Need recommendations for a decent vacuum cleaner

After two Sharks in a row crapped out (first lasted a few years, second lasted about 1 year) I've decided that Shark might be overpriced crap. I haven't ever researched vacuum cleaners before, but I know there has to be something better out there. I have 5 young kids, a German Shepherd, and 3 cats, so vacuuming is a daily task, at least. I need something up to that task.

I do not care what it looks like, and I'd like to keep the price within $1,000. I think my most recent Shark was over $500 so I'm pretty pissed that it's stopped working already.

Edit: Flooring is about 50/50 hard flooring and carpet. No stairs, single level home. It's about 1800 square feet. I'm located in Phoenix, Arizona area. Do real vacuum cleaners need to be bought from a local dealer?