What kind of dog is the best

Cindy, I'm a professional dog trainer and have done rescue work for over 40 yrs, so I'm going to tell you that the right dog for your family is going to be the one you respond to. There's a whole lot of individual variation within any breed. Here's what I'd recommend:

1. Look into the breed rescue groups for breeds you tend to like. Look at the local rescue group web sites, but don't fall in love with a photo. You want their expertise in helping to match you with the right dog.
2. The reason I'm recommending a breed rescue group instead of the shelter or an all-breed rescue group is that you seem to want as much as a temperament guarantee as possible. Your best bet is a 2-3 yr old dog that has been living in the home of a fosterer who is an expert on what the right temperament for that dog should be - that's a breed rescue group.
3. Be objective about what you really want to live with. I'm not big on grooming and dislike dogs that are "busy" in the house, want a dog that is always in the same room with me and can do a wide variety of sports/work, and is a little aloof with strangers. My German Shepherds are perfect for me, but I sure wouldn't recommend them for you. Daniel Tortora's book, "The Right Dog for You" is available in most libraries and has a good checklist to help you decide what you really want.
4. I'd never live with a Labrador Retriever but believe the best deal in rescue is a 2 yr old female Labrador Retriever. They tend to be miserable puppies, but people tend to get fed up and give them up just as they are about to turn into the perfect family dog.

A Wiener dog is best. http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=70547

Jon Hanson

Another vote for a lab. We had one years ago, and she was a great dog. We have a shih tzu now; still a good dog, but our son's allergies were a big factor in this case.

A good ole' Bassett Hound... sweet, laid back breed, very loyal... Females are less likely to wander... Good luck!

I have a pitbull and he has the best tempermant i've seen on a dog, he loves people, very friendly, will lick you to death or beat you with his tail, he never barks or growls at the other dogs in our neighborhood. people think it's a mean breed, but depends on how you raise it and also some people give their pits steroids to buff them up, and if people can suffer from roid rage, so can dogs. he does require lots and lots of attention tho, and always wants to be touching you

This^ the best I have every had was a pit, great with my lil ones and did really well with our cats. He was extremly smart and the most loveble dog ever. Had to get rid of him because we moved and the landlord don't like pits. I miss my thor.

I strongly recommend rescue. There are thousands of homeless dogs that need someone to love them. If you have a good rescue organization in your area, they can match you with a dog that meets your needs. You can also look on petfinder.com for rescue dogs in your area.

^ this ^

I have had nothing but rescues since moving to Texas 28 years ago ~ all different breeds. I have had a shar-pei, a miniature schnauzer, a chihuahua, 4 mixed lab/great danes & a pit bull mix. All have had great temperaments & none of them had their typical breed characteristics. I really do think rescue dogs are the best. They are grateful for a forever home & shower you with love unconditionally!!

Depends on what your lifestyle is like, what you expect from a dog, if you have kids, etc. We have a yellow lab and I love him dearly but my heart will always belong to my Great Pyrenees. Love, love the breed. As other posters have said, check out the rescue groups.