I've researched tons of breeds within the last two years and my favorites are below:

1) American Cocker Spaniel (a breed which I'm highly considering on puchasing)

2) Bassett Hound (a breed which I love to look at but don't suit me)

3) Labrador Retreivers (yet again, a breed I love to look at but don't suit me)

4) Golden Retrievers

5) German Sheperds and German Sheperd Crosses

6) Rough Coated Collies (I don't like the way they look in the US - the English look a bit better, they have a more developed stop)

I'm currently researching the American Cocker and am finding out lots of good things. Come in a variety of colors, happy-go-lucky etc. They are the smallest breed in the Sporting Group (AKC). Bassett Hounds are the gentleman's hunter. Most are slow moving, they tend to follow their nose. They are great dogs too. Labrador and Golden Retrievers are highly energetic, love to please and there are a ton of breeders breeding both. Rough Coated Collies are a long haired breed, bred to be herders. Very family oriented dogs (so I hear). German Sheperds are great dogs. I'm learning first hand about this breed as my sister has bought a 9 week old mostly black German Sheperd! She's very outgoing, highly exciteable but very, very obedient even at 9 weeks.