I have to recommend a Labrador Retirever....
Baised on my encounters/expriences with these breeds this is what I have to say:

My dad's friend, Jim, has a Blue Heeler- and it is a sweetheart.
Brittanys are very good house dogs, and are exceptionally affectionate. My neighbor had to put their Husky to sleep because it attacked their kid (ripped flesh from arm) and other dog, I wouldn't get a Husky. Malamutes I'm not too fond of, my old neighbors Malmute gave me a bad vibe, and turned me off of the breed. It was extremely/wayyyy too protective, and would try and attack every person that came in the yard/house. I couldn't even mow the lawn 5 feet from the fence because it would snap and lunge at me. Judy had a Cocker, and it peed everytime someone walked in the door, and would jump and snap at her baby (took it to the pound ). I wouldn't get a Chow Chow if you have another dog, they should be kept in a household with no other dogs - they are VERY aggressive also (obviously, every Chow is different tho, everyone I've see were vicious). Chows are terrible with kids too.

No personal expreiences with Bullterriers and Akitas...I think they are cute though.