Getting a dog is very big decision and sometimes can be really overwhelming. It is good that your analyzing things through before making any rash choices. I have had dogs all my life since I was a baby. Currently have 6. Since you have small children. You have two fantastic options as to Which breed will go better with your family. First one is the SHIH-TZU which is the principal breed I have had all my life. As a child I was so happy with them because they are very, very loving dogs, super playful. Children love them and they love children. They do require a lot of grooming as they grow-up One of the good thing is they don't grow too much and usually weigh less than 20 lbs. They are really great and one of the reasons I decided to become a breeder is because of these super, delightfully cute dogs. One the other hand another breed that is fantastic and that is also known for obedience and for being very caring of surroundings with children are the Labradors. They are super smart and would also make great companions with a family with kids. Keep in mind they grow pretty big. so it also depends on space too. I am sure your family will love the choice you make either way no matter what you decide a dog is a dog and will always be mans best friend!

I would advise against a big dog puppy, as they go through a excitable stage of life, and could easily bump into and knock over your little one. The breed of dog you choose should directly coincide with your energy level, and theirs. I am a dog trainer, and groomer, and though labs and goldens are really nice dogs, they need alot of exercise to be calm submissive dogs. Exercise is not running around in a fenced back yard. They need daily vigorous walks, and something to occupy their mind and body. These are working dogs who want a job in life. I see so many people get dragged around by their dogs, and its so unnecessary. If I were you, I'd go to the local shelters and get an adult dog, that is calm, and respectful of your child (e.i not excessively licking, jumping up on, or bumping into your kid). A dog that wags its tail, and looks friendly, but not excitable is a good choice for a young child. Whatever dog you get, make rules, boundaries and limitations the moment you bring it home, and stick to them! Good luck, i hope you find the right dog for you! And remember, an adult dog is what it is, but a puppy can turn out alot differently than you thought.

I would start with a rescue or humane society. Most if not all their pets have been fostered by families or individuals and they can tell you more about their personalities..to locate a rescue in your area go to www.petfinder.com and on the top there is a button for shelters and rescue groups or you can search by particular breed right off the home page...unfortunately, you will have to look at each individual animal to tell if it is a purebred or mix....mixes can combine the best of different breeds.Also you can go to www.dogbreedinfo.com and take their breed quiz http://dogbreedinfo.com/search.htmAs a rescuer of canines, I highly recommend you look into a Beagle. They are great all around dogs.

Since you have a 2.5 yo I would stay away from puppies. reason being, do you really want 2 to raise? And toddlers and puppies don't mix really well and can lead to some unpleasant incidents. A toddler doesn't know when to stop til bit, now you have a crying child and a resentful dog and a resentful child. As other have suggested I would reccomend a site like www.petfinder.com. They are a rescue site, alot but not all foster out rescue dogs and can give you info about how their foster's behave with children, if they are housebroken, and other pertinent info. Small dogs by and large are usually more snippy and barkers. I would research breeds first. Alot on here have suggested retrievers and labs and collies. these are all the "American family ideal of white picket fence, 2 kids and the all American dog" BUT they may not be ideal for you. Labs and retrievers are generally high energy, shed, and due to popularity the bloodlines are real consistent, which can mean a certain amount of obstinance. If I was in your situation with a little one I would find an older,settled, say 3 yo rescue, herding/guard type dog. Yes I'm going to say it, bullmastiff or a South Africa Boerboel. Why? Very friendly,VERY loyal, bred to protect. Hardy, low maintenance, adaptable to smaller yards, not as excitable, not as high energy but capable to handle exercise BUT not a have to everyday. These type dogs, herding or guard will put themselves between your little one and any strangers or danger. They will protect the family. Its beyond just barking, actually very little barking, whole lot of growling when needed. I have owned or trained several of these breeds mentioned here and all are great dogs BUT not so much in your situation. I am sure these folks were raised with these dogs without incident. But I am sure you are busier now than their parents were then, I know that I am and I have 17yo, so I can't imagine how much more daunting it is now with a 2yo. Also if I am going to have a pet I want something utilitarian to a degree. This is not the "leave it to beaver"/"lassie" era. I'm not worried about Timmy wandering off and getting trapped in a cave as much as I am... well you get the picture. I want an ass eater when someone comes at my family but a big old teddy bear when its just me and the family. I hope this has helped. Oh one other site www.dogsindepth.com another good one www.petpeoplesplace.com Good luck with a little breed research and some questioning you should be able to find whats right for you and your family.

I'm with all who are for talking to your local shelter or humane society. They have adoption counselors that can help you find that perfect match. They have already been temperament tested and will know which animal would be a good match or be on the look out for one that comes in. Good Luck.