[Breeds] What dog is best for me?

Okay, sorry in advance for the format. Reddit said that I wrote too much. Anyway, I am 23. Girlfriend is 24. Both have a lot of experience with dogs just want some feedback & recommendations from you guys... Thanks!Introduction1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?No, had a Lhapsa Apso for most of my life. Also have been around a Westie & an American White Shepherd for the past 3 1/2 years.2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?I would prefer a breeder if possible just so I can see the family's past health records.3) Describe your ideal dog.Very loving. Smart. Loyal. Good with people. I want to be able to take my dog out to the park without fear of any aggression.4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?I have always been interested in Golden Retrievers. My girlfriend likes German Shepherds.5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?Just the basic stuff. Sitting. Staying. Ect.Care Commitments6) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?Probably around 2-3 hours. Training I could do more than that since that can all be done indoors aside from training to pee & poop.7) How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?Can also be around 2-3 hours. Fitness is important to me & my girlfriend is starting to get into it too so extra walking will not be an issue.8) How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?I would pay if I needed to, but me & my girlfriend are familiar with those things. The hair cutting I would probably leave to the professionals though.Personal Preferences9) What size dog are you looking for?Probably large. Wouldn't be opposed to a medium sized dog like a Border Collie or Goldendoodle (Can be between medium & large depending on their parents.)10) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?All of it. Bring it on!11) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?I would really love that actually. My Lhapsa Apso was able to do that & it gave you a peace of mind without compromising on your dog's time outside.Dog Personality and Behavior12) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?I love snuggling with my dog. But if it does have some independence, it's okay. If I had to pick one, I would want a snuggler.13) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?That part is less important. If I had to pick one, eager-to-please.14) How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?Knocking, just barking. Entering the yard, barking at distance. I want visitors to be happy when they see our dog when they come into the house so hopefully not have our dog jumping on strangers as they enter the house would be nice.15) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?I would really prefer not to. My girlfriend's sister has a German Shepherd/Lab mix (I think) and it has attacked our Westie on a few different occasions. Breaking it up sent my girlfriend to the hospital, sent the Westie to the hospital, and just makes everyone walk on eggshells when she's in the room. Such a sweet dog except to our Westie.16) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?Aggression is my least desired behavior.Lifestyle17) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?Depends on the day. I work 8-4:30 with a 45 min commute. Girlfriend can work from 10-8 with a 20 min commute. So the longest would be a little over 7 hours. But that's rare since I do work from home 1 day a week & my girlfriend is off twice a week since she does retail. Her hours are also not set but the longest she would be away is 10-818) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?Me - Golden Retriever or German Shepherd Girlfriend - German Shepherd19) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?Maybe another dog. We love dogs so we would probably end up having two or three.20) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?Probably not for a long time. Would get dogs first.21) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?We have been looking & most places do have aggressive breed restrictions or weight restrictions. usually under 50 pounds or 25 pounds. Saw a few with 90 pound max or no restriction so it doesn't make too big of a difference.22) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?I live in New Jersey. Right now in a Suburban town. If we moved, it would not be to a city. I need a lawn or some grass.23) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?Summers - Hot Winters - ColdIdk the average tempsAdditional Information and Questions24) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.Both me & my girlfriend have dog training experience as well as dog maintenance experience. I have always wanted a Golden Retriever and she loves German Shepherds.25) Feel free to ask any questions below.Are there any other dogs breeds that you think might be better suited for us?? via /r/dogs http://ift.tt/2snjilA