Can some one please give me some advice, my family are looking to get a dog, the dog needs to be of a decent size and good temprement, we live in quite a busy household in hertfordshire, can some one recommend a dog breed suitable?

Make a list of some more traits, as that is a bit broad. Some people would cosider my breed a decent size, to me they are only medium!

Do you like prick ears or drop, Double coat, Feathered coat, Wiry or smooth? Normal or short muzzled? Can you put up with Dribbly dogs, if not you need to go with something clean muzzled, with tight skin .

do0 you like racy or stocky build.

Once you have thought about the looks, then you will have shorter list and reserch thoroughly the breed character traits, remembering that one mans meat is anothers poison.

Also remember inteligent working breeds don't come born that way, they need a lot of training and mental stimulation!

Can you deal with properly training and handling a breed with overt guarding instincts, or would you be bettwer with a breed that is alert, but not overly guarding! My lot and my friends golden can be very impressive, but once in you are more likely to be mugged for cuddles, but the burglars don't know that!

My daughters teacher had been burgled several times. she got into Basset Hounds (I couldn't stand the slobber, but on the other hand she would probably hate the hair you get withmine) they have a very big dog bark, and they have never had a problem since, even though neighbours have been burgled either side!

have a look at staffordshire bull terriers,they're a huge dog in a medium sized body!They have excellent temperaments and are especially good with children,they're easy to take care of,short haired clean.....sorry I'm biassed....but I love them
hope this helps

What is your lifestyle like? this is the most important thing when thinking what breed to get. If you are not very active you don't want a dog that requires a lot of exercise, if you work you don't want a dog that depends on companionship (although most do being pack animals), if you don't want to spend time grooming don't get a long haired breed. However, if you don't want to spend time training a dog - get a cat. Whatever breed you choose try not to go for looks alone! As this is where peoples many problems begin.
I love staffies too, but i don't think they are ideal for everyone, too often i see people who can't control them, and rarely are they given enough exercise, training or socialising. When given all this, you are right they are an excellent fun-loving breed, suitable in most lifestyles.

Why not try looking on the thread 'Pets for children (and parents!)'?- there's a link to choosing your breed dependable on your lifestyle etc- it didn't work for me- at all- but who knows- and it may even give you a few to look into- then if not you can at least cross them off the list. I love GSD's- my personal opinion;) Sorry this is short and perhaps a bit blunt but I've just answered a question quite similar to this on the thread mentioned earlier- maybe you could try reading what people have said on that- there's quite a few breeds mentioned;)

I asked a similar question and got oodles of help and advice. Its under "Pets for children and parents". Good luck. Its really worth having a chat to breeders when you have chosen your breed. The ones I have chatted to have been real enthusiasts, very honest and helpful. They are people with years of experience and I have found that they tend to network, so a good breeder may not have a puppy but is likely to have a friend who has or who has a litter due. So long as you don't ring when they are really busy they are only too delighted to share their love of their breed.