I think it is a fairly accurate list, overall. I actually think lists like this are a very good idea, provided the information is accurate. People need to know about typical breed characteristics BEFORE getting a dog. I would assume that "family dog" means good with kids of all ages, energetic and able to live in a fast-paced active environment - that's what most families with kids are like.

I agree that border collies are not a good family pet for 99% of families. Sure, sure ... there is always going to be an exception here or there, but for the most part, what Shayna said is absolutely correct. Border collies are serious working dogs that need a job to do. And since she has a whole house full of them ... she should know better than any of us.

I was also happy to see that there was only one terrier on the list. Terriers are in no way, shape or form good family pets. Yes, yes, I know ... someone knows someone who's brother has a terrier that let a two year old drag him around by the tail ... but, believe me, that is the rare exception, not the rule.

Other than border collies, the only other dog on the list I might question is the cocker spaniel. Although they are starting to come back around, for many, many years they were victims for their own popularity - with the very traits that made them popular in the first place bred right out of them by back yard breeders and puppy mills churning out poorly-bred puppies by the tens of thousands. When I worked at the Humane Society in Colorado, cockers always were in the top five dog bite list, every year.