Hi,

I think a Bostie would be great for you and I would say get a male. I have a 7 month male and I also work but I haven't had any problems with him although I do leave the TV on when i'm gone and he has lots of toys to keep him occupied. Koda loves to play and I'll walk him for 1-1.5 hrs a day and he loves it.
A vet will be able to check him out for you but I bought mine from a registered breeder and made sure I saw that they had already had his eyes checked as they are prone to eye problems, and that he had had his first shots. Hope this helps.

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Rachael