Step 1. RESEARCH THE BREEDS YOURSELF!! - I'm not trying to knock you for asking for folks' opinions here, but there are things to consider when dog shopping. Temperament, life span, typical utilization (meaning, is it a working dog or a farm dog or a hunting dog, for example). I say this because everyone has their own personality, lifestyle and needs. None of which may be the same as yours and therefore the traits of the dogs they suggest, may not necessarily be compatible for your needs, your personality or your lifestyle. Now this isn't to say ignore what folks are saying here, but this approach is how people end up getting the wrong dog breed for themselves and then the dog gets blamed, is shipped off to a shelter and then possibly euthanized because folks didn't want to do their fuckin homework and pick a breed that's more compatible for them.
Step 2. MATCH YOUR temperament, lifestyle and personal needs to the information you uncovered researching the different dogs. I hate nothing more than seeing and/or hearing about people who buy "dogs for security purposes" or because they want to "get a companion" or whatever, and then they end up buying a fucking working dog or a hunting dog that has high ass energy and needs to be exercised regularly while their owner is either always fucking AWOL or too fuckin lazy to exercise and/or socialize it.
Step 3. Select the breed who's traits in step 1 closely match/resemble your traits in step 2.
What I will say, is if you've never had a dog before, then get a puppy or a young dog (under 12 months) so that you have time to practice being a good owner.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you end with.
