Small dog, big dog, what's a good compromise?  

We have a medium sized dog. She is about 45 lbs. And a very good fit for our family. Not to mention our house. She is a black lab/whippet mix. Loves us and daughter too. Wonderful temperment for a five year old.

well i dont know if i would be going to both extremes. i personally have 4 boxers and they're a pretty good size weighing about 40-50lbs. they are such happy animals and really good with kids, very playful and very active. i've also had chihuahuas in the past and i absolutely adored them because they were both sweet and protective for their tiny size. i think you guys should think about the things that are necessary for a dog and your lifestyles. if you arent too much into doing the walking thing or playing for a good while, a boxer might not be the dog for you. you might want something like a lab or something like that, a more relaxed breed. just do some research on the types of dogs you have in mind and go from there.

ok , ok i will try not to make this to long, are you active people
or non active people, are you home alot or not home alot.
any one here can give a list of good medium sized dogs to
consider , but you have to base it on your lifestyle. now we
have a small dog , he is a mix between cavalier king charles spaniel
and a lhasa . he fits are lifestyle perfectly. both breeds he is
mixed with are lap dogs , there both very mellow breeds. so he
is a mellow dog , just happy being with us and relaxing in the house.
remember larger dogs alot are working dogs, so they are more active
dogs, germen sheperds, border collie, boxers, huskies, . the most mellow
big dog i know of is a great dane . big dog but mellow. big dogs if your
not home alot can be destructive, because there bored. so think of your
lifestyle, research breeds . see what fits you. but i will give some suggestions
french bulldog , they are pretty much even temperd dogs. meaning not to lazy
not to hyper. sweet dogs to . soft coated wheaton terrier , there dogs
that need to be walked every day or they do git bored , but sweet dogs
and very loyal. or maybe even a boston terrier , sweet dogs also.
i personally like border collies , smart, sweet very loyal dogs.
but need exercise and stimulation , because they are working dogs
but they are great dogs. sorry for being so long, but just research
what you want in a dog and i am sure you will find a perfect match.

If you are unsure if you want a large or small dog sometimes the compromise is to get a medium sized dog. There is a WIDE variety of breeds with dogs ranging from 25-45 lbs which is considered medium sized. I personally dislike small dogs. I can not stand them. I hate the fact that I could step on them if not paying attention and the little yip they have just makes my ears hurt. LOL

The type of dog I have is an Australian Shepherd. Aussies range in size from 20lbs (if you get a mini sized one) up to 55 lbs if you get a regular sized one that ends up being on the larger side. My Aussie, Bella, is just under 30 lbs. She is considered a borderline mini. Her size actually works out great for me and my living arrangements in an apartment right now. She is not too big and not too small, she's perfect. She's still light enough I can pick her up if I have to and carry her and she is big enough where I never lose sight of her and never trip over her. :o)

I would say medium sized is the way to go! Good luck in your dog decisions, I'm sure you'll give a very deserving pup a good home.

If you want playful dogs you can choose from rerievers, golden labrador and cocker spaniel, If you want lazy dogs st. bernard, basset hound, and daschund will be good you can choose from many breeds of dogs, The breeds I know which have bad temperaments are rottweiler, dobberman,and schnauzer, but it really depends on how the dog is raised.