I Need Your Help . . . Small Home With Cats Seeking Dog Pal!

June 25, 2010

Here's a little something to ponder this Friday to help out one of our PetSugar Q and A community members:

I live in a 2-bedroom, 800-sq. ft. condo (I own) and am interested in getting a dog. I've looked online, but all I can find for breed recommendations are pups that yap or are bad with other animals. I have two cats. Any suggestions?

Think about all your dog breed expertise and come up with types that are not super active or needing room to roam, typically pretty quiet, and good with cats to boot. Share your tips in comments, then submit your own burning pet questions in the forum, too.

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17 Comments

weffie 2 years 46 weeks

Also, be prepared to walk a MINIMUM of twice a day, preferably more... otherwise stick to cats.

weffie 2 years 46 weeks

Get a mutt, duh... if you go adopt at a shelter, you can meet the dog and get to know its personality first-hand, then bring it home for a trial to see how your cats like it. It's such an individual thing, even within the same breed you'll find wildly different behaviours and dispositions. It doesn't have to be mixed-breed to be nice, but in my experience they're just more friendly and laid-back :) If you do choose a breed before choosing a dog, please look for that breed on petfinder.com before going to a breeder. Maybe you can save a life! And just a friendly reminder: NEVER, EVER buy a dog at a pet store. They may have "papers" but they ALL come from puppy mills... if you buy one, you are personally funding the torture and neglect of your puppy's parents (along with thousands of other dogs).

Jewels2080 2 years 47 weeks

I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and she gets along well with both of my cats. The only times she barks are when there is someone at the door, or when she hears another dog directly outside. She will go for a 3 mile jog with me and is also fine just hanging around the condo. She was really easy to train and is a great companion.

fashionaza 2 years 47 weeks

My frenchie gets alone well with 3 cats plus he is not very active, he does not bark that much and is the best companion ever. My breeder info is starlightbulldogs.com Good luck!

moonlissa 2 years 47 weeks

I got my puppy first. I was able to bring Sadie Grace to the adoption fair. We went into a room together and determined that while not fast friends at first, the two girls did not actively try to kill each other! After a week Sadie Grace and her new kitty friend Emma Jane were sleeping together.

trinalina 2 years 47 weeks

I've got a cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/ Poodle) and a Shiranian (Pomeranian/ Shih-Tzu) and they were both considered "apartment" dogs because they don't need all that much space. They don't bark unless the dog upstairs goes off for more than a few minutes (grr). Just make sure that as a puppy you teach speak and quiet so that they can do it on command - it makes it a lot easier to get them to stop barking! dogbreedinfo.com will give you more info on the dogs personality and if they are good with other animals and kids :)

SweetFirefly 2 years 47 weeks

I second the Shih Tzu. I have a black and white Shih Tzu named Panda. He's wonderful! Shih Tzu's are laid back and easy going. They're not barkers. They love affection and will follow you from room to room. Mine loves to settle under my computer chair or on my lap. These dogs love the company of their owners. They love to be where you are and spend time with you. They would not do well if the owner is rarely home. They need lots of love, attention and affection. Best of luck in finding the right dog for you!

kurnu 2 years 47 weeks

hi, I live in a 1 bedroom apt and after a lot of research we were between an english bulldog and a pug. They are good inside, easy to train, not a lot of hair and not that hyper. There are rescue centers per area and breed. Petfinder is a great idea also just write the breed you want followed by the word rescue and you'll see a lot of facebook pages that can help. They are usually cheaper and you will be saving a life. I decided the english bulldog was the best fit for us and so far she is a blessing. Loves kids, cats, dogs and us. She was potty trained in a week and she doesn't need a backyard (just the opposite). She only barks when she hears my alarm and decides I should feed her before getting ready for work. Good luck on your search

fuzzles 2 years 47 weeks

I agree completely with stellaRuby when it comes to checking out petfinder.com. You can search by breed, see photos of the animals and read an animal's profile. Petfinder is how I found my Oliver!

2 years 47 weeks

I agree with going to your local pet shelter and asking for a specific dog instead of a specific breed. Your best bet may end up being a mixed up mutt who is looking for some love and attention. Besides a rescue dog unfortunately is used to small spaces and loud noises. Good luck! Write back with an update.

2 years 47 weeks

I have a pug and she is great for my small apartment! I have trained her to be fairly quiet, and she is super friendly--gets along with all animals.

Chrstne 2 years 47 weeks

How about a Bichon Frise? They are small, but not too small. They are not yappy at all, and they are extremely friendly. The Bichon's I have had in my life were wonderful with our two cats. They are wonderful dogs. Of course grooming can sometimes be a hassle if you want to give them more of a showy cut -- all the frills and stuff like that. We kept ours in the puppy cut, so grooming wasn't an issue.

stellaRuby 2 years 47 weeks

Yappiness has nothing to do with size and everything to do with the behaviour you allow. I have three small dogs and none of them are barkers. They do alert us when someone is @ the door because we encourage that. As far as recommendations I have two rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and they are great. Great with cats, dogs, kids, strangers- just freaking great! If you go on petfinder.org you can find lots of great dogs that are good with cats. I work with dogs everyday and I have found that dogs of a certain breed do not all act the same way. I know an English Pointer that is terrified of gunshots and they were bred to be gun dogs and an Australian Shepard who is the most laid back dog I have ever met- the exact opposite of high energy. I do know lots of dogs that are "typical" for their breed, but I know just as many that are not, so do not let breed be the determining factor because you could be ruling out a lot of great dogs.

reggaecupcake 2 years 47 weeks

i live in a one bedroom with a loft apartment i have a cat who is older, and i really wanted a puppy, kind of the in the same situation and didnt want any kind of yapper, i have an awesome chihuahua who is two and a half now, i almost didnt get a chihuahua because they are known for being yappers, but i think that its all in how you train your dog. reggae does not yap at all, he knows not to bark at things outside and gets along perfect with my cat roxy, they are best friends now, they chase and play with each other all the time- so i say chihuahuas are a great choice!! good luck!

Leila07 2 years 47 weeks

My boston terrier never barks! The only time he lets out a little yip is when he is playing and gets excited. :) He is good with all dogs and cats too. Even the ones who don't like him back.

2 years 47 weeks

Shih-tzus are great with people and other pets, even cats. They do not shed and will easily accommodate to small living spaces like an apartment. My last dog was a Shih-tzu and he was the friendliest, most laid back dog I had ever encountered. Good luck!

2 years 47 weeks

Yapping comes from small dogs. It is just part of how they act. Just like some larger dogs are known for 'singing'. Try to find a puppy that isn't aggressive and then bring it into the house asap. Make sure your cats aren't going to be aggressive with the puppy also! Remember most of how a dog acts is based on how you treat him/her!

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