Pawz, I agree with you that most people should get a dog that is going to be the easiest for them to handle. My point was that sometimes inherent traits can be overcome, but it does take a lot of work. I've had a number of difficult breeds-coonhound, bloodhound, Gordon setter-which I had no problem with. Now I have English Springer spaniels and as long as they are exercised properly (having almost 2 acres of land helps) are EASY.
Toadtoes, you are dead on that directly observing a dog is far more beneficial than just assuming it will behave in a particular manner. A good breeder OR rescue group will match personality with potential owner. We got our bloodhound based on our ability to handle him (including our son who was only 8 at the time) versus other people interested in him.
