Penny,
I prefer the umbrellas for what I do, especially for location shoots and shows. They tend to be a little more focused from the distances I shoot -- usually 10 to 12 feet from the subject. Others prefer softboxes and I do use them in the studio at shorter camera-to-subject distances but I just prefer the light quality and color I get from the silver umbrellas -- especially with black dogs which I tend to shoot a lot of. It's a personal choice and when you get a chance, you should shoot both and see what you prefer.

Jim