Welcome to pet talk! My name's Ashley, and I'm owned by two shelties...now back to the topic..

I think you should try going to your local shelter to visit the dogs. The shelter workers should be able to give you more info on the dogs there. I think rescue is always the way to go.

Now aside from mutts (which can be great fantastic dogs), I'd have to advirtise one of my favorite breeds. SHELTIES! Shelties generally get along well with other animals (if raised to). They're said to be barkers which is true but I know of some pet talk shelties who don't bark as much apparently. My youngest sheltie, Kai, could hold a conversation by him self for HOURS! Kaedyn will "talk" when something excites him or he hears someone outside the house. They both bark when they hear someone approaching the house but after the person is inside the house, they calm down. Both of mine are great watch dogs but they'd never make great guard dogs.

Shelties are some-what active. I don't think they're quite as active as jrts or border collies but they'd make a great jogging buddy. Shelties are known for their excellent work in obedience, agility, herding, flyball, frisbee and musical freestyle. They're basically an all in one type of breed.

They're not toy dogs but they aren't exactly huge either. The average height is about 14 inches but bigger shelties are more common now caused by those collie genes. They weigh at about 25-30 pounds typically. Kai is 17.5 inches and 38 pounds. Kaedyn, my rescue sheltie, is 14.5 inches and 16 pounds (Very underweight).

If you decide to get a sheltie or not, rescue is the way to go!