Have you thought about a cocker spaniel. Great for kids and have that soft fur so won't make you itch if that's the kind of allergy DH has.
We lost our girl this year too. Only 2 1/2 years old. Completely broke my heart. We have been looking for another rescue dog for a couple of months now and actually wnet and met 2 today. One is a nearly 7 yr old English Pointer (same breed as our last girl) who is so gentle and calm. She didn't seem phased by my boys antics at all. The other is a German Short haired pointer X Staffy who is 10 months old. Completely gorgeous but a bit of a mad puppy still. She seemed to be very loving but would probably knock the boys over a bit, which they can handle, and lick them to death.
I just can't make up my mind. I actually think they would both be great dogs. The older one would be easier now but we wouldn't get as long with her. The younger one would be more hard work but we would have her most of her life.
What to do...???? Suggestions????