[sinkspur]

Depends on what you want.

If you want a dog that doesn't shed, has a delightful personality, is great with kids, is easy to train, is small, though needing grooming (since it NEVER sheds), a Bichon Frise is a wonderful dog.

Of course, the best dog of all is the one you bond with at a shelter. He will, believe me, somehow know you saved him from the needle, and he will love you forever.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

I had a rat terrier bitch, the damned thing was very loyal.

[sissyjane]

I am a very loyal owner of three wonderful Golden Retrievers.They are silly, playful and great family dogs. However if you don't like dog hair or a dog that wants to be your best friend, and part of your family then a golden would not be for you. They require a bit of exercise, and hate to be left alone outside all day, but if you are looking for a loving goof ball then a golden is perfect.

[ironman]

Easy for me. I've got a Brittany. Perfect breed for me as I'm a runner and can give him a lot of exercise. Good with kids too. Not too big either.

Read about the breed here http://www.brittanygundogs.com/Brittany_FAQs.htm

[Catspaw]

A reliable breed? I'd get a pure-bred--and well-bred--Lab.

But see what your local animal shelter has to offer, too.

[najida]

I had a wonderful Bichon-Poodle rescue that was so human it was scary. Bright, cheerful and always happy (the dog was like furry Prozac).

All my dogs are rescues...
Including a Border Terror, er, Terrier full of piss and vinegar that talks the laid back, bigger Lab-almation into doing her bidding.

Like others have said, the best dogs are the ones you save.

[LizardQueen]

I'm real partial to Labradors and Lab mixes, myself. As long as you don't want a watchdog, they're great - very sweet with kids, happy, and affectionate. A Lab/German Shepherd cross is a great mix if you can find one - they're a little smarter and not as goofy as purebred Labs.

If you get a purebred Lab make sure you go to a reputable breeder whose line is cleared of hip and eye problems.

I guess it depends on what you're looking for. I've heard Keeshonds are real nice, but have no direct experience with them. I like Bernese Mountain Dogs a LOT but they don't live very long (10 years is considered good) and a lot of them die from cancer.

My condolences on the loss of your dog. My Lab is pushing 11 right now and the years are starting to show on her. I dread the day I lose her.

LQ

[ElkGroveDan]

Her personality was a delight but I don't know if it was her labrador part,

It was.

[boxerblues]

Stay away from beagles...had one that was literally the hound from hell, every inch of its brain was centered in it nose. Best dog we ever had was a shepherd mix smart, very very loyal & great guard dog. Our current dog is a rott mix dumber than dirt but very sweet

[Lucky2]

Get a Pug. They're wonderful dogs, I want one but Mr. Lucky2 doesn't think I need a dog with 3 cats!

[LadyDoc]

we always got a mutt. Some purebreds tend to be neurotic. My cocker/springer spaniel mix was the best of both breeds...

And a lot of times you find a good family dog who was given up only because people moved or an old couple got sick...and you don't have to potty train like a puppy...

[Xenalyte]

I prefer to pimp for Boston terriers . . . including the gorgeous Dread Boston Salty. Very little shedding, short hair means no doggy smell even when wet, usually compact and full of energy. Terrific dogs, they are!

[warchild9]

We have a papillon, which is an unbelievably intelligent and loyal breed. However, all paps I've ever met (or had the misfortune to train)have socialbility issues you wouldn't believe. And they lose their teeth when they get older.

Consider: german shorthaired pointer, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel...or my favorite, the beagle. These are all sweet-tempered, hardy animals. Or go to your local shelter, and find a nice mutt.

Stay away from the currently in-bred breeds, such as German Shepherds.

[dawn53]

We love Weimaraners, but they definitely aren't for everybody. You've got to have the time and energy to devote to them, and it's also a good idea if you don't mind sharing your bed with a 65 lb dog, LOL.

My husband likes the fact that they hardly shed, and have no odor, so seldom need bathing.

As far as being "near human", and a really loving dog, they're the best, IMHO.

[Hodar]

My sincerest sympathies. One of the sad things about beloved pets, is that they do not live as long as we do. Our dog is 7, and we are thankful for every day we have him. I shudder to think how bad it would feel to lose him.

Regarding your request for a suggestion, I would do some shopping. This site looks promising. Certain breeds have certain temperments (and some have certain genetic risks - hip displasia, old age madness, etc). What might be the perfect dog for me, may be a bad choice for you, depending on your temperment, activity level, housing. ect.

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/tchoose.html

[Feiny]

I love the bully breeds, but everyone has their faves. I suggest going to a dog show or a dog park. That way, you can see all kinds of dogs. Pick up the Dog Breeders magazine at a per store. They list all breeds and the trais of each.

I am partial to rescued dogs becuase there are so many wonderful dogs that need homes. Check your local shelter and rescue foundations. They do great work and the dogs are usually very grateful!

If you tell me what state you live in, I can recommend a place.

[spodefly]

German Shepard. Best. Dog. Ever.

[Arkinsaw]

I have two recommendations, Boxer or Border Collie. Boxer's are extremely loyal, friendly, good with children, and very trainable. Border Collie's are extremely smart and loyal and patrol your property pretty well.

You can't go wrong with those.

[Johnny Gage]

Bichon Frise.

Very smart, Love attention, Good energy levels, love to play, love walks, great with kids, DO NOT SHED, Size avg. is 12-17 lbs.

It is also not necessary to keep them all "poofy" looking like in the dog shows. We keep ours groomed shorter, so there's less grooming needed.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are incredibly bright, quick to learn, and the sable ones are adorably cute...mine has a big bark, and once actually saved me from someone intending me harm (who couldn't see him behind the door). I didn't want this breed when we got him (my husband had one as a kid that would steal milk from neighbors' porches and bring it home...not a moral problem - he thought he was doing a good thing LOL), but having lived fourteen years with this little guy, I wouldn't trade him for the world: