which Breed...  

Okay well, don't know if you want a big or small dog =P But I work with dogs, so I think I can help you!

I'm not sure how crazy you'll be about this idea...but Dobermans are really good dogs that are easy to train. In my experience, they are the SWEETEST dogs. I've worked with a few and loved them! Very friendly (despite some unflattering rumors). I even taught one a trick in like a minute! Woot lol. But really, great dogs.

I've also worked with a couple of Greyhounds (the big ones, not italian) and they seemed like very subdued dogs. VERY sweet! And very obedient, I didn't even have to put a leash on them to take them to the "playrooms." They just followed me there.

Mastiffs are great dogs too, but I'm not sure how they are with the training. I just know they are very sweet!

You might want to consider scouting out the older dogs at your local shelter. There are no true constants in breeds for temperaments. For example, I have a dog that's a very active breed, but she's very laid back. People compliment me on how well behaved she is and comment that they'd love to get one -- then I tell them what her parents, siblings, and a majority of the other members of the breed are actually like. :)

By looking at older dogs, you'll be able to see what you're getting ahead of time and you won't have to worry about that rambunctious training stage. Many of the dogs at shelters are owner surrenders and have basic training like housetraining and table manners and that sort of thing. And, even better, you'll be saving a life.

Whatever breed or animal you decide upon, I wish you and he/she many happy years together. :)

If you look for a calm dog,
you better have a Shi Tzu.
They are very calm dog.

My neighbor have two Shi Tzu,
and they just sleep or rest almost the whole day.


If you look for clever and easy train dog,
that's come to German Shepherd,
but this dog aren't calm....

Depending on what kind of dog you are looking for-
i agree that for a big dog, i would go with a great dane or an italian greyhound. they are very relaxed and kind animals.
Im partial to little dogs myself, i have two cairn terriers (like toto from the wizard of OZ) they arevery cute and cuddly, and adorable and quite easy to train as puppies. they arent the best for a watch dog, but they are a great friend. they are very relaxed, as a matter of fact, both of them are sleeping right next to me right now, and they will be pretty much all day except for when its time to greet my mom after work.
MY family takes great pride in our animals. we have talked quite a few people into getting cairn terriers, and everyone is in love with them. they all love the decision they made.
Also takin into account.. do you have any allergies to dog hair?
If so, as do I, and my mother. BUT cairn terriers are non allergetic dogs as are russel terriers, although russel terriers are known for jumping and barking quite a bit. cairn terriers have a different type of hair, they dont shed much, but they do a little bit. the grooming is a bit more expensive becasue you should really get terriers hand stripped.
But... if your looking for a dog, you wont be upset if you pick a cairn!