We will be retiring in the near future and downsizing . Finally I will be able to fulfil a dream and get a little dog. Any recommendations ? I know nothing about them, can't stand yappy ones , as in the yorkie next door, and the rescue dogs here look so ugly.
Welsh Terriers are not on the vulnerable breed list at present, but they are on the 'at watch' list which means the registrations are only in the 400's so with a year with fewer registrations could see them on the list.
Have you thought about going to Discover Dogs at Crufts? Every breed of dog will be there and breed experts are there to answer all your questions along with information which is vital. I have mastiffs as Lankeela well knows and they are couch potato dogs who will go on a walk if invited but are happy to sleep all day if that's what you want to do. Every breed is different. Going to a rescue centre for a dog is a great idea but you should know what breed of dog will suit you otherwise it could be an unhappy experience for dog and owner.
Drugs dogs are trained to sniff out certain chemicals. Dogs can also be trained to sniff out explosives, guns and bullets. They are just using the dog's natural abilities and the dog sees it all as a game as when something is found they get a treat or a toy.
I like the German Shepherds - they are excellent at crowd control and chasing and bringing down criminals. They not only look terrifying and dangerous - they have very powerful jaws and have no qualms about sticking their teeth into a baddie.