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A lot of factors to consider:
1. Lifestyle: Get a dog that fits your lifestyle or your projected lifestyle... For example, if you or your family is not really active, a super high energy dog might not be best... I dog sit my girlfriends black lab, who is a "failed search dog" - meaning that he had hip displasia so he couldn't go into service, but he's super super high energy. He really needs a ton of exercise, and he's completely obsessive about toys. (called high toy drive... lol, I know some women like that!) - but once he gets tired, he's a good, mellow, obedient dog.
Growing up, I had a shepard / husky. Great dog, got her as a rescue at when I was 5, she was 6 months... had her for 16 years.
Hounds like beagles / bloodhounds, etc... bay / bark a lot. That's what they do. So if noise is a consideration, that makes sense to get a quieter dog.
2. Size: Are you a big dog / small dog / medium dog person / family? I've always had big dogs growing up... my shepard/husky, and labs... good dogs, but when I moved into a condo, I didn't want a huge dog. I got a 18 lb Norwegian Lundehund which was a super great dog. too bad she went with the ex in the divorce.
3. Temperament: agree that pound/rescues can be loyal & loving. Be sure to try to get assurance that you can "test drive" the pup; perhaps bring her/him home for a weekend to see if they get along with your family / nieces, etc.
Do a search for "Dog breed selector" to pull up some online testing tools. That's what I used to find the "Norwegian Lundehund" - which I'd never heard of before, but turned out to be a great dog for me.
Good luck!
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