[StephenF]

So the wife and i have decided we are going to start looking into getting a puppy, but we need help deciding on a good breed for us. so if yall could help with any ideas that would be great! we live an apartment is part of the issue its rather small, but i do live a very active life so exercise isnt really an issue. i work a normal 9-5 job pretty much. occasionally i would stay late but not often. the wifes schedule varies quite a bit more than i do. we are just looking for ideas for breeds and not really looking at getting one right now. research is what it is. also long hair short hair doesnt really matter. a breed eager to learn and exercise.

 

[Shell]

You've described probably 85% of dog breeds...

Weight limits or breed restrictions in your apartment complex and/or commonly among other rentals in your area?

Willing to have dog professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks or prefer a wash and go type coat?

Extreme heat or cold common in your area?

Do you want or need off-leash skills?

Any small pets or cats in the household or homes that you often visit?

 

[StephenF]

hi sorry for the very broad statements but weight restrictions there are none and breed restrictions include pitbulls, rottweilers, dobermans, alaskan malamute, akitas, and chows. yes we are willing to get it professionally grooomed. southern california, San Clemente, and off leash is a must. also there is one cat that we already own.

 

[Shell]

Ok, much more to go on now

If breed restrictions, steer clear of look-alike or commonly mistaken breeds because even with purebred papers you can end up in a hassle with management. So if Dobes are banned for example, also avoid say, tri color Beucerons or no American Bulldogs if pits are banned.

Speaking in broad generalizations, most hounds are not great off leash.

Sighthounds and terriers tend to be bad with cats and small animals (see them as prey).

In apartments, breeds that tend towards reactive and barky can be a problem. I do not suggest an Aussie or Border Collie.

Very small dogs like toy breeds such as Chihuahuas and toy poodles may not suit an active running, hiking, biking type lifestyle.

I'd probably suggest avoiding very snub nosed breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs who will stuggle to be active in a warm climate.

Labradors are a popular breed for a reason and would fit your needs.

Being near water, a short or medium coated dog is going to be easier to deal with if you like beaches and swimming.

Overall the sporting and retriving types are most likely to fit your needs I think.

Some breeds to consider-
Smooth collies
Labs
Goldens
Standard poodle
Some of the Spaniel breeds like welshies (not CKCS though as health problems are bad in the breed)
Some of the larger and sturdier toy/companion breeds like Havanese

 

[Bluemoods]

Well, with off leash required, you will want to avoid northern breeds like Huskies and Malamutes and, avoid any claiming to be a wolfdog or wolf hybrid, wolamute, etc.... No coydog either. You want something like a collie, poodle, retriever, lab, spaniel, Australian shepherd.

 

[hanksimon]

I know you said puppy, but a 3 - 5yo [rescue] Lab is an excellent dog that is very adaptable to his environment. They are easy to train, energetic, you can condition them to run with you, and sleep all day while you're at work. Be sure to tell the organization your desires and requirements.

 

[Sienna]

I would definitely recommend a samoyed or a boxer. Samoyeds are high energy dogs but not the most energetic of dog breeds, so they do need a bit of exercise but no where near as much as a border collie and some other breeds. They are known for being amazing with kids and are friendly with everyone, people call hem the 'smiling sammys'. Samoyeds are also able to live in apartments as long as they get the appropriate amount of exercise. i wouldn't say they are good guard dogs since they love everyone, but they are great watch dogs as they love to talk (lots of barking and howling) which may not be good if you live in an apartment. One con they are a super high maintenance breed, look up grooming a samoyed and its pretty self explanatory. They shed ALOT and require lotssss of grooming especially considering their size. you'll also need to consider making sure they don't get to hot, if you live somewhere tropical or somewhere thats hot all the time, probably don't get this breed. but if you live somewhere cold or somewhere that is cold in the winter and hot in the summer, it should be fine as long as you have air conditioning and are super mindful. boxers are also great dogs, i don't know very much about them as i do samoyeds though. they are also good with kids and can live in an apartments. They are more protective so would make better guard dogs, and don't have a huge coat so wouldn't have as much maintenance. Obviously all dogs are different so it varies, but if your wanting a dog that falls under the correct temperament id suggest making sure you go to a good breeder who makes sure they breed good temperament and appearance for the breed standard. i recently got a Pomeranian from a great breeder but she already by 13 weeks hates strangers, and this breed is known for loving everyone so if you have a specific personality in mind then tell your breeder your preference because sometimes even dogs from breeders can have an aggressive temperament because all pups are individuals still. Also, a good way of knowing if a breeder is good is if they shows their dogs. Not to say that if they don't or if they do it makes them good or bad, but it shows that the breeder is right into what their doing and really cares for the breed not just making money. hope this helps!