We currently have no dogs but would like to have one or two. We have 4 and 2 yr old sons, so yes, quite young. My husband wants a Doberman and/or German Shepherd. I honestly don't have a preference (though, I do like Great Danes) but have concern over how good these breeds are with children.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Do you have a kennel in the area? A shelter? Then take a dog from there and make his life happy. There's no reward in this life more than having my doggie by my side and also knowing that his happiness is something I worked for. This way i think I have done something good in this life

We got a Jack Russell who is just fantastic with kids.

big dogs/small children sometimes do not mix well..both love to play and small ones may get knocked down and hurt alot..Look for a medium mix breed at shelter be good idea.

No ankle biters. Our tenants (who live above our garage) have two and even sitting in my livingroom with all windows down and doors closed, I can still hear them barking...all the time...they drive me nuts. Smaller dogs are too hyper for me anyway. I don't want a lap dog.

I've lived with a few big dogs that were very good with children, and a few smaller, lap dogs that weren't. I'm not sure size really matters all that much when it comes to temperment. I think it's more the breed and how the dog is 'raised' than anything.

I don't think I really have a choice in the matter, actually. Hubby and I have talked about it more than a few times, and he is still stuck on a doberman and/or german shepherd.

I think, if we end up getting one, we will have to get a puppy. Our children are the main concern, obviously. I don't want to get a dog that has been mistreated and/or is likely to "turn" on us. I'm not sure how long puppies last in shelters though. The only time I've ever gotten a pet from a shelter, it was a kitten...years ago.

We have a few no-kill shelters here. I may go down and talk to some of the workers about all this soon.