That breed sounds perfect if I was single and living alone!
Yes, I'm thinking shelter. Just met a guy today who had a lab mix from a family run group here in N. CA called Compassion Without Borders, which was just featured during last weekend's Puppy Bowl.
My sister has a goodlendoodle and the kids love that, so that or similar is possible, but I could also see a lab mix of some type or a beagle. Thanks for the suggestions!