I've had:
Irish Setter, when I was a kid,
Golden Retriever/Australian Cattle Dog mix from the Santa Cruz SPCA
Black Lab mix from the Santa Clara SPCA
Two Chocolate Labs, AKC registered
Chow mix found on the side of the freeway (still with us),
and a Lab/Pit mix from the guys down the street for a case of beer (still with us)
They were all great dogs and great companions, it's all in how you treat them and train them, I strongly recommend taking your dog to obedience training, it really builds a bond and more importantly trains the owner.
The Lab/Pit might be my favorite, she's a real sweetheart, not a mean bone in her body.
Hey, that's not an MJ. ;)