First thing is first, don't go out specifically looking for a mix. No matter what type of dog you get, they all are going to have health problems, which is why you go to a reputable breeder. Start doing your research online. Take some breed selector quizzes and maybe go to a few dog shows and talk to some people who have the dog you may be interested in. There are MANY breeders at dog shows. For the whole breed decision thing, its really your opinion. Look online at some dogs you like, and do your research on that breed.
Me, being the HUGE Lab Lover I am, and I am currently on my 4th one, I highly recommend. If this is your first dog, then you should be doing LOTS of research. If you just get one from a backyard breeder, your going to run into some problems. Labs have their share of health problems, and if they come from a bad line, they can be very hyper and destructive. Take it from me, who's first Lab came from a Petstore. He was so bad, we had no choice but to give him up. Field Labs (tall and lean) tend to be more active then your average English but it can vary for each dog. My boy Mason, who passed away a few months ago, was an English and he was all around the best dog I've ever owned. Very loving, mellow and all around a big couch potato. But my current Lab Chance, who is of English stock, has nice house manners, but is pretty active and chews a lot if he gets bored. This is a breed that needs lots of patience and training from a young age. Though they are usually willing to cooperate. If you get one from a good breeder, then you'll have no regrets because this is truly an amazing breed,
Briana & Chance
"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."
-Ben Williams
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R.I.P. Mason Baby! Miss you and think of you everday.