Do you know the best breed of med/small dog

http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm?nav_.

On the AKC web page for a specific breed follow the links that say "Breed Club" and the club's website will tell you even more about each breed..

"Best" is a relative term. "Best" for what? Living in the country? Living in an apartment? Highly active and wanting to play and go and hike with you? A couch potato who wants to cuddle? An easy going personality? A strong watchful personailty who will let you know when someone is there? Tolerant of children and of what age? Do you mind vaccumming (long hair) or buying coats and sweaters for winter (many short hair)? What do you define as small/medium? One that is less than 15 inches at the shoulder and less than 20 lbs? One that is less than 20 inches at the shoulder? Under 30, 40, 50 lbs?

Read about all the different breeds to help you decide and talk to the breeders of those dogs (see the breed club website for breeder contacts.).

Even if you decide to adopt a mixed breed, at least you will know what the likely size and personality of an australian shepard/poodle would be.

In addition, definitley consider adopting an older dog - either a mixed bred or a purebreed if you find a breed with which you fall in love.

All the clubs for different breeds have a breed rescue where they rehome dogs of their breed. They are very careful to place the right dog with the right family; and spend time getting to know the dogs in their charge in great detail.