For me, it really depends. Honestly, Maddie was my first dog that I picked a breed, did research, found a breeder, and picked a puppy. Dogs seem to wander in and pick me, instead of the other way around. At this time in my life I have pretty much decided that I don't need another puppy, not for a long time will I change my mind...
But here it goes:
What?
Anything, it matters, and it doesn't matter at the same time. The breed or mix is unimportant, unless of course I've chosen a breed to go with. A GSD or mix perhaps
A rescue
Where
(kill) Dog Pounds, by word of mouth of others - whether it be pet store talk, internet, friend of a friends brother's uncles momma . . .
I support rescues, but often feel that they have it pretty well handled and they can find a dog a home, so I can save another
Who?
Sadly, most of the dogs I get are not from very good owners. But that doesn't matter much to me... as long as I can get them out of there!
What do I expect?
Loyalty
Love
Respect - which says a number of things, really
Needs to be fairly active
and hopefully healthy, but I work with them if they are not
They have to be good with dogs. Even some of the most dog aggressive dogs I've fostered seem to get along with my bunch when I'm supervising, and then they're separated when I'm not home. It's really hard for me to help them if they don't get a long with mine. I can't keep them if they don't get along with most dogs. Because I foster, dog sit, and attend dog activities outside the home frequently...