One of the best we've had was a border collie / lab mix. Had the intelligence and coloration of a BC but the coat and dexterity of a lab. Bigger dog, about 75#, and thought he was a lap dog. He almost trained himself. No-kill shelter find. Smart dog. I got a Chessie while in college. Hunted with him for over 12 years, he was 1 1/2 yo when I got him. Great on upland birds and with our kids. Son would ride him like a 125# horse and use his ears for reigns as a toddler, dog never so much as looked cross-eyed at him.
Last 9 dogs we've had have been either shelter finds or give-aways. Still have 5 of them. They are all different personalities, and they will pick you, not the other way around.
Good luck with your search. (I have become partial to the standard dachshunds over the years, though.)
