I have a love/hate relationship with dogs in the media. Many of them obviously speak to me on a personal level. I love dogs enough to end a 20 year career and go into business working with dogs and to go back to school to become a behaviorist and trainer. But when beer commercials with Bull Terriers, movies with Dalmatians or Chihuahuas, and now Great Danes come out, there is an upswing in people buying, adopting, and rescuing dogs of the same breed for no other reason than they were cute on television or in a movie.
The thing to remember about these specific dogs is they have had very intensive training. It is someone's job to get the dog/s to a level where they can perform a specific task or tasks. And now, with computer technology where it is, dogs can do things that aren't even possible.
I'm reminded of an earlier entry which is leading to the same conclusion: I had my Brittany with me at the store one day. Someone asked me if I thought they should get a Brittany too. It all depends on what you're looking for and your lifestyle. Will you have time to exercise a high energy dog? Will you have the money to feed a large dog? Will you be able to mentally stimulate an intelligent dog? Will you be able to regularly groom a hairy dog? Will your children know how to behave around a dog and the dog be tolerant enough of children? The list of questions goes on and on.
It's important to make these evaluations so you and your dog will be happy. After all, you're making a commitment of 8 to 18 years (or more). There are no right or wrong answers, just what suits your needs.
I'll post this link from Animal Planet again. It's by no means the definitive answer to what breed you should get, but a place to start. I would take the top five or so and research them. See if they will fit your lifestyle. I'd also mention again that I love the dogs I have now, but the best dog I ever had was a mutt and a mutt may suit you as well.
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do
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