In the very far future I plan on getting a dog, but I don't know what breed is best for a first time owner.

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That depends on a great many things, what sort of qualities do you want in a dog, do you prefer large or small, do you want it to curl up on your lap, or block the fire?

Also, what sort of lifestyle do you lead? Are you a couch potato (in which case I'd recommend a cat ) or are you really active and outdoorsy?
There are some breeds that aren't for the faint-hearted so you need to be prepared for that.
Personally, I started by looking into breeds that I like the look of. Some of them aren't suitable for me at the moment, so I narrowed it down to breeds that could work with me and our lifestyle.

i want a large dog that likes walks as i love taking dogs for walks. haha at the moment at home i have 5 cats haha. but when i move out i want a dog ha. i have a obsession with beagles and samoyeds, but i dont think ill have a sammy coz it couldnt keep up with the grooming. no offence to small dogs, but they just arent for me. as i put it i want a proper dog haha

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Have you thought about something like a pointer, or other hunt point retrieve type of breeds (setters, weimerarners are another couple)? Also dalmations, ridgebacks? Off the top of my head. It depends on how much research you do about training, and what amount of time you're willing to put in as well. They all have different pros and cons, spinones (another HPR) are lovely, but the coat may not be for you

You say you have an obsession with Beagles their grooming is low maintenance, They are Active for all the walking you like to do..I'd try to visit a Dog show on your Breed Day Speak to owners/Breeders meet the Beagles 1st hand it's all really interesting and will be a starting point to you meeting people who already have the Breed that you are interested in. People at Shows are usually more than willing to give Help and Advise.

But you also say you like large Breeds Beagles are not that large so I'd go with Sleeping-Lions Breed idea's.

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If you like Samis but aren't keen on the grooming how about the Norwegian Elkhound or Norwegian Buhund

hiya...
Labrador, but then I am biased!!! I would say Lab, pointer, gordon setter, weinmarner, it seems like I lean towards the gundogs!! my partner had a very loyal jack russell, i have no experience of living with a terrier as have always had Labs

I'm Biased to German Shepherds...Short haired good for your Grooming needs, Active, obedient, love to please, lovable, Cute, Very loyal, love walks, cuddles, play, Friendly in fact they are a all good round breed for everything

But then I'm Very biased I just LOVE THEM

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As you see from my pic I've also got a parson Jack Russell

Very loving When HE wants to be ...But ask him to do something he don't want to ( like get off the settee) and he'll show Teeth, attack, bite....Gosh I've been bitten by Sam that many times but as they say only a mother ''me'' could love him VERY Temperamental I've really had to learn over the years to understand where he is coming from.

I can have a lovely walk with sasha my GSD. But Sam is a total nightmare on walks if he See's other Dogs he goes off on one Big Time it's embarrassing....I've now resorted to walking them separately as sasha was starting to copy him as she is still young. But he loves Sasha and curls up with her on her Bed...Terriers are a law unto themself'sin my experiences and take more understanding I think.

Doe's your partner have these probs with his?

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