I was wondering if anybody would be able to advise me on what breed of dog to get?
-it will be my first, i have a medium house and a large garden
-it will get plenty of excercise, and training
-i wouldnt mind doing a bit of showing,
-would rather have kc reg dog from a responsible breeder who had done all the health checks,
-i would prefere a large(ish) dog with lots of energy and to be playful
hope someone will be able to help me!

Hi
there are many breeds that would fit the criteria you have stated.Have you got any other preferences .e.g. coat type.
I would suggest you look at something that is more easily trained(since its your first dog) than some so maybe a hound would not be the right choice.
I have never owned one but I know of many people with boxers that are wonderful pets and very energetic.They also seem to have a sense of humour!(the dog that is)
If you're not in a rush to make a decision why not go to some shows(champ shows have the most dogs) and have a look at some good specimans once you have narrowed your choice down a bit.Manchester is on next month and of course Crufts in march.
If you want to show your pup make sure you research your breed and choose your breeder with care-look for someone with good stock in the ring and don't be persuaded to buy a dog just because it has however many champions in its pedigree.Why not register with champdogs(its free!) and people will do there best to help you find what you are looking for.
Good luck ,Archer.

The saying one man's meat is another man's poison springs to mind. Also descriptions such as lively, to one person may be manic, another may consider it playful or normal.

Make a list of things that you definately don't want, and a list of must haves. Mine for exxample would be.

No's:
No slobbery dogs,
No floppy ears,
No short legs
Not excessive coat that tangles easily
Not excessively lively
Not particularly guardy
Not too clingy or servile

Yes's:
Medium or double coat,
Prick ears,
Medium to medium large size
Easy going with dogs and people
Dog that is alert and watchful but not a real guard
Fairly independant temeperament

The breed I ended up with is the Norwegian Elkhound, now something like a Coker Spaneil I would not want to own, but they also have a lot of th4e qualities most pwople find ideal in a companion, wheras they might find my choice pig headed and stubborn by comparison.

After you have done the above come back for some ideas from folks on the board, but bear in mind that peoples views will be very personal and subjective, and based on their own experiences of a breed.