Dogs who are content with apartment living need less exercise, are quieter and get along with people and other dogs. These dogs become more popular as urban populations increase. People who are more conscientious about reducing their carbon footprint are moving to cities to live in apartments near work and take advantage of transportation alternatives to the car. Apartment dwellers with allergies seek out dogs who do not shed, and while no dogs have proven to be 100 percent non-shedding or hypoallergenic, numerous breeds shed only minimally, release small amounts of saliva and spread very little dander, the primary causes of dog allergies.

Choosing Your Dog

Finding the right dog is complicated if you have limited living space and even more difficult if you have allergies. Before looking for a dog, it is important to do research and learn about types of dogs who adjust well to apartment life and who are considered low- to non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Because each dog breed is unique, you cannot know for certain which breed or mix of breeds will cause an allergic reaction, so everyone in your household should try to spend time with the kinds of dogs you are considering before making a decision. This will prevent your choosing a dog who is not suited for apartment living or who triggers allergic responses.

Miniature Schnauzer

The miniature schnauzer is a family dog and loving companion, a lapdog who is playful and tolerant with children. This small schnauzer is one of the most adaptable terriers and can be a well-mannered apartment dog. She sheds very little, although she has has a short coat that needs regular maintenance because the hair is prone to matting. Miniature schnauzers are curious and alert and enjoy being right in the middle of any activity.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The soft-coated wheaten terrier is one of the most gentle terriers. When provided with enough outdoor exercise, these can be calm, sweet apartment dogs. Wheatens are very affectionate and prefer to be lapdogs even though they weigh about 35 pounds. They are playful and friendly with children and dogs. Soft-coated wheaten terriers want to be close to their people and adapt well to life in the city. Well-balanced wheatens can remain calm even when the doorbell rings or people come to visit.

Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington terriers are companion dogs who enjoy moderate play and exercise, crave affection and get along fairly well with people and other pets. They are gentle dogs who are comfortable in apartments and can be good watchdogs. The Bedlington weighs under 25 pounds, has a curly woolen coat that does not shed and resembles a lamb.

Chinese Crested

Chinese crested dogs are playful, affectionate lapdogs who get along with cats, other dogs, adults and children. They do not need much exercise and are happy playing games in the house and going for short walks outside, as long as the weather is not cold. The hairless variety of this breed is non-shedding, but has special skin care needs, such as a need to be protected from sunshine. Your hairless Chinese crested should also wear a sweater for cold or cool weather outings.

Havanese

The Havanese is considered a hypoallergenic, non-shedding dog breed. These dogs originated in Cuba, where they were kept as companion dogs. They are excellent family dogs, friendly with everyone—other dogs, pets, adults, children and strangers. These little dogs are attentive, intelligent and trainable, as well as silly and clownish, and they enjoy being the center of attention. They can be calm, quiet apartment dogs whose exercise requirements will be satisfied by a short walk and a vigorous indoor play session.

Italian Greyhound

Italian greyhounds are ideal apartment dogs who need little exercise, except for an occasional outdoor run. They are very friendly, easy to train and loyal. They shed very little, so are good for allergy sufferers. These slight dogs are sensitive to cold, so you will have to provide your Italian greyhound with a warm home and a sweater when the weather is chilly. Italian greyhounds prefer a quiet, calm atmosphere, and they are excellent dogs for people who lead quiet lives and who enjoy a calm companion by their side.

Weighing up to 120 pounds and measuring 35 inches high at the shoulders, Irish wolfhounds are most recognized for their impressive size. First appearing on record in A.D. 391 these gentle giants were used for a variety of tasks ranging from guarding castles to playing with royal children. Despite their commanding size, Irish wolfhounds are prone to serious health conditions and live only, on average, between six and eight years.

Considerations Before Buying

Compared to other breeds, Irish wolfhounds live significantly shorter lives — a factor the Irish Wolfhound Club of America asks all perspective owners to consider before acquiring the dog. If you own an Irish wolfhound, be prepared for your dog to encounter serious health conditions. Irish wolfhounds suffer from genetic disorders associated with the breed including high rates of bone cancer and dangerously enlarged hearts. Because of their large size, these dog are at higher risk for painful hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Irish wolfhounds are also the breed most likely to suffer from bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off the blood flow through the body. Despite these health concerns, proper veterinary care can help owners and their Irish wolfhounds spend many healthy years together.

Greyhounds are cherished by pet owners for their quiet, even-tempered demeanor and elegant appearance. Luckily for those who love greyhounds, these dogs have a very long life span, considering their size, and they tend to enjoy good health for much of their lives.

Greyhound Life Span

Greyhounds, even retired racing greyhounds, are generally long-lived. The average life span of a greyhound is between 10 and 13 years, but some individuals of the breed can live up to 15 years. Part of the reason for greyhounds’ longevity is the lack of major genetic health problems that sometimes plague other breeds.

Health Issues

Though greyhounds are typically very healthy dogs, a few health problems are commonly seen in the breed. Greyhounds can be susceptible to bone cancer, particularly in the legs, and are prone to cuts and lacerations in their delicate skin. Retired racing greyhounds may have injuries from their racing days that can impact their longevity, including muscle, hock and foot issues.

Taking care of newborn puppies isn’t always an easy task, but it’s definitely one you’ll love if your heart melts when you see a baby dog. During the first few weeks without a mother, you’ll need to mimic everything she would do for them. This includes feeding, bathing and helping them eliminate. This is an around-the-clock job, as newborns need to be fed every two to three hours. Thus you may want to enlist the help of an assistant.

Feeding

1Heat up the puppy formula, often called “milk replacer,” to a lukewarm temperature by placing the formula in a container and then in a bowl of hot water. Boiling water will be too hot and microwaves can be uneven. You can also use a bottle warmer if you have one handy. Just as with checking formula for a human infant, test it on the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot.

2Put the formula in a specialized nursing bottle or an eyedropper. Before feeding her, make sure that the formula doesn’t run out of the nipple by turning it upside down — if it does it means the hole in the nipple is too big. This could result in drowning or other problems for your baby pups.

3Hold the pup with her belly on your hand or forearm and gently cradle her head. then put the nipple to her mouth. Do this every two to three hours throughout the day for the first week or two, then reduce it to every six to eight hours after the third week.

4Mix the formula with wet or dry puppy food when the pups reach 3 to 4 weeks old. Place the mixture on a flat saucer. The consistency should be similar to that of oatmeal. This will start the weaning process. Put some of this mixture on the tip of your finger and hold it to the puppy’s mouth then slowly move your finger to the saucer of food.

Warmth and Hygiene

1Place a heating pad or hot water bottle under a blanket or towel in the puppy’s nesting box. Mother dogs keep their babies warm by nuzzling them and keeping them close. The heating source mimics this. During the first week, the ideal temperature should be around 85 to 90 degrees. You can drop this to 80 degrees for the next month or so. Puppies over 6 weeks can handle 75 degrees.

2Dip a cotton ball in warm — not hot — water and gently rub their anal region and lower abdomen with it. This will help stimulate elimination, as puppies won’t do this on their own. Don’t rub too hard or for too long; a couple of minutes suffices.

3Wash the puppies’ bodies with warm water after elimination, either urination or defecation. Wash with a very soft washcloth to do this. Urine can cause skin burns similar to diaper rash, while feces may cause infection or invite parasites.

4Massage newborns gently all over their body with your fingertips or a soft, dry cloth to help stimulate them and mimic their mother’s love.