Looking for the breed

[ESS-lover]

English Springer Spaniels come in two categories Bench and Field - field are definate hunters and the bench have had some of that bred out for conformity's sake.

They are medium sized, usually calm indoors, loving and people oriented - absolutely lousy guard dogs (might lick an intruder to death but that's about it). They are eager to please so very trainable (important in an apartment/condo), friendly to people if well socialized, and do well romping for an hour or two a day (I take mine to the dog park where he can run and play off leash for about an hour a day).

Cowboy and I have just completed level 2 of obedience - he has done very well and knows all the basic commands. ESS do not do well on their own (love to be with their people) - but do crate well (suggested until at least 2 yo) and the love and wiggles when they come out even after 10 minutes is incredible.

BTW, I am in an apartment with one and it is a good match.

[ParNone]

I have 2 Smooth Collies and wouldn't recommend them for your situation. They are incredible dogs. So very trainable, friendly, playful, reliable in the house, good off leash, do not need excessive exercise. They're just about perfect in every way. Except barking wise. With training, they're not really excessive barkers, but the decibal level is unbelievably loud and it can be high pitched. I would think in a Condo setting, that could be very annoying to your neighbors.

I actually would recommend the Cavalier. Not sure what influenced your "not special" observation, but there have been several in Oz's agility class that I've fallen in love with. They've all been so friendly and well behaved. Very trainable. Not barkers at all, that I noticed. Good off leash, playful and very devoted and loving to their handlers. They seem as happy to be lap dogs as they are agility dogs. Great all around dog. They're definitely on my small dog list to get someday.

Par...

[Majestic]

I thought I had some comment to this post, it disappeared.

[senorita02]

so did mine

[Majestic]

so did mine

My guess is the webmaster upload the backup database from yesterday. Anything posted after would be lost-just a guess

[lizbud]

You all probably posted in the Dog General thread. There are to threads
going on the same subject.

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=92792

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Glacier mentioned greyhounds as a suitable dog for an apartment, and wondered how they were off leash. I've got a greyhound mix- she is great off leash- until she sees a bunny rabbit!
It seems like you prefer big dogs, but have you considered a smaller one, like maybe a basset hound? They are not high energy dogs, and tend to make good apartment pets as they are pretty happy laying around all day! Good luck with your search!