I've had fourteen dogs over the years.
My experience has run the gamut.
It has included a five thousand dollar
english setter, two purebred labs that were destined for
duty as guide dogs for the blind, a super intelligent standard poodle, a boxer,
and many mixed breeds.
The smartest dog, by far, was the poodle, bought from a breeder.
That said, I would heartily recommend a rescue or pound dog; (not just a puppy).
Search the shelter. You will eventually come across one that will melt your heart...and it really is
about love and companionship.
My best buddy now is a dog that wandered into my heart as a stray almost exactly one year
ago. Coincidently, today she graduated from obedience school. Not even the vet can say what
her genetic background is; but she is loving, loyal, and a lot of fun to be around.
Sometimes we overestimate the importance of bloodline; or at least that has been my experience.