Can you suggest a breed for us?

[SamosaSammy]

So we're in the position where we'll hopefully be able to get a dog in the next few months. We're both experienced dog owners but not for several years now.

We're in the middle of breed research and can't decide. Totally appreciate no breed will exactly meet the below - but in an ideal world this would be the dog I'd choose.

Medium to large
Easy coat care - no allergies but ideally low shedding/easy groom requirements. Easy to clean after long muddy or beach walks so long hairy dogs are out!
Good with children
Happy to go on long walks/hikes over mountains and beaches - but equally may have to make do with an hour or so a day at times in the local park, whilst chasing a ball maybe for added intensity.
Likes to swim
Can be left alone for approx 4 hours twice a week (past puppyhood, building gradually)
Protective of the family but doesn't bark at every sound!
Fairly chilled at home (past puppy hood) - not overly bouncy and nuts
Intelligent, easy to train and socialise
Can be let off the lead after fully trained

Any suggestions? We've been through all the 'usual' breeds but wondering if there are some lesser known breeds that we haven't considered. Cost isn't an issue and nor is time - if we need to wait for two years on a breeders list that's fine if it means getting the right dog for us.

Thanks in advance!

My black lab grew up with my kids, they were all under 10 when we got him and he's been the most kind, long suffering, loyal dog. But he is an old fashioned chunky lab from a long pedigree of beautifully behaved dogs. The working labs (thin ones) are much harder work.

@Kikkomam

My black lab grew up with my kids, they were all under 10 when we got him and he's been the most kind, long suffering, loyal dog. But he is an old fashioned chunky lab from a long pedigree of beautifully behaved dogs. The working labs (thin ones) are much harder work.

Ahh mines a thinner taller one x

Yes ime they are bred for working and are very high energy.

We have a lagotto romagnolo. He's only 12 weeks, and an amazing puppy so far. He loooves water. No shedding, clever, adorable teddy bear. DS is autistic, and DH did a huge amount of research before selecting the breed (and breeder) for our needs.

There are rescues there that will rehome with young kids. We got a rescue dog that had been born at the centre (although was a year old when we got her as couldn't be homed until owners court case was over). We also got a 6 month old rescue. Both times we had young children (primary school and under). One was a local rescue and one was RSPCA.