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I would recommend a cat, as others have suggested, or maybe a senior dog.
Dogs need daily exercise. My dog is outside 5 times per day, and 2 of those times are 45-minute walks or longer. "Occasional walks for fresh air around the neighborhood" won't cut it for any breed that I know of.
Consider going to a rescue group and adopting an older dog, perhaps even a senior. At that age, they are less likely to get bored and chew up your expensive furniture. They will also be trained (probably) and house broken. I see you have left Chihuahuas off the list. That's probably a wise choice. They tend to bond with one person whereas the breeds you've listed are more people-oriented. Know that smaller dogs tend to bark more. Again, an older dog may not do this.
Consider fostering a dog from a shelter for a couple of weeks. That'll let you know how much you can handle a pet and whether or not that particular pet is right for you.
We have never owned a dog, but are considering getting one. I want a small dog that doesn't shed a lot and that is OK being indoors most of the time, except for occasional walks for fresh air around the neighborhood. I guess you could say I am looking for a "lap" dog that is gentle and calm. The breeds I have considered are a Pug, Shih Tzu, or Dachshund.
Any opinions about these breeds, or other suggestions? We work and are gone for long hours all day, don't have a fenced in yard, and don't want the responsibility of a large dog, even though I love Golden Retrievers. Our home is just a small rancher with no basement. I don't want a dog that is destructive or "hyper".
Thanks for any suggestions!
Based on the bolded parts, this is not a good situation for a dog. All dogs need affection, attention, walks, quality food, training, and mental stimulation.
I agree that a cat would be better, although depending on the cat, they also need the same things that dogs do.
Maybe volunteer in a shelter to get a feel for what is involved in owning a dog.
Teacup yorkie - my sister has a 2 pounder. Too small to really go for walks outside, and she goes on pee pads inside. You just have to be very careful about surroundings, and making sure he/she isn't around a lot of high ledges (they can be fearless).
Pug, Llasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin are very quiet
Dachshunds are in the hound group, but they are actually terriers, so they are hard-chargers. Not a dog to leave by itself for most of the day every day, unless you enjoy having holes dug in your sofa cushions.
Llasa Apso and Shih Tzu require extensive grooming and should be combed out every day without fail, or else taken to the groomers to be shaved off until nothing is left but very short hair.
Japanese Chin have longer hair but if you comb a couple of times a week it should be OK. Watch for mats forming behind the ears, though.
You don't sound like much of a dog home and if you came to me to buy a puppy, I would deny your request. Not that I've ever owned anything but high energy breeds, so you wouldn't be coming to me, anyway. Maybe you can find a rescue that will let you take an older sedate dog.
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