Lots of great replies..
I have a large German Shepherd, so that ticks that box.
I was looking at the Ruger 9mm carbine, but have heard of some reports of it having misfires/malfunctions.
The KelTec also looks to be a great option and it folds, which I like better than the Ruger's barrel disassembly twist thing. It's also much lighter.
I was also looking at the CZ Scorpion.. heard nothing but great reviews on those, but def more pricey.
I've had a 1911 before as well as an AK, and while those are great weapons, I'm def just looking for 1 to sort of do it all.
The AR would normally be a consideration, but I've never had full trust in those, unless you get something like the H&K piston actuated ones, as they just blow exhaust gasses back into the chamber and dirty everything up. Price wise, they get expensive as well.
I figure the 9mm in a carbine is good enough for most things, and the ammo would be readily available.
I have this idea, (right or wrong) that we have all sort of been groomed to how society will be if there is some sort of civil breakdown.. We had how many years of the Walking Dead series and then games like PUBG and Fortnight, it's sort of like the recipe for scavenging in small groups type thing.
I've also just considered a simple .22LR or maybe a mini 14..
I'm not really considering a shotgun, and while great at short range and for birds, it also has a finality about it, that there is no recourse from say someone got ahold of it or there was an accident.
Thanks again for all the great ideas!