I live in Los Angeles, what kind of a big dog would live and be happy in the heat?

Hi Curious.

We would need to know a little more about your lifestyle, not beig nosey, it would just help select a few breeds for you.

Do you work? If so how long would the dog be alone for?
Is it an inside or outside dog?
How much grooming are you prepared to do?
Do you have a big backyard/house?
How much exercise can you give the dog?

Also do you have kids?
Do you have other animals?

Do you have air conditioning? ;)

There are many breeds that are okay with the heat, but like Shaz and Zoe mentioned, we need more info about you, your lifestyle and your family.

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Originally Posted by shazamataz

Hi Curious.

We would need to know a little more about your lifestyle, not beig nosey, it would just help select a few breeds for you.

Do you work? If so how long would the dog be alone for?
Is it an inside or outside dog?
How much grooming are you prepared to do?
Do you have a big backyard/house?
How much exercise can you give the dog?

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Sorry, I guess last time I didn't give enough info. Okay, I work about 8 hours a day five days a week, live in an apartment, and am prepared to give the dog a lot of exercise and grooming.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ZoeMarie

Also do you have kids?
Do you have other animals?

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I have no kids and no other animals. And yes, the apartment has air conditioning

I googled this and I hope it is of use to you.
Best Warm or Hot Weather Dog Breeds

Artlady's site is great.
I would go for something like a Doberman, they are large, do pretty well in the heat and they are pretty independent dogs so don't mind being left alone during the day.

Only problem is they are fairly energetic so daily walking is a must and you will need to put a lot of effort into training.
Catsmine would be the one to talk to about Dobermans ;)

Boston terrier does great
Learns in-door behavior promptly
Has min. skin condition issues in hot weather.
Want to see a pic?
Do you do you

I would go for a Chihuahua because you're in an apartment, although they can be yappy a little training will fix that right up.

I also like the Japanese chin. Cute, small, stubborn. ;)

Guys, in the OP it says she wants a large breed :)

Opps missed the big

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Originally Posted by shazamataz

Guys, in the OP it says she wants a large breed :)

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I saw that Shaz, just don't think a big dog is a good idea in an apartment.

It's my attempt at persuasion. ;)

Ahhh OK, fair enough :)

Yes small would be better in an apartment, if it's a small apartment it could get a bit crowded (for both the dog and the owner!)
But with enough exercise it would be OK.

Great Danes don't do well in the heat but they are great apartment dogs, lazy buggers, all mums does is drool and sleep :p

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

I saw that Shaz, just don't think a big dog is a good idea in an apartment.

It's my attempt at persuasion. ;)

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My Shepard was 120 or more pounds when he was well,before he aged and lost weight and because of his adaptability,he was great even in small apartments.Maybe he was the exception to the rule,he sure thought he was a lap dog :)

He stayed with me in a hotel for a month with no problem.I think some of it has to do with the breed and how easy they adapt to new conditions.

He did require good long walks.I used to ride my bike and he would run with me,he loved to run.

I am hoping that the OP decides to get a recuse dog because mutts are just so lovable and anything is better than a cage.
Clearly she is doing her homework and that a great thing.

The only reason I am saying this is I am so used to a large dog,even as a child we had good sized dogs and I was never a fan of those teeny yappers.

I get your persuasion idea but it would be lost on me,I like big or at least medium but not a pocketbook kind of dog.

I guess it really depends on the dog and the owner and how responsible they are.

I wish I could have one now.House just does not feel like a home without the pitter patter of little feet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazamataz

Artlady's site is great.
I would go for something like a Doberman, they are large, do pretty well in the heat and they are pretty independant dogs so don't mind being left alone during the day.

Only problem is they are fairly energetic so daily walking is a must and you will need to put a lot of effort into training.
Catsmine would be the one to talk to about Dobermans ;)

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Dobies don't really do well in an apartment setting unless curious192 is a marathon bicyclist. They require strenuous exercise daily, and are always ready to keep going. War Dog trainers consistently ace the Marines' PT tests because their dogs need them to keep up.

If the apartment is fairly large and you have the budget for doggie toys, I have known Boxers that did well in apartments. You have to keep them from getting bored, though.

Had to spread the rep Cats but thanks for the info, I knew they needed a lot of exercise but didn't realise they weren't good in apartments ;)

Didn't think about boxers, my mothers friends breeds them, hers are insane though, she doesn't spend a lot of time on training so they are very ill behaved.

Just make sure you always remain mindful of the heat and its effect on your pet!
I have heard (and seen on tv) some horrifying things that happened to animals because people left them in the car or in the sun.
(In our area a doctor had to scrape a dog out of somebodies car(literally scrape) because its insides had partially melted because of being left in the car in the sun)
So please be very careful.

Wow thanks guys. I didn't expect this many answers! You've been a great help, especially the website with the dogs that are okay with the heat. This has given me many ideas, now the only problem is picking one! Thanks again.

Let us know what you end up getting.

Be prepared to post pictures, we'll ask.

Okay, okay, I'll ask, but the others like pictures too. ;)