What Toy Dog Do You Recommend For Apartment?

I live in an apartment and I want to get a small dog. I need a dog that can stay home alone for a few hours a day, and not too destructive. What breed do you recommend?What Toy Dog Do You Recommend For Apartment?
I live in an apartment myself and I have a miniature Doberman- the most precious dog in the world- get them while theyre young, they bond quickly and they also try to protect you.
All dogs are pack oriented and most don't like to be left alone. Toy dogs were bred mostly for companionship so they will more than likely not like to be left alone more than, say, a dog originally bred to be aloof.



I would suggest an older dog, not a puppy for starters. Older dogs are easier to train. I personally would adopt a dog from the local shelter - and to take care of the dog not being destructive, you can always crate the dog when you leave (recommended to help with potty training and to keep the dog and your things safe from one another.)



I would suggest, again, an adult. A toy breed - no hunting, herding, guarding breeds as they tend to need more exercise and room to run around. I would stay away from most terriers - generally because of the high energy, stubborn nature, and tendency to be loud.



A few breeds in mind: Maltese, Chihuahua, Havanese, Poodle, Bichon.



Size isn't everything! What about grooming needs, shedding, exercise needs, etc. Here:



http://www.pgaa.com/CANINE/GENERAL/size.鈥?/a>

http://www.raisingspot.com/intro_choosin鈥?/a>What Toy Dog Do You Recommend For Apartment?
Most toy breeds are just fine. I'd avoid terriers like Jack Russells. Here are some suggestions!

Pomeranians

Pugs

Chiauahuas

French Bulldogs

Malteses

Shitzus

Poodles (Miniature and Toy)

Do some reading on different breeds out there. Go to a dog show to see the different breeds and talk to some breeders. Go to AKC.com and look under confirmation events to see when there will be a dog show in your area. DO NOT GET A PUPPY FROM A PET SHOP! Only get a pup from a reputable breeder that breeds their dogs inside and treats them like members of the family and is doing it more for love of the breed than to make a quick buck (you can tell the difference after visiting and talking to the people right away). Consider adopting an older dog from a breed rescue group. Just google the breed and the rescue group and where you live like (Poodle resuce groups in northerwest Indiana or Pomeranian rescue groups in central California, etc...). Or keep your eye open at your local human society or shelters. Just remember that no matter how small the dog is that they still need exercise (some just more than others). I'm glad that you won't be gone more than a few hours a day. Try to bring your dog with you as much as possible (that's the nice thing about toy breeds). Also, enroll your pup in puppy kindergarten so it'll learn basic obedience right away at a young age. Look for a good dog obedience center. They can also address any problems or concerns that you may have or encounter. GOOD LUCK! Personally, my favorite small breed is the toy poodle. They are super smart and they don't shed.
If you want a dog who...

a good apartment dog

Is small yet sturdy -- not a delicate lapdog

Is round-headed and short-faced,

with large expressive eyes cute as a button

Has a sleek easy-care coat

Is usually good-natured with people and other pets

Has a passion for playing games and chasing balls

A Boston Terrier may be right for you.What Toy Dog Do You Recommend For Apartment?
Miniature pinschers are great I have 2 they are intertaining but love attention. Another great companion dog is a Papillion My mom's got one and he's really quite. Another good dog is a Miniature Dachshund. My friend who lives in an apartment has one the only thing about them is that they tend to whine. I would definatly try to get one that's at least a 3 years old no matter what kind you get cuz you'll miss all the puppy noise.
NOT a Jack Russell Terrier! My husband and I live in an apartment and adopted a JRT and while she really is the right physical size for the apartment, her personality and energy expenditure are WAY bigger...she would need like a mansion to fit all that in! :) Plus, she has super bad separation anxiety and we have to crate her when we're away otherwise she'll destroy and/or potty on furniture. You should get a cat: they're good companions, pretty clean, and they're so independent that they won't mind you being away...but they'll still love on you when you come home!
i would recommend a small dog such as a maltese or yorkie or cavalier king charles spaniel. they are all so cute!! o and to add, maltese and yorkies don't shed so you don't have to worry about fur all over your furniture, but they tend to be a little yappy. wiener dogs and jack russell terriers are cute too.
Maltese

http://www.pupcity.com/images/adpics/07113220758909_1.jpg
maltese! they're awesome - smart, playful (but ok in an apt.), super sweet, funny and cuddly...I really can't say enough about em....but maybe I just have an exceptionally awesome one:)
Poodles are extremely intelligent, don't shed so they require grooming and are eager to please their owners.
well I would recommend a chihuahua or a maltese
something calm so no yorkies or terriers what about a pug or chiwaua