What kind of dog is the best

A rescue!!!

No particular breed is guaranteed to be what you're looking for. I HIGHLY recommend going to a rescue group. Dogs that are part of a rescue have been in fostercare with a family so the foster family will know everything that you could want to know about the dog. Don't shop, Adopt! Note: my Pekingese is the most evil dog you'll ever meet, she's fearless.... On the other hand my Husky/Shepherd mix that everyone thinks is going to bite them is a huge teddy bear!

You're going to get a million different opinions on this.
I personally think my dog is the best dog in the world.
But everyone thinks their dog is the greatest.

I can honestly say I won't ever get another breed, because the German Shepherd is perfect (for me).

Any socialized dog will do what you're looking for...
Think about what YOU can do for the dog.
Look at your lifestyle and activity level.
How are you with shedding?
Different breeds have common medical problems so if you're lower on cash look into 'healthier' breeds.
Plus... The bigger the dog, the more food you'll have to buy.
Small, medium or large... Would your house/apartment be big enough for a large dog?

What about a löwchen... also called: little lion dog.
It is hypoallergenic, friendly to everyone, loyal....
we have one and we love her very much.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Löwchen

I have a chocolate lab-she's a year old and a complete psycho! lol But really so much energy! But she's a great dog-extremely loving and loyal. Such a sweetheart--huge cuddler. She's a big girl already weighs about 75 lbs and thinks she can curl up on my lap. Like I said a great dog if you can dedicate the time to the amount of exercise they need.

I also have a papillion-she's 4 yrs and a complete little *kitten*. I love her, but can be a real pain in the *kitten*. She's very high-strung and territorial. Papillions are just like that. I've had her socialized, etc and while she does great at a daycare playing with other dogs don't dare come to up to the house with another dog. That being said she has an incredible personality otherwise and is probably the funniest little dog I have ever met. If you're just looking for a companion and something to keep company they're great-she sits there a "talks" to me. Extremely easy to care for as far as exercise and leaving her out. But a handful.

B/t the two dogs I'll be fully prepped for motherhood. One won't let me go to the bathroom without her. The other brings in "prizes" from outside--specially moths, crickets, and frogs.

We have a 4 year old puggle (pug, beagle). She has a great temperament and is fabulous with my kids; she isn't the best smelling dog though...

I have two puggles, as seen here
<

---

I love them to death, both were rescues, both have great, loving personalities. But I agree with others, you need to train them as a puppy to be the dog you want them to be.

Adopt if you can, it's so rewarding. We got a black lab mix puppy 6 months ago; and Roxie is the best.

we have a great german shephard akc registerd 6 month pup. Hes awesome full of energy growls and barks when people come to near but does not attack good with cats people and children who like to play. HEs hilarious.

golden retriever

West Highland Terriers are great. Had mine for about 5 yrs before we had kids and he was great when they came along and even protective of them. Can be a bit barky, but no one would be able to sneak in the house, lol!!

I really believe almost any breed of dog can be a great pet if you make sure you buy a dog of the right temperament, and don't be lax with training in the early years.

A good breeder should temperament test their dogs at a certain point (7 weeks old?). We bought our American Bulldog (10 years ago) from the best UK breeder we could find in the UK. She has the nicest temperament of pretty much any dog I know, whatever their breed. That is what we asked the breeder for and that is what we got.

I know other people who have that breed of dog and they are a nightmare with families and visitors, and won't let other dogs near the house, etc. I really think it's worth paying more to get a dog from a really well known breeder who knows how to temperament test, and also who will provide ongoing support after you have bought the dog.

Sometimes the funniest and most pushy ones in the litter when you view them at the breeders, might grow up to be a bit too big for their boots, and more pushy when you're trying to train them. Equally the real wimpy ones that get pushed around by their litter mates and never get to the toys/food, might be too nervous, which can also be a problem with aggressive behaviour later in life.

Like other people have said on here it's all about the training - from day one, don't let them ever let them get into situations where they're going to be scared, or feel insecure, which can create issues later on. Also don't let them do anything you find unnacceptable - even when they're a really cute pup!! It is tough I know

I have a 4 year old female golden retriever that my ex and I got for her kids when we were together... got her as a puppy and she has been a great dog for kids, the only problem is that she got big faster than the kids did and she is still a big pup at heart so is pretty hyper and might knock kids over depending on age/size... she might have settled down a little faster if we had got her fixed, but originally we had planned on breeding her, then we broke up and my ex was living in an apartment so I kept the dog, she was supposed to take her when she got a place that she could have her but then never did and ended up getting another puppy instead... I'd like to adopt her out to someone that I know would take care of her, but I've raised her from a pup and shes finally calming down (slightly) so I'm hesitant about it... just makes it hard to travel as much as I would like to having her, but she keeps my blue heeler company too - even though he is getting old and grouchy... my blue heeler is the smartest dog I've ever owned, but they are pretty protective over their family and might nip at people they don't know or high strung kids (he is just trying to do his job and get the kids in line!) so not necessarily the best dog for kids - thats how I got him was because the family that had him was afraid he might bite their grandkids so they were gonna have him put down until I adopted him instead

Boxer. You will not find another breed that is better with children and other animals. Ours is a joy, and so loving. They are also total clowns, and will have you laughing from day one. He's in my avatar, sitting still, wearing my sunglasses. He is amazing, and when he passes my wife and I are going to be inconsolable.

I agree... my Boxer/pitbull is an angel and loves eveyone. I also had a corgie once who we called Mr. perfect because he damn near was.

I have a cocker spaniel who is a witch with a "B". She is my baby girl but she barks at everyone annd everything. (Especially now that she is an old lady)

I agree withthew other poster that you should get a rescue dog that is at least over three years old so you know what you are getting.

A cat.

AHHHH......AHHHHH....AHHHHH...AHCHOOOOOOO!!!! ........ Now where did I put my Zyrtec???? :sick:

As mentioned, a boxer are amazing dogs. You will laugh and love a LOT with one. Ours is 7 and he's the perfect dog.

We also just got a bullmastiff puppy... who also are giant lovebugs, while being a very formidable looking guardian who would give his life for him family.