I was attacked by a family member's aggressive german shepherd.
(I was NOT a stranger & was minding my own business. Mind you I have volunteered at the Human Society & consider myself to be a big animal lover. It was unprovoked.) I know one dog doesn't represent the whole breed, but yes, they're known to be aggressive dogs. Are you going to have this dog around family (small children? Other pets?) I would hate for Kujo to eat your daughter-in-law's adorable Fee-Fee or bite Jr. at Thanksgiving. IJS...
(Now that I'm rambling...)
I miss
my dog, which upon Googling today, she wasn't just a mutt as I'd suspected, she was actually a "
Carolina Dog" according to Wiki...
(Dixie Dingo or Carolina Dog)
These could about pass for her.
So purrty!
versus
Blue Heeler (Austrailian Cattle Dog)
or
German Shepherd
I suppose this will all boil down to whether you are looking for a
"Guard Dog" versus a "Family Pet." and how important the weightfactor is with the 40 lb weight limit.
Whichever way you go, good luck & congrats on your soon-to-be family member!