Looking to get new puppy

Question
Hi,
 My husband, 7yr old daughter and I would like to get a new puppy.  We had a Golden that just died in March of 2009 at
13 1/2yrs old.  He was wonderful.  We love goldens, but are not sure if we will get another one, or maybe a different breed.  I have looked at all types of breeds and just about all of them have at least one negative about them. We would like a golden in a smaller body. Is there a dog that is smaller than a golden, but not really small, has the same personality etc? We are looking for one with about the same energy(likes to play, but can also lay around), not really hyper or alot of barking(i.e. small dogs), really good with all people(strangers and children), no major health problems(overall healthy breed), very loving and affectionate, but no more so than a golden(doesn't need constant attention#, can be left alone for several hrs if need be once in awhile, very intelligent, but not stubborn, very easy to train#pottytrain and comands and possibly other tricks#, can tolerate hot or cold weather...Basically like I said, a golden in a smaller body...The only thing I would like if possible is that it wouldn't chase every animal it saw in the yard or roll in everything it found#i.e. dead animal#...and if possible wouldn't shed as much as a golden. If you know of any other breeds#could be mixed), I'd appreciate any suggestions. If more than one breed to consider, that would be great!  thanks!

Answer
Well one thing you can do is to go to your local shelter and talk to the staff and they can often set you up with a dog or puppy that would fit into your family as they know the dogs there,so that would be a good choice as well

Staffordshire Bull terriers are also a breed to consider,they are the number one recommended breed for children and in England they are called 'nanny dogs' for this reason. VERY friendly and outgoing dogs they also have an easy,carefree coat that generally stays clean

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retrievers are also a breed to look into as they are similar to a Golden,but smaller and have a similar temperament,and they live about 12-14 years

Flat Coated Retrievers are also similar to a Golden,but a bit smaller and black