Huskies are cat eaters so avoid that breed(but they are very beautifull and well manered). German Shepards can be good pets depending on the personality and training. So the Labs are the best suggestion. Overall the are smart, friendly, loyal, and easy to train. Have you ever noticed how many service dogs(seeing eye, siezure alert) are labs. That is because of how easy they are to work with.

You might also consider Aussie Shepards. They are a little smaller than a German Shepard, easy to train, friendly and exceptionally smart. You can also find some with blue eyes.

Since you are concerned about children and cats stay away from the smaller dogs. Some(rat terrriers, fox terriers, jack russells) were origianly breed to hunt small rodents and animals and could see the cats as someting to attack. They sanller dogs are also easier for children to mishandle and can lead to accidental bitings.

Your best bet is to contact a local animal rescue group. If the groups is fostered based they can tell you about the dogs behavior in a home and how the animal reacts to children and cats. You are also helping save the life another dog.

I have fostered/volunteered for local animal rescue groups for about seven years and have been through quite a few cats and dogs. You will be suprised how good of a dog you can find.