Spaniels
Lovely temperament, variety of sizes for houses/cars etc, but absolutely, utterly, bonkers! King charles are bred to death, (brain is too big for the skull) springers and cockers are great but unless you work with them, ie gamekeeper/farmer/rescuework/drug dog, i'd steer clear
collies
probably cleverer than you! also much lighter on the feet than a lab. i run 5-10 miles with my lab and that will put him to bed for the day, collie will go on and on and on at speed as well! My friend fell runs and his goes on for ever. Not nuts like a spaniel, but hard to give enough exercise. Needs mental stimulus or will be very bored! Will chase cars and can be nippy if not well trained.
beagles
Very stubborn dogs, hard to train. Want to do their own thing. Again, needs a lot of exercise.
labs
amazing temperament, great for families, hence their popularity. Just dont buy a show bred dog, generally taller with a fat head, round stomach and spindly limbs. Can look nice but less balance in their muscles. Friend had one who had terrible hip and wrist problems. They can also be almost too docile to the point of not even wanting to walk with you. His stands in the field while he walks round it. Get a working bred dog, bred for balanced build and health. Often shorter but much fitter. Often a bit more intelligent and so much fun. Heavier build than a collie, so can be tired out if needed.
Good luck
