Trying to decide on a breed of dog.

[jluv]

Goldies are great, but have a lot of hair to shed and a very high energy level for the first few years. Boxers have insane energy and are pretty rambunctious to have around small kids. Danes are cool, but so big and have a shorter life span. Pit bulls are awesome dogs, but require extra responsibility, and our current society makes them a pain in the ass to own.

I agree with the rescue/adoption suggestion. Every one of my dogs from now on will come from the pound. Save a life!

[Labora]

@ SFO
Doberman. Don't get a Mastiff like her parents had, they drool way too much.

[4bangen]

A mut. Go to the pound or adopt a dog.

THIS!!!

best dogs I've ever had were either found on the street or saved from a pound.

[dee]

I've always wanted a Rhodesian Ridgeback. They require a lot of space (yard) and exercise from what I've read and heard, so may not be suitable for what you want, but are very loyal and protective of the family unit.

I have 2 and love the breed. They are not for a person that has never had a dog before. They are very stubborn and can be a handful. mine have all but destroyed what grass I had in my yard. They are awesome with my two little girls and anything to do with family. They typically don't make much noise which I love. I know if they are barking something needs to be checked out.

[YALE]

I love my two, but I will never get a blue heeler again. Don't get herding dogs unless you have lots of time for them.

[KBScobravert]

I am a Boxer fan. We have two and they are fantastic dogs. You can look into being a foster for Legacy Boxer Rescue to see if you are a fit for the breed.

Both ours are great with our 1 year old daughter. In fact they are very protective of her and put up with her shit (climbing all over them, ridding them, pulling at their faces, etc) so well.

[Ruffdaddy]

http://www.dfwlabrescue.org

[Ruffdaddy]

Anything other than a lab or golden is a mistake! They're not just great pets, but useful as well.

[VaderTT]

Bullmastiff.

[BlackGT]

I've always wanted a Rhodesian Ridgeback. They require a lot of space (yard) and exercise from what I've read and heard, so may not be suitable for what you want, but are very loyal and protective of the family unit.

[ram57ta]

A mut. Go to the pound or adopt a dog.

This.

[Cooter]

I'm partial to Aussies

I'm admittedly breedest against hound types, labs, beagles, bassets, etc. and a lot of mastiff types. Most of the times I won't even pet them for fear that my hands will stink afterwards

While I typically bathe my Aussie about once a month, he can go indefinitely without shampoo as long as he doesn't get into anything and he won't smell at all.

If I had a hound, I'd have to bathe it at least once a week to prevent the stink

[matts5.0]

A mut. Go to the pound or adopt a dog.

[LS1Goat]

Golden Retriever

Eerily smart, playful, they love kids, fiercely loyal, etc..

My pup.

[whitetrash]

Our next will be a mastiff. Only issue I'm concerned with is the drool but it can't be worse than the English bulldog I had.