So the general consensus is to get a rescued dog? I'd rather not go with the oldest dog possible as this is technically my *First* (on my own not-family) dog, and I'm just gonna go ahead and be honest here the puppy>chicks factor is possibly the best unintended consequence of having my favorite companion. I am pretty active and have already vowed that regardless of breed this dog is going everywhere possible with me, he/she is gonna be a for sure car dog. Thanks for the advice.