If you were looking for a dog, are there any dog breeds you would avoid? What would you look for?

I have only had one purebred dog in my life. The rest were just mutts who became part of the family.

Generally I wouldn’t really want a big dog, unless I lived in the country (but there is Dakota, of course. Broke all my rules!) I have always avoided the little breeds. With the exception of one, they’re just too aggressive and noisy. I’ve gone with cocker sized or a little bigger.
I just go sit down in a litter of puppies and wait to see which one comes to me and how it behaves toward me. I avoid the yappy ones. I also watch to see how aggressive they are with their mates. I have always had good luck that way.

I would never get a pit bull, a rottie or a doberman. I’ve softened towards German Shepherds in recent years, though.