Hi,
All round top dog for me has to be the greyhound. They are beautiful creatures, loving, loyal, gentle, biddable, are up for anything and all they ask is a warm comfortable bed, half decent food and loads of love. They will hike all day with you or will be happy with a quick free run and then are placid and lazy at home until you are ready for the next adventure. They mix with other animals and kids easily. The only one I've ever known to show any aggression was a low growl from a dog that had been bitten by a rat and had a pretty fierce infection raging through him! One out of over 200 I have handled - fabulous, rewarding, relaxing and exciting dogs - what more can you ask for? The other big plus is they are dog shaped and can do what they are supposed to without any faults created by mans ridiculous whims of fashion.