Your opinions on good dog breeds please

Get a female rottie. I never would've said this until I found out that you had a dog before as these breeds really aren't for a first time dog owner. They do pretty well in apartments but need brushing twice a week. She'll probably eat you out of house and home though.... They are protective but fine with friends once they get to know them. If she doesn't like a particular friend, take heed. There's a reason.

They don't really bark much unless there's a reason and one good look at her will just plain stop most people in thier tracks. Don't leave her alone around small children, just as with any large dog.

Like someone said, you must be totally dedicated to this dog. You've got to be home to feed and walk the dog every single day, no exceptions. You also have to put aside at least an hour a day for training and play if you get a Rott. You must have absolute control too. If you don't take control, she will. It's just the way they work and an out of control Rott is bad news all the way around. You'll get sued or in the hospital, all rott owners will look bad and we'll have another "vicous breed ban".

On the plus side, you'll have a friend for life that's well behaved and incredibly intelligent. :) These dogs are truly the "big block" of dogdom, lol.