Dog Lovers

[Fizz]

I am looking for a good dog breed that can live in an apartment, but also go hiking. If anyone has experience with one or can recommend one, please do! As of right now I am leaning towards a Basset Hound, but am a little worried about a couple things. Their height vs terrain & their bark vs neigbors.

[Mountnman]

I love my Lab, as long as you take it out for daily exercise they are great. And incredible trail dogs. IMHO

[Cranky Bear]

No offense but why are you trying to base your decision on apartment friendly and hiking?

I ask this as any dog can live in an apartment, and can go hiking. Some better than others, but I truly feel that proper training and proper care are two of the most important things. Proper care along with proper training the dog will do just fine for what you listed. Yes of course there are a few that really shouldn't be hiking longer distances, but those are easy to pick out.

More so what is it you want in a pet like color, hair (short, long, medium), breed has a great deal in part of the decision (cattle dog or herding dog, hound, retriever, guard, hunting and much more) as well as temperament. Is it just you there, kids, other family. Some breeds require much, much, much more play time and outside time than others.

Future care should also play a factor in your decision as some breeds are more prone to certain health problems than others.

I truly think you have a great deal more to factor in to your decision, as always this is JMO.

[hppyfngy]

Well, Cranky's right.

And no dog will like to be left alone in an apt for 8+ hours per day, if that's what you mean. They will become neurotic and possibly destructive. Dogs need companionship.

That said, some are more high energy than others, Jack Russell comes to mind. Hounds can be single minded if they get on a scent, Bassets are no exception.

Any dog can be trained. Labs and Golden Retrievers have great reputations as family friendly and even keeled dogs, but some are not. I've known a few that were nuts.

This is a big decision. Give some more information about your ability to take care of an animal.

Now, all of that being said, when you get a dog, get one from the pound.

[Ramblinrev]

when you get a dog, get one from the pound.

Mutt.... can't beat them. _But_ be aware of certain mind sets that are out there, right or wrong. Don't dump on _me_ for this. Some places will not allow certain breeds like Dobies and Pit Bulls _wait for it_ in the _mistaken_ belief they are problem dogs. I know, I know but the mind set and regulations are out there none the less. Check and make sure your apartment complex is dog tolerant.

Good ole mutt from the shelter.... Best dog you can have.

[Cranky Bear]

Please don't take what I posted the wrong way. I just think there is much more to be considered in your decision.

I agree with hppyfngy, get a recsue..... ours is and I think we rescued each other.

Good luck with your decision.

[Cranky Bear]

Mutt.... can't beat them. _But_ be aware of certain mind sets that are out there, right or wrong. Don't dump on _me_ for this. Some places will not allow certain breeds like Dobies and Pit Bulls _wait for it_ in the _mistaken_ belief they are problem dogs. I know, I know but the mind set and regulations are out there none the less. Check and make sure your apartment complex is dog tolerant.

Good ole mutt from the shelter.... Best dog you can have.

This is actually a great idea, we checked with our apartment complex during our lease re-sign (new management) and the list is pretty long.

[fishbait]

Mutt.... can't beat them. Good ole mutt from the shelter.... Best dog you can have.

Ditto. Can't beat a mutt. With that said, check the shelters.

[Fronkey]

I agree 100% with getting a mutt. They are fantastic dogs.

Kiba is a lab/papillon mix and she is a dog I pretty much put on auto pilot. No worries on that one.
Tala on the other hand is a lot of work. lol


If you get a lab mixed with anything, you're pretty much good to go and will have an amazing dog.

Fronkey

[hppyfngy]

If you get a lab mixed with anything, you're pretty much good to go and will have an amazing dog.

While this is true, more depends on you, the owner, than the breed, IMHO.

I know a guy who neglected his Lab and she tore everything in the house up when left alone. She required serious re-training.

Just be sure you can commit to a lifelong (possibly a 15 year) commitment.