sorry for your loss......

here's a thought. if there is an animal shelter nearby or within driving distance, call them and see what they have.

I have owned pure bred boxers (three), a German Sheperd, a St.Benard, two Dalmatians, two Yellow Labs and a variety of mixed breeds.

I got out of the stage of needing to own PURE breeds and could not be more pleased with the dogs I have gotten from the shelter. I grew out of the need to brag about owning a pure breed or champion dog and the prestige that I thought it brought. Not saying anyone else here is like that. i am only talking from personal experience.

Depending on the mix, you can some times get the best of two or more breeds. All of my mixed breeds were very smart and gentle, but would bark at strangers until they got to know them.

I have not paid for a dog in years, except for the adoption fee and vet bills. Those vet bills seem to come quite regularly , no matter what breed you have..lol.

Just another suggestion, take it for what it's worth.

Never let someone else tell you what to get. A dog should always be a personal choice.

Sit down with the family and decide...OR maybe take them all to the shelter and see which dog shows the family the most love .....

good luck....

english labs. they are more appealing, stockier and calmer than common american bred or field labs.

Can't argue with any of that, but the one my cousin has slings his head around in the house and big strings of drool fling onto the walls. Maybe it's just him and not the breed.