OK, a few more questions.
You mentioned you were ok with small to medium large dogs, but you also said you would prefer something you would feel safe walking at night (I'm assuming you mean something on the larger side of the scale) so would you like me to eliminate smaller breeds? and also is there a minimum size you would like if they provide weight (I know I consider anything under 40 pounds small, while some people consider anything over 20 medium). Or a maximum for that matter?
Next thing has to do with barking. Some breeds (scent hounds mostly, like Beagles) are prone to barking or baying. How do you feel about that? If you are fine I will include them. My question comes more for if you don't want barking. If I come across a dog of one of the "barking breeds" and they make no mention of whether or not they bark (if it says they don't then I will include them) would you like me to include them (you can always call the rescue/shelter) or not include them in your list?
Finally regarding energy: I am going to skip the "high energy" breeds since you said you wanted something more laid back than a retriever. So I'm skipping the Bully breeds, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds etc. I'm also skipping over retrievers.
If you change your mind about energy and want me to include them just say so. Or if you want me to include retrievers please say so. OR if you would like me to at least look and see what they say about energy please say so (because as of now I'm simply skipping all high energy breeds and retrievers).
OK, I think that's all my questions for you, but if I come across another dog who is different I'll probably have more lol. (like if I come across a deaf one I'll ask you about that).
So answer when you can, until you answer I'm skipping those I mentioned in energy, including barkers and hounds, and including any dog over 20 pounds.
