RE: Thinking about getting a new dog, any suggestions?
This would depend solely on your lifestyle and where you live could also be taken into consideration. If you have the time to take care of a dog almost like you'd take care of a child then by all means. Also, this dog breed selector quiz might help: http://dogtime.com/quiz/dog-breed-selector. It's not just the breed you'll have to consider. Many people would like starting out with puppies and just go out to the pet store and breeder but perhaps you could also consider adopting older dogs from shelters instead since puppies require a lot of looking after. If I live anywhere near a shelter and have the means to take in another dog, I'd definitely adopt because dogs that have not been adopted all end up getting permanent sleep.
Your lifestyle would be one thing to consider. If you have time to be taking care of something that's almost like a child then by all means. There are also online dog breed selectors for people considering getting pet of their own. You might also consider adopting an older dog from the shelter instead of getting a puppy if you feel like you won't have the time to monitor the puppy constantly. Older dogs are euthanized when not adopted and I think getting them out of the shelter in their later life and be taken in by a family would make them experience love once more.
