What breed of dog should we buy?

Question
Hi my name is Ian. My partner (Amanda) and I are both massive dog lovers. We have always had dogs in our families, both have experience of labradors as family pets as long as we remember! The problem is our house isnt big enough for a labrador. We both would like a English bulldog, we think! I work long hours, from 11.30am to 10.00pm (mon-fri) and 10.00am-4.00 on sat, Amanda works 8.30am-5.00pm (monday-thursday). Im worried that we might not have enough time for the dog, we have so much love to give but the main factor holding us back is I dont want the dog to be left unless the breed would be happy in his own company inbetween the hours of 11.30am-5.00pm.
Its very important to us that a dog will be happy within our daily routine.
Kind Regards Ian & Amanda (Yorkshire, England)

Answer
Hi,
As long as your dog gets strenuous exercise in the morning and evenings the five and a half hours that he is alone should be fine.  If you can give him hard exercise for about an hour in the morning and in the evening he should be tired for the afternoon and take a nice sleep.  Unless of course you get a terrier, then you may want to put in two hours in the am and two in the evening.  An English bulldog sounds like a good choice.  If you get a young puppy (around 8 weeks) there will be a problem because they have to urinate at least every two hours so try and get one about 4 months.  They can hold urine about 5/6 hours.
Nancy