Going to get a dog advice

I prefer large dogs, they are a little less needy and more intelligent. I have had eight dogs all together.  Weimaraner, black Lab, Irish setter, Great dane/Golden retriever mix, Beagle, German Sheppard, Gordon Setter, Rottwieller. All have their pros and cons. Since you are going to rescue one from a shelter you are probably going to get a mutt, which is great, sometimes even smarter than the pure breds, I would suggest looking for Lab or Sheppard mix. They are dominant genes so the sheppard/Lab traits will be obvious. these are loyal and smart dogs. also great with kids if you have any or intend to. If you are looking for a smaller dog I would sugest a beagle or spaniel. Beagles are great but have two issues. They chew even into their adult years and if they get lost they are not good at finding thier way home.
Large dogs will have joint issue such as arthritisis and hip dysplasia, but it will only be later in life. When they do there is not much you can do but use common sense to help them. keep them inside when it gets cold and rainy. Give them an aspirin or advil when they are suffering. There will be good days and bad days. it will be obviuos. When they are reallly suffering you have to do the hard thing and put them down. The vet will offer all sorts of treatments, potions, ointments but they do not work. Skin conditions can be fixed with the correct hygene and more importantly diet. Most skin allergys come from what they are eating. Except with Dalmations, their skin conditions are almost impossible to resolve.
As far as training it is all about putting in the time and the first two years are the most important.
Hope this is helpful.

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