Frank has it. It's horses, or, rather, dogs for courses. I would never have a Dobermann or any guard, protection or fighting breed in a home with very small children. But a lab or golden retriever would be fine. If you like a breed that's very active and more intelligent than you are, pick a Border collie! There are at least 170 breeds on the Kennel Club list and every one of them has been originally bred for a purpose, from retrieving game to being a dog for temples, from living on barges to guarding taxmen, the vestiges of which remain in its behaviour and character. There will be one that's essentially right for you. Me, I like Irish Wolfhounds; big, affectionate, not very bright; Dandie Dinmonts; small, not cuddly and typical terriers; and Hungarian Pulis; stubborn, crafty, and aggressive enough to require experienced owners; but all to their own