Never owned a dog...which breeds should I consider

imaginit, just one word of caution here. Before you get to caught up in the pit bull craze, please check with your homeowners insurance carrier & see if they allow them. If you get the dog & they find out later & they don't allow them, they will make you get rid of it. Also, be sure there are no local ordinances forbiding them. A Staff is the same as a pit for this purpose. Going to PetFinder was an excellent suggestion. Altho there are tons of AC's & shelters that don't advertise on there it is the largest of its kind. You should also be able to see if there are any age restrictions on their web page. Good luck & keep us posted

I agree that a shelter dog or a rescued animal is the way to go. These dogs know you have saved them and will repay you. I have found German Shepherd mixes to be very smart animals and great companions. I had a Shepherd/Akita mix who essentially I could talk to in PARAGRAPHS and he would respond. I now have a Shepherd mix (probably with Border Collie) who is likewise very smart. Both have been very loyal and kind to kids.
   
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IMAGINIT - With regards to whether staffys shed much fur. They don't shed too mush as they have short fur and mine doesn't bark at all unless we are playing with her. I don't know anything about 'pit bull craze' or staffy's being dangerous dogs in your country but in UK insurance is not a problem for staffys but pit bulls are illegal.