Looking to buy my First dog?

Since those are your only requirements, I recommend that you hit http://www.petfinder.com/ and look for dogs of the following breeds:

Any Retriever

German Shepherd

Poodle

Any mix of these types of dogs will LOVE to do the things that you've said. The Retriever mixes will be the easiest for a first time dog owner to deal with.

GL! : )

Labs are very loyal and very hyper and active, many people recommend them to everyone but you may do well with them since you are so active, just as long as it is regular activity (if you only go hiking once a month, you need to do other things in between). I Labs can stay like big puppies for a while though, so be prepared for it to be full of energy at home too.

Don't get a puppy, since they are vey tough to handle. Adults are much easier, and they are harder to place in homes. Consider a mix from your shelter, purebred labs and lab mixes are very common.

don't know that you would want to make the dog swim along the kayak though, if there is a lot of curret I would be worried about losing it. If you have a large enough kayak, or if you get a canoe, you could train the dog to ride with you and let it swim when you take a break (they even make doggie life jackets).

Leonberger. They are playful - will stay in puppy/teenage mode for their first three years. Energetic - these are surprisingly fast, athletic dogs with long back legs. Strong - have a powerful front quarter Big - a giant breed, the males in particular are very big Well mannered - the only breed I know that can be left unsupervised with children, if well socialised, these dogs are bomb proof and greet other dogs and people politely. Back Yard - these dogs are suitable for apartments, boats .. they don't need a big back yard. They will not use it, other than to do their private business. They like to go on one or two walks a day, but when at home they will either playfight you if encouraged or just sit around. Easy to train - you have to be strong and consistent, but yes they can be trained via positive reinforcement for any job: carting, water rescue, shepherding, tracking, flyball, security, child-minder ;-)

I own two dogs, i have a male german shepard x lab and hes fantastic hes loyal,protective and up for anything, i also have a mixed breed female who i rescued from the rspca when she was a pup, she is also a great dog shes still young shes loyal, protective and a real smooch after a nice long walk she wants nothing but to sit in your lap (shes not little) it think that a german shepard or lab will suit you as they are both outgoing and love the water. Good luck in making your decision!!!

Golden Retriever,

Pit Bull?

Boxer

I recommend that you do an extensive research on dogbreeds using www.dogbreedinfo.com or animal.discovery.com, in order to educate yourself on what breed of dog would be best for you. Having a dog is a huge commitment and you want to be well aware of what your getting yourself into as far as behavior, grooming, exercise, and training.

Don't buy a dog...adopt one. You will be saving a life!

A great resource is PetFinder.com.

They have thousands of dogs in rescues all across the country who need a home.

Greyhound

Labrador

Golden Retriever

Maybe Great DAne

I'd suggest a german shepherd. They are very loyal dogs that love to spend time with their families. They tend to be reserved with strangers because they want to protect their loved ones, their family, their 'pack'. GSD's are very smart and easy to train and are always up for an adventure. Sounds like a good choice for you! Good luck with your decision!

Standard poodle. They have smallish bones, but they're quite tall.... They can reach 75lbs... IS that big enough or were you looking for a bigger one?

They Love swimming, running, they're loyal, they'll do anything to make you happy, they're also cute as long as you don't mutilate their fur with those stupid show cuts.

Best dogs ever.