What is a breed of dog, average in size, that has a very good attention span and is relatively calm?

Get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are medium in size and very easy to manage. Also, very intelligent.

As far as attention span, they will pay attention if you have a treat in your hand ;-)

A good female cat would work nicely. Much lower maintenance than dogs or

Keeshonds are fantastic dogs. We rescued ours as a stray, and it was whip smart, calm, and great around people, even though it was clearly abused before we found her. For a long hair dog, shedding was surprisingly nearly a non-issue, and we have white carpet.

Certain breeds have certain temperaments, yes, but by no means is it a given. One of the most mellow dogs I've ever met was a pit bull and that breed isn't exactly known for being "calm". Go check out adoption days at local pet shops to check out the rescue dogs, or better yet do some volunteer work with some no-kill animal rescue groups to get familiar with different breeds.

Also, check out that Dogs 101 show on Animal Planet if you want a break down of different breeds.

I've got a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Loyal, loving, cute, great with kids, but not the most calm dog, because she is bred to herd. If you want a Corgi, go with the Cardigan - all the same features as the Pembroke, plus a tail, but far more mellow.

they might be a little larger than what you're looking for, but i'd recommend a greyhound. people generally think of them as high energy dogs, but actually they're really very lazy. they're bred for short periods of intense activity (say, at the park once a week) and then lengthy periods of down time. they're not known as '45 mph couch potatoes' for nothing!

they're fantastic, low maintenance dogs that are usually extremely well trained from their time on the track. and, just like dogs from the pound, there are lots of them in need of a good home.

I'd go for a Samoyed. My family has had one for about 8 years now and I've grown up with it. Theyre incredibly playful and are one of the smartest breeds I've ever encountered. They love all kinds of weather, but prefer the cold to any other climate. (Mine sleeps outside when it snows!) They're a little bit of work, considering you must groom them every 4-6 weeks. But, the endless fun and devotion you'll get from this breed outweighs the upkeep.

My neighbor had a Welsh Corgi for over 17 years. Really nice dog that is probably medium-sized depending on your definition of "medium".

Every suggestion based on breed is a bad suggestion. No offense intended, but dogs have very distinct personalities. Going by the stereotype of their breed usually leads to disappointment...

Good attention span and calm? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but those are normally code words for a dog with a low energy level. If that's the case, I can't possibly urge you enough to check out a shelter dog, specifically an older dog. I work with several shelters in my area and there are always a few dogs at each shelter that are 4+ years of age, are completely housetrained, and extremely laid-back. Some of the friendliest dogs you'll ever meet have spent time in shelters, it teaches them lots of social skills (with people and other dogs).

I know I haven't answered your actual question, but you should be looking at personalities of adult dogs, rather than breed stereotypes.

Dan Bergen's answer makes such good sense, if i were in the market for another dog that's what I'd do. I've owned dogs my whole adult life and love goldens, but looking at their personalities instead of their breed first seems to be solid advice.

A shelter dog is probably the right thing to do, however, I've a got a miniature schnauzer that's pretty great, Gigolo is relatively low maintenance, very smart, always gets a great reaction out of people and best of all, he doesn't shed at all.

While some breeds have certain characteristics, the individual dog will have it's own personality. I say you choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. A dog should be included in your life and not left at home...so pick a breed with that consideration.

The American Eskimo is a great dog to have in terms of intelligence and playfulness. I have a miniature American Eskimo (20 LBs) and it is the smartest dog I have been around and it has nothing to do with the trainer as I never went further than the standard sit/paw/door to relieve routine. Unfortunately, the only downside would be the amount of hair shed in the winter.

The American Eskimo is a great dog to have in terms of intelligence and playfulness. I have a miniature American Eskimo (20 LBs) and it is the smartest dog I have been around and it has nothing to do with the trainer as I never went further than the standard sit/paw/door to relieve routine. Unfortunately, the only downside would be the amount of hair shed in the winter.

American Eskimo

english border terriers are good looking, easily trainable, and very intelligent and they do not shed that much.