We are thinking of finally getting our own dog this summer. But the wish-list is quite long:
Not too big - border collie sized or preferably smaller.
Not too much of a coat that needs a lot of grooming, though also not a fan of super-short, or wire haired dogs.
Quite an active breed that wants and needs a good walk, say 3-5 miles each day, but capable of longer once in a while.
Okay, when older, to be left alone for the odd day, though I mostly work at home so will be around for attention when needed.
Placid temperament and good with people and other dogs, but not too much of a "wimp" (like the family Sheltie tends to be)
Will have a decent garden to run around in also.
Someone I know is looking for some breed recommendations. Having only experience with 2 dogs so far
I thought I'd tap into our wealth of knowledge here instead 
But yes, Piper's fully capable of the three to five miles that Minkee mentioned her friends would like a dog to be able to do. Two or three times a week we take Piper to the mountains and hike the trails, some well traveled, others more like trailblazing. A typical hike for us is at least three miles, occasionally longer. She does great and never misses a beat. And since she's off leash for most of the hike, she actually covers even more ground than us (you know, the back and forth they do). Of course, we take breaks if we think she needs one, but it's quite rare that she asks for one. 
