Great pics of everyone's dogs!!! My wife and I have been dog-less for almost two years now. We have always had Labs and enjoyed them. And we'll be empty nesters in the spring (YES). 
We are thinking about two breeds. Australian Shepherds and Border Collies. From what I've read they are very much alike.
Anyone with any thoughts about the two breeds, good and bad I would like to hear all I can.
Someone in a debate about when does life begin stated very clearly - when the kids move out and the dog dies!!
I have an Aussie, would not trade her for anything. I posted a picture of her earlier in this thread. She is bred for work, not show but most of the dogs today are bred for show, agility or some other non-working activity. I got her from friends in Wyoming who breed working ranch dogs.
Both breeds you mentioned are high maintenance. You need space for them to run and you need to provide your attention to them. They need to be trained to behave properly. They are ecstatic if there is work to do, and will find it if you don't. So expect them to herd children, cats and you if you don't have other animals for them to work.
Good luck with your hunt.