Of your list, I love Labs the most. They will amaze you with their intelligence and loyalty. I think rescuing is the best thing you can do. I had a black Lab mixed with a tiny tiny bit of something else (she had a little bit of a bushy tail that is uncharacteristic to a Lab, so I think she was a little bit Shephard). We rescued her at 6 mos. It was a great thing. It's so rewarding. You get to look at a dog everyday who may have died if it wasn't for you saving them.
I don't think that rescues are more prone to "attacking"; of course it all depends on their histories. My Lab was afraid of hair brushes her whole life and we think she may have been hit with one as a puppy.
I like all the breeds you mentioned except Shiba Inu. Of course it depends on the dog, but the two I know are very people- aggressive. Shar Pei's are great dogs as someone already mentioned. My brother's Shar-Pei is VERY good with Stewie and their infant. They're docile and trustworthy.
__________________  Kristy & Stewie  |