can anyone help me choose a good starting dog???

This might help you decide: The Berger Picard or Picardy Shepher is a French Breed of dog of the herding group of breeds. These dogs nearly becaome extinct after both World War 1 and World War 2 and still remain a rare bread to this date with only about 3500 dogs in France, around 500 in Germany and less than 100 in the United States. This breed of dog is people-oriented, loyal, and can make a good family pet if properly socialized early in life. The 2005 American movie Because of Winn-Dixie brought 5 of these dogs over from Europe ("Scott", "Laiko" and "Tasha" performed in the movie.) The trainer, Mark Forbes, wanted a dog that resembled the scruffy mutt on the original book's cover but needed several that looked alike so that production could continue smoothly, thus he decided on this rare purebred dog from France. It is this breed's rustic mutt-like appearance that has prevented it from being rapidly popularized and exploited in the United States by the movie release, as has been the fate of other breeds. People are often fooled into thinking "Winn-Dixie" is a mixed breed. Like any breed of dog, the Picardy Sheperd is not for everyone, and much thought must be devoted to choosing the right dog. As more Picard puppies are slowly being imported to the U.S. from France and other countries, it is important that owners and potential breeders remain responsible; they will determine the fate of this breed in the United States. The Berger Picard Club of America has recently been formed to help promote and protect this breed. The Berger Picard is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog, slightly longer than tall with a tousled yet elegant appearance. Their ears are naturally erect, high-set and quite wide at the base. Their eyebrows are thick, but do not shield their dark frank eyes. They are known for their smile. Their natural tail normally reaches to the hock and is carried with a slight J-curve at the tip. Their weather-proof coat is harsh and crisp to the touch, not excessively long with a minimal undercoat. Coat colors fall into two color, frawn and gray with a range of shade variations. Their temperament attributes include a lively, intelligent personality and a sensitive and assertive disposition that responds quickly to obedience training. By and large Picards are laid back and mellow but they are known for having a stubborn streak and being reserved towards strangers. Picards are enegetic and hard working, alert, loyal and sweet-tempered with children. They are happiest when they have a job to do. They also have a protective nature, making them good guard dogs. However, they are not excessive barkers. Some Picards are notoriously picky eaters, and it may be difficult to decide on a diet that you and the dog agree on The breed also has a well developed sense of humor making them an endearing companion, and they continue to be used very effectively as both sheep and cattle herder in their native land and elsewhere Like many herding breeds, Picards require human companionship and lots of it. Since they can be demonstrative to their owners and enthusiastic friends towards other animals, formal obedience training and plenty of positive socialization is a must. Athletic, loyal and filled with a desire to work a long day, the breed excels in any job as long as enthusiasm and praise is a part of the task.

I'm not sure what a Berger Picard Puppy is but hands down I have got to say that a Boxer is the best dog breed. They are great with children and really smart dogs. They tend to be a little hyper sometimes. We had a boxer a few years ago and then we had an olde english bulldog. Although the bulldog wasn't a bad dog she was very stubborn and a little aggressive. I also heard black labs are good dogs too.