The breeds we have had are -
Husky/Lab cross - intelligent, hyperactive, boundless energy, needed LOTS of exercise
White Retriever (ex pub dog) - loyal, friendly, lazy, impossible to train, dumb as a doorknob
Springer/Lab cross - loyal, friendly, intelligent, easy to train, loved water, sorely missed
We currently have a short-haired Border Collie which we've had from a puppy, we got him from a working farm and both parents are used to herd sheep. At 18 months old he is by far the most intelligent and obedient dog I've ever met, he's always keen to please and loves learning new things. He walks to heel on or off the lead, will always come when called, brings a tennis ball back and drops it at feet and does the usual sit/down etc etc. He's had no herding training but is always trying to herd seagulls and pigeons when we're out. Collies tend to have OCD of varying degrees, I know one who chases torch light! Ours has OCD with bubbles which we discovered by accident, we can't even say the word in front of him, he's something of a celebrity in Torquay he's always having his picture taken or being videoed, he regularly jumps 6 feet in the air and does a backflip while catching bubbles!
Edited to add photo