My eldest child is 4 and keeps raving on about wanting a puppy and my youngest is just 20 months.Personally i would prefer a labrador/retriever as i know these are great family dogs and soft around children but on the otherhand i know how big these breeds get so i am wondering if there might be a smaller breed out there which would have the similar temperment as a labrador etc.Any ideas would be much appreciated.Thankyou

A staffordshire bull terrier is a perfect dog to have with children, I got one when my daughter was a few months old. She was fantastic around my daughter and the kennel club and the majority of dog trainers refer to them as nanny dogs as they are great around children. As with any dog it should never be left alone with children.

Ive Heard and Seen for myself that Beagles are Very Soft and Wonderful around Children, Ecspecially if Raised around them.I would mainly stay away from any kind of smaller Terrier as they are VERY Hyper Active and probably wouldnt be good with younger children.

basset hounds are very mild tempered and kind loving dogs-the only problem is they can be noisy.

My sister has small children which have grown up around her dogs. They are both Shitzus and they are very playful and soft.If you have your heart on a labrador type then how about a CollieXLab as these look very similar to labs and have really good personalities, but don't grow as large as a full pedigree Lab.The only thing I would say is that any dog can turn nasty if not trained well, so you need to think carefully before buying a dog as you will be having a young toddler around it.

I agree with you on the Lab as a choice! They are wonderful family pets.

hi i think a weimeraner would be good especially if you enjoy walking.weimeraners are very loving and very child friendly.they love being around you they are very protective of you and there very calm.i have 3 children and my weimeraner is 2 years old.i took him to dog classes which really helped but you dont need to take them to classes you can do basic training your self at home just need a few treats :-).

My friend swears by King Charles Spaniels as great family dogs, particulary for smaller children

Go to your local dog shelter/pound and get a mixed breed with some lab or retreiver in it. Maybe spaniel, beagle or such. Avoid terrier mixes.

Well there ya go, get a labrador/retriever since you know about those dogs. It Will make you feel more comfortable, and im sure your kids will just go nuts haveing a dog. And im sure you will be happy too having a labrador/retriever in your house. Its a DOUBLE PLUS for everyone!! Enjoy your new labrador/retriever.