I don't want a huge dog...the beagle seems to meet my needs. I don't high pitched yippie dogs. I like Jack Russel Terriers but the internetz says they need too much attention.
I think we are going to bring the puppy to her place from time to time. I won't be getting it until a couple weeks.
Well the Beagles can be needy as well. They also like to Howl, or the one we had for awhile did. Cute dogs, but was a handful. We ended up giving her to a hunter.
Our family is nothing but German Shephards for the most part. My mom just picked up an 8 week old one. She is a lot of fun and man how I don't miss having to train a pup, loll!
All of our GS were easy to take care off and always listened well. Could have been me as I have a very deep voice to get their attention. We always left our dogs out by themselves, with out tying them up to go to the bathroom and they always stayed right on the property. Never had to use that Fence crap either. They don't need a ton of attention, but like it when it is there. Very good guard dogs as well and very beautiful when they grow up. All pups are cute to me, but certain breeds don't look cute the older they get. Is a good family dog as well.
K with that said, I don't think it will do well with a cat though, lol!
I say check into a Lab as well. Very good dogs with a natural mild temper. Awesome family dogs and they might get a little big, but not overly big. They do get a lot of hip problems with them if they are full blooded. A lot of breeds have their downfalls though and that is one of their's. They also won't cost you an arm and a leg to buy one. I will be checking into one, once we get our house next year. I love the German Shephards, but the Lab is overall a very good dog.