Just go to the shelter and get a big goofy lab. Labs are wonderfully sweet natured and if you rescue you can already see the adult personality and introduce them and make sure they get along. Mine (6 & 12 pounds) get along fine with the 50 & 80 pound labs next door.
DO NOT get an Australian Shepherd unless one of you runs or hikes regularly. Just like a Border Collie these dogs need some SERIOUS daily exercise. It doesn't matter that you have an apt vs. house because backyard activities are not sufficient anyway. You need to RUN those dogs.
I have met gentle, sweet dobermans and boxers but also headstrong, rough ones. I would not suggest getting a puppy of any kind where you will not know the final temperament and personality. Plus, a big dog puppy would be far too rough even when they are small. I know that Loki prefers adult labs to lab puppies, even though the lab puppies are his size. |