I have a chocolate lab. {ersonally I think he is the greatest dog in the world. He is gentle around everyone (great around kids he always plays with the neighbor kids), loves to run (plus he runs without a leash), has a great bladder (I leave him at home for 12 hours a day), and once he hit 2 yrs old he was the best. What I mean is he is really mello inside and ready to play as soon as you tell him let's go. I would really look into a lab!
4chuckie, I agree Labs are generally great dogs around people and other dogs, but you are real lucky to have one that tolerates being alone for that length of time. That Laboodle sounds like a great option as well.
