I have owned a mix breed border collie/lab and he definately was the most intelligent dog ever the best with my young kids just all aroud an awsome friking dog. Currently my wife and I got a beautiful pure bred treeing walker coon hound and he is amazing as well I would recommend either of these breeds for family life the hound does need more excercise but still great.... And for anyone having doggy troubles HONESTLY MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE DOG WHISPERER W/ CEASAR MILLAN AND FOLLOWING HIS TIPS, HAVING PATIENCE AND NOT GIVING UP. IT TAKES PATIENCE BUT HIS TIPS WILL ( I REPEAT WILL WORK FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG. A STABLE DOG IS A HAPPY DOG.