What breed should I get?

[Giselle]

My boyfriend and I are moving pretty soon, to a place where we can have dogs. Currently we have cats because my landlord doesn't mind cats. We think adding a dog to our family would be great.

We both want a BIG dog, but we both do not know what will be a better breed to have. We both like the Bull Mastiffs, but they are large and very slobbery dogs. I kind of want a fluffy dog, leave it to a girl to want cute and fluffy. We also both want one that is smart, easy to train, and does great with kids. We plan on marrying and having kids too.

What do you think?

Well, here's what you're asking for:

A big dog will eat a lot, poop a lot, drink a lot, take a lot of space. A big dog probably eats a $30-40 bag of good quality kibble every month. Can you afford that for the rest of the dog's life?
A fluffy dog requires regular grooming - either from you or a groomer. Groomers aren't cheap.
A "smart"/highly trainable dog is a dog who NEEDS constant mental stimulation. A "smart" dog is a dog who needs a job. He will NOT be content to sit on the couch for 8 hours while you're away at work. In fact, the "smart" dog will find ways to occupy himself (and it's usually something destructive, like ripping apart your laminate floorings ).
A "smart" dog often needs adequate physical exercise. This doesn't mean 15 minute strolls around the block. This usually means a hard jog/hike/run/play at park, etc.
Being good with kids is completely an individual characteristic. You just can't generalize and say one breed is better with kids than another. It's an individual thing.

So my suggestion is: search your shelters. An adult dog from a shelter is a dog stable in size, coat, exercise requirements, and compatibility with other dogs/kids. Whenever you get a puppy, you're in for a bit of a crapshoot, so I suggest adopting an older adult.

[binka_nugget]

Well, here's what you're asking for:

A big dog will eat a lot, poop a lot, drink a lot, take a lot of space. A big dog probably eats a $30-40 bag of good quality kibble every month. Can you afford that for the rest of the dog's life?
A fluffy dog requires regular grooming - either from you or a groomer. Groomers aren't cheap.
A "smart"/highly trainable dog is a dog who NEEDS constant mental stimulation. A "smart" dog is a dog who needs a job. He will NOT be content to sit on the couch for 8 hours while you're away at work. In fact, the "smart" dog will find ways to occupy himself (and it's usually something destructive, like ripping apart your laminate floorings ).
A "smart" dog often needs adequate physical exercise. This doesn't mean 15 minute strolls around the block. This usually means a hard jog/hike/run/play at park, etc.
Being good with kids is completely an individual characteristic. You just can't generalize and say one breed is better with kids than another. It's an individual thing.

So my suggestion is: search your shelters. An adult dog from a shelter is a dog stable in size, coat, exercise requirements, and compatibility with other dogs/kids. Whenever you get a puppy, you're in for a bit of a crapshoot, so I suggest adopting an older adult.

I completely agree! You're never guarenteed anything with a puppy. I had hoped to get cats one day. Kai was my first dog and is excellent with cats. Keeva (third dog, second puppy) was raised to be tolerant with other animals as well. She can not stand the sight of cats and would eat my rats if given the chance. Both dogs were socialized extensively, both were exposed to different animals and both are herding dogs with a modified prey drive. I did everything the same, got breeds similar in temperments and ended up with polar opposites.

Also, the tidbit Sophie added about smart dogs is really important to keep in mind. My dogs are herding dogs. I chose herding breeds because they're known for being extremely intelligent. Intelligent? Yes. Easy to train? Not quite. My two younger dogs are SO smart that they'll understand what I'm asking of them instantly... then figure out a way around it and beat me to the punch. Also, my Malinois is SO keen on working. She does it all day! Most days I give her enough "work".. intense agility or competitive obedience training mostly. On days I slack and don't give her enough work.. she wrecks havoc and creates her own work. There are doors, computer monitors, shoes, glasses, mp3 players and countless other items needing to be replaced. Unfortunately it's the price you pay when you want a highly intelligent breed. They NEED to work, otherwise they'll get bored.

Anyways, I suggest going to a shelter to find an adult dog. I've come a lot of dogs in my days as a volunteer dog walker that have had solid basic commands already. You'll be able to choose the perfect dog for you

[StarandBratsmom]

Yes, I will be bringing my cats with me too. You guys have a point, bigger dog means more space and more food. Your tips have been very helpful. I am going to talk to my boyfriend.

[Karen]

Just one more vote for visiting shelters and seeing who you fall in love with. That, and some breed research, and you should do well.