free. Other dogs are content lazing around the house with a few short walks per day. They simply want to be where you are, but they don’t want to make too much effort to get there. To learn more about your dog, its personality traits and typical health profile, check out this inclusive study on Dogtime.com. Also, many apartment communities do have breed restrictions in place, so please check with your leasing office to make sure your pup is on the approved list.
- Take this quiz! IAMS has a nifty online quiz that may help match you with your ideal breed of dog and is organized for both homeowners and apartment residents!
If you decide to be among the nearly 90 million dog owners, just know that the key ingredient to rewarding dog ownership is love! What are your ideas and thoughts about choosing the ideal dog? Tell us all about it at #LifeatWeidner.
-The Weidner Team