Help finding a dog

[Foos6LA]

We want to rescue a dog from a kill shelter. I looked around today at a few shelters and there seems to be a lot of lab/boxer mixes, one gorgeous female husky and a male pug.

My husband and I have never owned a dog of our own. I grew up with a female yorkie and a female jack russel and I don't like little and/or yippy hyper dogs (no offense).

We definitely want something medium sized that can get along with our two cats without being too aggressive.

So, I was wondering about your experiences with a Male vs. Female dog? I tend toward females but I could be persuaded. Also, we plan to have a family soon. Lastly, we don't want a dog who is too high maintenance - we will definitely care for it and groom it and walk it and we live in a house with a decent yard.

Suggestions? Recommendations? Definite no's?

I'm doing some internet research now but thought I'd ask you ladies. TIA! :D

[MidwesternGal]

I have experience with labs--definitely high maintenence in the sense of physical and emotional needs. While they can be lovable, fun, and easy-going, they require a LOT of human attention (esp. if they are "only" furbabies) and a TON of exercise.

We got a lab mix and I love her to death but even an hour-long very fast walk everyday wasn't enough for her, and she was very much a social dog and moped if we weren't paying 100% attention to her, 100% of the time.

When we moved, we couldn't find a rental that allowed pets, so she went to live with my parents on their farm--she LOVES LOVES LOVES it there, they would keep her for weekends at a time for fun--my dad is a farmer and is outside all the time with her, and there is a companion dog for her to hang out with all ready.

So I would say to stay away from the lab mix if you want a little easier dog. In your situation, I'd say maybe the pug, being a smaller size.

That being said. . . I'd go with what animal you "click" with (can you go and play with your top picks a few times before choosing?), their personalities, and how much training they've had and may or may not need.

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

We have a female black lab/boxer mix, Harriet, and she has a ton of personality, but yes, is definitely a handful. We also have a shepherd mix boy (Davey) who's about a a year older than Harriet. They keep each other company so neither is too needy.

As far as male versus female- I think that matters less than breed, and an individual dog's personality.

I think the best piece of advice is going with an adult dog: then you have a dog that's already grown into its personality so you can much more easily tell how s/he'll work in your household.