looking for the appropriate dog

Question
I am graduating from college in may and would like to get a dog when I move to my own place.  I am waiting until I know where I will be settled and what my job will be like to adopt my new friend.  I grew up with a dog and have experience with them.  I have been reading book after book about dog breeds, but they sometimes contradict each other.  I am just confused. What type of breeds would you suggest for a person who will be working 40 hours a week, sometimes not on a set schedule, is active and likes to get out of the house, likes larger breeds, and is willing to train the dog.  I am around my friend's bichon and do not like it.  The dog is intensly needy, always wanting to have attention and has come up with little tricks to get it, like shivering and whining.  It is a very smart little dog.  I like the intelligence, but need a dog that is ok lying on the floor at my feet.  I tend toward the more rugged breeds and do not like lap dogs as much.  What would be your suggestions for a dog that will not be too stressed being alone during the day if it recieves the right amount of excersize?

Answer
Probably a Lab or a Golden Retreiver would best suit you,they are larger and not needy,also these breeds love exercise but be fine witout it-these breeds are popular because they fit into any type of life style

Probably any of the sporting breeds would be ideal for you,all highly trainable,without being needy,other breeds you can look into,though not as common would be a flat coat retriver,Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever,Vislas,German Short or Wire haired pointer or a Brittney Spaniel

All these type of dogs don't mind being on there own,but also highly trainable

another good consideration is to look at your local animal shelter and tell them the traits you re looking for,and they can usually find a dog that suits your needs-also labs are commanly found in shelters

The breeds you want to avoid are herding dogs,as they don't do well on there own and can become destructive,Huskies are the same,Sighthounds like greyhounds and whippets tend to be needy,as do Dobbermanns