Freedom, while those breeds are generally ones that are good with kids, I gather that exercise requirements are just as important to Jynnelle as being good with kids is. Belgians and any of the retrieving breeds are very active, energetic dogs. I don't know enough about Collies to say what they're exercise requirements are, but many appear to be more laid back than the majority of other herding breeds (that's not to say they're inactive though). I've only met a handful of Collies, so I could be wrong. I barely know anything about Poodles, but while active dogs, they seem relatively easy to accomodate exercise wise.

Jynnelle, it must be hard to decide on a breed when there's someone else involved! I know nobody in my family truly has the same tastes, but fortunately it works out here to have what I like (tollers) and to have what my mom likes (dobes). As far as the breeds you're interested in, I'd stay away from Shibas I think for sure. Klee Kai too. My family thought we might be interested in a Shiba, but wow, are they ever a handful! Very independent thinkers, couldn't really care less about what you have to say to them, and apparently need quite a bit of exercise/mental stimulation to keep those highly intelligent brains busy! I have no one on one experience with Klee Kai, but based on what I've heard about them, they don't really sound right for your lifestyle. Neither does a Vizsla for being easy to exercise -- they're an incredibly energetic breed usually. Shelties are nice, but they seem to be a very sensitive breed so I'm not sure what they'd think of living with children. Anyhow, that probably wasn't too helpful of a post considering I have no suggestions as to anything to actually look into... nor do I have any suggestions as to how you guys can come up with something that you both like that would fit well into your life.

As to your original question as to what breed I'll be thinking of getting in the future? Tollers... lots and lots more Tollers. There are plenty of other breeds I'd love to have, and perhaps will someday, but the above is my only real definite. As to why? Tollers suit me really well and I absolutely love having them around - I can't imagine not having one. I don't doubt that I'll have another Doberman someday, too.