All of the labradoodles I know are hyper, bursting with energy, and prone to tearing houses/apartments apart because of the separation anxiety. They're also some awkward, as if they don't know what to do with their size, so they're constantly crashing into everything. And it might be a coincidence, but it seems like the labradoodles we walk tend to have weird health issues frequently.
As for what I'd recommend, they're kind of like the Honda of dogs, but almost all of the golden retrievers I know are fairly mellow, self-sufficient and trainable. If I were going to get a dog, I'd get a 3 or 4 year old golden (labradors are similar), preferably from someone you know or who is recommended to you (so you know it hasn't been abused -- a dog with serious issues can truly shit up your life, especially if you have or will have kids). I'd also get a female, as they're usually less aggressive and territorial.
If you're really intent on getting a puppy, realize that puppies are WORK. I will never, ever get a pup because they tend to be so needy and hyper.