If you never trained a dog before I would go with a Lab or a golden Retriever (swamp collie) there is nothing wrong with a chessie they are a very good dog. Me myself prefer a lab tend to mature quicker and easier to train than a CBR I also like the short hair on the lab and CBR compared to the Golden. All 3 make wonderful dogs. I would read several books and articles on each breed to find out the pros and cons of each breed to best fit your life style. You might also look at the pointing Lab I own 2 and absolutly love them makes shooting pheasants and quail somewhat easier.