Best dogs for Brooklyn?

tuckpendleton

Hi there --

Wanted to see what people thought were the best dog breeds for Brooklyn...we have a 2BR, decent size. Close to the Brooklyn Heights dog run. I've seen everything in our neighborhood from the little punter dogs to Bernese Mountain, and websites seem to be of no help (or have differing opinions on dogs).

The dog would be spending 8-9 hours alone each day. Thinking a small walk in the morning (around 1-2 blocks) and then the dog run at night and on weekends.

Related question: would adopting an older dog be better, since they might be less inclined to chew on things?

Thanks in advance...

MOD

I love dogs. I wish I had the time and money to have one in Brooklyn. Here a few things to consider and a great link to help you on your way:

Are you financially secure?
Are you OK with picking up dog poop, mopping up dog pee, or cleaning up dog vomit? (Especially on the street)
Walking your dog daily?
Are you ready, and have to the time to, train a dog?

Here's the web link:
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/rightdog/rightdog2.html

My sister had a pound pup in Brooklyn, and luckily she had a back yard. Even with that it howled all day when she and her husband were at work. It chewed everything up and was certainly like a baby in regards to the time and attention it needed. Nevertheless, the company of a pet is priceless as long as you make a realistic and thoughtful decision on the breed and what lifestyle you live.

Let us know what pooch you choose!

caseopele

Don't be fooled by people who tell you that it's cruel to have big dogs in an apartment. Most little dogs are higher energy than large dogs. I have an 11 year old Shepherd mix and a 3.5 year old Pitbull, as long as they get the exercise they need they're fine. Plus, they can be kind of lazy especially when it's cold out. Alot of retired Greyhound owners say that they are perfect for an apartment. The reasoning is that they ran so much in their careers as racedogs that now they want to relax

My mom has an italian mastiff (125lbs) and a rottie/pit mix, she lives in Brooklyn Heights and takes them to the dog run over there. They are doing really well in an apartment. I know alot of people with big dogs that are very happy. I also see alot of people with small dogs that are bouncing off the walls most of the time. Some people think smaller means easier but they are usually more hyper than the big ones. Good luck!

pitu

One more vote here for the mid-to-large sized couch potato dog.
I have neighbors with small yapping nutjob dogs and it's not pretty - that high energy thing is not to be toyed with.

I've adopted adult dogs -- 'cause they need a home, and I don't want to train a puppy and deal with the mad chewing.

Can you wrap your mind around a dog run visit in the am? I know it's hard, but *is* great for the dog and helps them relax the rest of the day while you're gone.

petfinder.com rocks, as does urbanhound.com

quijibo

my mid-to-large mutt does real well with crooklyn living
--as long as she gets exercised and socialized regularly. she's all good

this morning she saw the snow. took a quick pee. and ran back into the apartment
right now she's sleeping which is pretty much a full-time activity in winter

petfinder.com is great. also consider visiting a shelter like BARC
or the north shore animal league http://www.nsalamerica.org/

bojolais

Please adopt an adult dog.. there are so many that need homes and you can find ones that are house broken.
I would encourage getting a dog walker so the dog doesn't have to be alone all day and can go the bathroom instead of holding it for 8-9 hours. And be honest, the dog will probably be alone for 10+ if you and your partner/roommate commute, unless you have very different schedules. Expect to pay $10-15 for a half hour walk.

tuckpendleton

Thanks so much for the input...I'd been leaning towards the mid-to-large dogs (can you even call those little things dogs?) and an adult...when I adopt, I'll check back in and let you know!

Thanks again...

drano

TuckPendleton wrote: Thanks so much for the input...I'd been leaning towards the mid-to-large dogs (can you even call those little things dogs?) and an adult...when I adopt, I'll check back in and let you know!

Thanks again...

It's not the size as much as the breed that makes a dog inappropriate for apartment living - but a lot of the breeds that are inappropriate do happen to be large. In any case, mutts should be a little more adaptable.

whyfi

I think that any type of dog is fine - just choose one that's a little less energetic than you, otherwise you'll have hell to pay when you don't take'm out to walk/run enough...

squanto

Get the Brooklyn breed--something mixed with Pit Bull. Sweetest dogs ever.
I agree with previous posters that size is not the issue. Think temperment and metabolism. Bigger may in fact be better. And the advice about exercise is right on.
Thank goodness the off-leash time in Prospect Park has been preserved. In fact, if you really want to investigate potential breeds or mixes, go to the park before 9am some Saturday morning. It's Brooklyn's answer to Westminster.

limestonekid

We have an 80 lb yellow lab and she's totally cool with living in an apartment. Of course we get in a 30-minute walk first thing in the morning and then a quick walk around the block before we head out the door to work.

In the evening in the same routine - a long walk when we first get home and then a short one before bed.

Obviously giving the dog appropiate amounts of exercise is important but that fact that she's also a low-key lab and not a hyper little dog helps a great deal.

jodi

PUGS!!!

whatchuwant

Greyhounds. The Best. Couch. Poe-tate-toes.

caseopele

I've heard the same thing about greyhounds, especially retired racers. Everyone thinks they must be high energy because of that but I'm guessing they need a break!