Just some tips for whatever they are worth:
Get a dog that matches your energy. Not just breed-to-breed comparisons. Each dog breed has vastly varying amounts of 'energy' within them. Some greyhounds will be 'low-energy'. Some bulldogs will be high energy. Start thinking of what you want in your dog, and how it matches you and your family.
If you have young children, be careful with small dogs. You definitely want to educate your kids about mistreating your animals. Many folks end up getting toy dogs thinking that they won't hurt their kids, but toy dogs (and some large breeds like Dobermanns) have very low pain thresholds. Your kid pulling, pinching and biting your pooch may result in a dog trying to defend itself.. or just living terrified from your kids.
Without knowing if you are new to dogs or not, I really recommend a rescue society that will come in and interview your family, and provide the right advice for a dog that 'fits'. Many will offer temporary placement to see 'how it goes', which is also really wonderful. I recommend you take advantage of that.
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