Which breed for me? Currently own an Akita.

Question
My husband and I are middle aged (40s), his energy level is low, mine is medium -- I'm the dog walker in the family. We currently own a 13 year old female Akita. I'm thinking ahead to the next dog that we share our lives with (once our Akita is not longer with us). Our Akita is our first dog, we've had her since she was 7 weeks old. We've learned a lot - we know what we would like and what we wouldn't like in our next dog. The next dog will have to be dog-friendly (our Akita is very dominant and attracts fights) I would likely get 2 dogs to keep each other company and I would like both to get their Canine Good Citizens certificate, I'm also interested in pursuing pet visitation programs. I do not want a dominant large dog again, I don't feel my personality is right for that type of dog. The next dog(s) we live with must have a low prey drive (our Akita has killed 2 cats, 1 squirrel, 5 pigeons, a mouse, a skunk and a gopher -- all within the confines of our backyard, expect for the gopher). Alert barking is fine - constant barking would be a problem for our neighbours. We live in a urban/suburban setting, medium sized fenced yard. (Our Akita spends most of her time indoors, we don't believe in leaving dogs outside all day). When she barks it's to alert us of someone approaching the house or another dog approaching, which is perfectly OK with us, we like that about her, if she barks she barks for a reason. She is a very good indoor dog. When she was a young dog she would occassionally tear open a pillow or 2 but to compensate we bought cheap pillows :). I walk her daily for approximately 45 minute walks in the nearby Arboretum. We have 6 off-leash dog parks (un-fenced)in our town and I would love to take advantage of these to socialize my new dog(s) and to socialize with other dog owners. Our Akita is rather aloof - she's becoming more affectionate in her geriatric years. I would like a more affectionate dog. Size doesn't matter, coat type doesn't matter. I hope this is enough information for you to suggest a breed(s).  

Answer
There are several breeds that could be ok for you; I will only suggest a few, but I strongly recommend you buy a good book that shows you all the breeds with their characteristics (just visit a good bookstore and you'll find plenty!). Boxer, German Shepherd, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Flat Coated Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Beagle, are some of the breeds that could be right for you. They are all very smart dogs, generally good with people and other dogs (but this alse depends on the socialization they will have in the first months), and apt to get the CGC certificate. Remember that they are energetic dogs that need to run around, but 45 minutes a day, plus some time at the dog park, daily (or almost daily), should be fine. If you narrow your choices, feel free to contact me again for further advice.