So I have wanted a dog for my entire life but my dad never allowed big pets in the house. Then when I went off to school I didnt have any money to take care of one so I continued to put it off and then when I moved in with my buddy he didn't want a dog at his house either. Now I am going to pursue another degree and am moving to Lubbock so I will be on my own so thats why I might get one. I have plenty of cash saved to feed myself, my snakes and a dog as well.

Here is my problem. I can't decide whether or not to adopt one or just buy one from a breeder. I like the idea of adopting just for the principal of it all, but my fear is that I don't know if it has been abused in the past and I fear that could make them fairly unpredictable. If I am going to get my first pup, I want to be able to rain it and play with it as if I have been raising it since day one. Also, I really don't want a big dog, more like a small/medium to medium sized dog. It seems like most of the dogs that I see at the SPCA are unknown mixed breed and there is really no telling how big they will actually get. My other dilema is that my gf has bad allergies and so getting a hypoallergenic dog would kind of be crucial as well. Unfortunately all of them are complete chick dogs.... crushing.

As of now I am thinking either a Coton (if I have to settle for a no allergy). I figure if I HAVE to have a chick dog, it might as well be a prestiege breed. Or my other choice that I am leaning towards is a boglen terrier (boston terrier/beagle mix).

What are yalls opinions on the adopt/buy idea as well as other recomendations for medium sized dog? Thanks!