On training the dog front, I agree Jaana. But wouldn't you agree that training the children perhaps plays a larger role on how well everybody gets along?
My parents (rightly) stuckup for our dogs when I teased, or set myself up for the wrath of dog. My saving grace was that all of our dogs knew when enough was enough.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

True, Randy. My Mom told me if I ever harmed a dog, she would harm me. Not that it was ever in my mind to do so, guess I was born with a love for them. But my Mom didn't leave anything to chance and made it very clear that animals were to be treated with love and respect and I grew up with that ingrained in me - it became who I was. So I passed on the same message to my 2 sons.

Oh, yes! Defenately training children is a HUGE part and I think that many dogs that are unfriendly with children are so because they have had contact with untrained kids. Trained and supervised kids should be a part of training a child-friendly dog. Unfortunately many think that it is going to be just fine when you stick a kid and a dog in a home together. It can be so but I suspect this is a "good" formula for creating child-agressive dogs of child-friendly breeds.

This is a funny thread.. seeing everyone "sell" their favorite breed.

I agree with others as far as having a size in mind, not too small, not too big. Does amount of fur matter? What activities do you plan on doing with the dog? Would you like your kids to participate in some kind of sport with it? Maybe just obedience?

I'll also throw my sales pitch in for a Boxer. I've had the pleasure of living with mine for over 2 yrs, as well as half a dozen rescues. Every single one that I've met adores kids. I'm sure it's a biased opinion though, but they are easy to keep, medium sized, and are a lot of fun. They do snore and tend to be gassy (depending on food), and don't tolerate extreme heat or cold too well either. I live in CO and we get both extremes, but I've had no problems. I don't really buy into the 'cancer' deal, as all dogs are subjective to that as well as heart problems, hip problems, cherry eye, epilepsy.. just find a great breeder and that will help with most of the health concerns.

I could not see raising my kids w/out a Boxer.

2 cents.

Thanks again everyone! Due to an injury at work, the dog search is on hold for a while. My rt arm is out of commission, and definately not the way to begin with a new dog or puppy! (Not to mention the pesky off work = less $ issue, lol!) definately a lot to think about, thanks!

just a quick thought that goes along with some others here: what breed really strikes your fancy? that's first (for me a GSD). second, please consider a rescue dog again; a good rescue does extensive evaluations of both dog and prospective homes--much more extensive than most breeders do, TBH.

but if you do choose to go the breeder/puppy route, do a lot of research on breeders you are considering, including getting references from previous buyers and health of their breeding stock. it's worth it in the long run!!

Personally, I've always adored GSD. However, my husband is leery of the breed, due to a bad experience. I'm also a bit unsure of my capability to train a GSD appropriately, as they typically (yes, I know, I'm generalizing) tend to be a bit more dominant and need very firm structure. Back when I thought I knew what I was doing (aka before I found this forum) I might have risked it...but now...lets just say I don't have the confidence I need to feel I can do justice to a GSD.