Would they be open to a very large dog? The reason I ask is with the economy and such alot of people are giving up mastiffs, Saints and extra large mixes because of cost. I mean the food bill makes my eyes bug out of my head, the drool is like OMG I just polished the dining room table, but I really love Dolly. Take her for a walk, let her play with Oz in the yard, she tires before him and he's an old man Other than that, she would sit beside you all day for ear rubs. The training is slower, but she's super smart. One incidence of counter surfing since she's been here and hey it was a nice roast, I would have done it too. Yesterday she was a bit sulky, but in the morning I gave her a treat and she was excited and grazed my hand with her teeth, it shocked me, I didn't yell, but she acted like she had done bad all day after. Soft, sweet personality, really wants to work for me.

Collie. Smooth Coat if they don't want to deal with all the hair. Next time I have a collie it will be a smooth coat white or blue merle. They are beautiful!

Tell them to look up Collie rescues. I know there are some in the MD area.

I would suggest a hound....a bloodhound is a laid back dog, good with kids, great temperment, just need to watch the nose....they follow their nose so a fence is manditory. They can also look into a GSD but a senior one that doesn't have much of a chance in a shelter....I'm all for the rescuing out of shelters b/c there is no sense in buying a dog from a breeder and let a shelter dog die. and there are TONS of purebreds in shelters. and honestly APBT's are good dogs despite their rap they have. I've had Pits and they are awesome dogs for families

Huskies are pullers and they are diggers if they don't have any mental stimulation, they can become destructive, as any dog can but my neighbor has a huskey and he doesn't have alot of stimulation so he's highly destructive.....digs like crazy...eats plants....lol just all around he's a hot mess...adorable....but a hot mess

+1 on the mutt suggestion.