Quote:
Originally Posted by Nlkko
Sounds like you live alone, you will want to look into a mid-to-low level energy dog breed. They'll still need exercise but will be happy stay home for a couple of hours while you work.
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It's important to note, you CANNOT judge a dog's energy level and exercise needs based solely on size. I see a lot of people get small dogs for condo and apartment living because they figure that's best suited for a small living space, and big dogs need lots of space... fact is, some of the LEAST energetic dogs are big breeds like Great Danes, St. Bernards, etc. Amazingly, greyhounds are also very low energy. Meanwhile, many smaller breeds are very energetic, especially herding breeds like Shelties, collies, Australian shepherds, etc. - they'll lose their minds around the house if they don't get LOTS of exercise.
If you really want to work on the karma points, look for a shelter dog: there are tons out there that have been surrendered, rescued, or abandoned, and are in need of good homes. SumAznGuy's advice about older dogs applies here too: RESPONSIBLE rescues will have done extensive evaluations of their dogs, and know what sort of home each one needs... they'll also do an extensive evaluation of you, your lifestyle, and your home, to make sure you and the dog will be a good fit - the last thing they want to see is a dog come back to them because of confused expectations.
If you go the shelter route, be wary of any that make it TOO easy for you to just come in and grab any dog, because they're probably more concerned with just collecting your "adoption fee" than finding the dog THE RIGHT home.
As has already been mentioned, a mature dog is probably better for your first dog, because a lot of the basic training has already been done and the dog has settled into his temperament, so you know exactly what you're getting. A puppy can come later, with all the extra challenges that brings.