re: Best dog to get?

Some of my favorites with the admission that all dogs vary within the breed as well as between breeds.

Miniature Daschund- relatively long life, incredible personalities, good guard dogs

Jack Russell- athletic, long lived. Active, loving

Havanese - more even tempered. Gentle, affectionate

Wheaten Terrier - sweet, not as smart as some, good with kids

Border Terrier - small active, sweet, tough

German Short-haired Pointer - athlete, working dog, smart

Poodle- smart, don't shed, generally long lived, originally hunting dogs

Cavalier King Charles- wonderful dogs especially gentle and sweet. More than their share of health problems

Sheltie - sweet, smart, loyal

Labrador- default hunting dog, chow hound that sheds too much but saintly in their affection and loyalty (unless the other guy has bacon)