I'm looking to eventually add another dog to my household. I'm trying to find a breed that would fit my needs. I think I'd have a lot better chance of Tanner accepting a puppy than an adult. He likes puppies. I'm having trouble finding a breed that has working drives without being over the top drive.

I'm looking for a breed that matures to about 15-35lbs and has a medium-high energy and drive level. I don't want Malinois or high drive GSD energy level. I'm not physically active enough for them. I don't want another couch potato either. That's Tanners job. No heavy coated breeds that can't be shaved. I like the desert heat and intend on staying in the southwest.

I plan on doing competition OB, rally, agility, nose work, whatever else they have fun in. I like going places and doing things with my dogs.

I like terriers but I'm not sure if they're really the best choice for obedience. I like their personality. I've been looking at border and australian terriers. I have been told that miniature poodles are very smart but the only miniatures I knew had been allowed to be spoiled brats. I've heard good things about papillons but they just don't appeal to me.

Any suggestions on breeds? It will be awhile before I actually get another dog.

Can a mod please move this to General Dog Conversation? I'm not sure how I managed to post it to Grooming German Shepherds.

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... breed that matures to about 15-35lbs and has a medium-high energy and drive level ... I plan on doing competition OB, rally, agility, nose work, whatever else they have fun in. I like going places and doing things with my dogs.

A good mutt from a shelter/rescue might be a perfect choice for you. A herding or terrier mix?

There are surely some great candidates among the 1260 small/medium babies and young dogs listed on Petfinder in your area and also some nice mixes at Maricopa County Animal Shelter.

If you like them then a Miniature Poodle will excel at most anything you train it to do.
The Pap is the only toy breed in the top ten for trainability.
I'm partial to terriers. If you let them think they're having a good time the world is yours. PERFECT FOR MARKER TRAINING! I've had two Borders among other terriers. My Kerrys were fantastic. The Norwich was very responsive to commands as was the JRT. The White Bull terrier was an absolute clown that lived in his own little world.
I've never believed in "stubborn" for any breed. That a human term that, to me, translates in the dog's mind to "Get your training right and I'll do it, otherwise your confusing the hell out of me". It's all in the upbringing!

 Quote: Ana Kozlowsky

A good mutt from a shelter/rescue might be a perfect choice for you. A herding or terrier mix?

Normally I'm open to a rescue but to be honest I'm tired of dealing with their issues. I've fostered, adopted, helped train, etc for years by myself and with my family. For just once I'd like to have a dog that I don't have to deal with past issues and problems.

I picked up a stray that on the surface looked like he might be suitable recently. He's turning out to have absolutely horrible nerves. Neurotic and needs a LOT of work before he's going to be able to live a normal life. Not just a little nervous like he initially appeared. I don't know what I'd be able to do with a dog like that if I adopted them.

My local rescues also want all homes to be "perfect" in their minds. Some won't consider renters at all.

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I've fostered, adopted, helped train, etc for years by myself and with my family. For just once I'd like to have a dog that I don't have to deal with past issues and problems.

It is very sad if this is your experience with rescues.

All 3 of my rescues can do the activities you listed, 2 of them are actually pretty good at it and the 3rd is a perfect pet. Here is one of them doing nosework.

Regarding stray dogs: here is a video of a stray terrier mix that was picked up in Oakland. Pretty good, isn't he? No issues whatsoever

I have to put in a plug for poodles. A well bred poodle is smart as a whip, easy to train, people oriented,loves to fetch and swim. They are clean,get along with other dogs. Most are even tempered. They have been selected for hundreds of years to be good pets and they are. I never ever saw a poodle euthanized for biting,unable to be housebroken,separation anxiety,destructiveness etc. Their owners love them.
The only draw back is the need for grooming,a tendency toward ear infections and an absolute requirement for routine dental care.

They look a little fruity but they are a big dog in a little package,fun to own.

I'll also throw in my votes for both a miniature poodle as well as a mutt. We've had two mini poodles at different times and they were both extremely smart, joys to train, and easy to care for. Both were around 15 lbs and very friendly, active, and easy to care for.

We had a mutt, a "Shepherd mix", who was around 35 lbs that we got as a rescue and I can't say enough good things about her. The only issue with her was the hair and shedding. Otherwise, great health, intelligence, and activity level. Her only flaw was being a mutt, not a big deal.

Finally, while I don't have any direct personal experience with the breed, we have a neighbor who has a Wheaten Terrier. About 20 lbs, very socialable, and seems like a great medium sized dog. I would strongly consider that breeed also if I were to get another dog in the future.

 Quote: Bob Scott

If you like them then a Miniature Poodle will excel at most anything you train it to do.
The Pap is the only toy breed in the top ten for trainability.
I'm partial to terriers. If you let them think they're having a good time the world is yours. PERFECT FOR MARKER TRAINING!

We got into Papillons over twenty years ago when my daughter wanted to do agility. I am not much of a toy breed person, never thought I'd own one, but no regrets with this breed, trainability for sure. Great little herders.

I just got a Standard Poodle, 16 weeks old, really enjoy working with him. Great nerve, great focus, super nose. He LOVES water, and never wants in from the snow. I am hoping to do agility & water sports with him.

I was raised to think there were two breeds of dog, GSD & terrier, I am fond of many terriers too.