Yet another help with breeds

oops  did you try the breed selector at K9country.com.  It is based on a very good book Your Pure Bred Puppy  The authors first name is Michelle and it is also subtitled.  Many libraries carry it too.

When you get a Pit Bull from a shelter, the history doesn't matter that much.  If you are looking for one in a shelter, choose a shelter that knows a lot about their dogs.  No-kill shelters are often quite good at this, as any steady volunteers have spent a lot of time with the dogs and know their habits, quirks, likes, and dislikes.  I've been working at a no-kill shelter for two years now, and I know which dogs I can trust and which I can't.  We have a few Pit Bull crosses and one probably pure AmStaff.  I've been working with the AmStaff longer than I wish I would have, but am unable to take her home.  Even after all that time in the kennels, she is very responsive and loves everyone she meets.  If you can find a shelter that has had the time to spend with these animals and are not focused on just shoving them into any old home, but will wait until they find a forever home, there are some great dogs that are there for unknown reasons, but make they make the best pets. 

I'm not going to tell you what you should choose but I do alot of walking and some hiking and my Dobe is great for it. He loves the walking and when we get home he's more than content to lay up on the couch and have a good long rest. Although I do some obedience with him,  for both socialization aspects as well as mental stimulation as they do require that. There has been a lot of other great suggestions as well. Depending on what area you're from I could definitely refer you to a great breed specific rescue for A Dobe if you were interested.
 
Take care and Good Luck!
 
Scott
 

If you want something mellow, but energetic enough for long walks, then a spaniel mix might be nice.  If you don't care whether the dog will be good off leash, then a large hound can walk or trot all day.  The redbones and blueticks tend to be quieter than other hounds (don't get a Plott unless you actually like noise) and there are lots to choose from in rescue.  I have a Redbone/English Foxhound mix who used to trot next to BF's son's bike all day!  In the house, he's a couch potato.  Hounds are stubborn, but smart - he has his CGC and is a therapy dog, too.