Originally Posted by
thieuster
When choosing a dog with for a family life, it is good to consider the age of your children - they are still relatively young, your housing situation and the time you'll be able to spend on the dog. In short: it is like having a third child that will never out-grow his toddler age, no matter the intelligence of the dog.
Not all dogs are suited for a family with younger children; very large or strong dogs can be a menace. Other dogs, despite the owners' good intentions can be a handful to raise and to make sure they will be obedient (thinking along the lines of a Bull Terrier: some are the most adorable dogs ever, others need a daily reminder that they are not in charge of the pack!)
Housing situation: where do you live? Is there enough space for a bench? Not for the house-training period, but for years to come. You can learn kids and the dog that the bench is the dog's domain: when it is in the bench, it shouldn't be disturbed - even with the door open. Ideally, a bench needs to be situated in a pantry or hall.
Housing situation II: how difficult / easy is it to take the dog for a proper walk? Walking the streets is nice, but free open space can be so much more fun for a dog! A properly 'walked' dog is a happy dog!
That's connected with the time you can spend on the dog. Despite the fact that children promise to walk the dog every day, it's you who's going for the daily walk, evening walk and early morning walk. For 12 yrs in a row. No matter the weather.
Personally I would opt for an easy to train dog with a history of family life in the bloodline. Labradors etc. And get it spade/neutered. It makes life so much easier for you and the dog.
Finally: looking at a Dutch website for dog shelter-dogs, it's clear that most dogs in a shelter are a terrier-type dog. Which is rather sad. After raising a Rottweiler when I was a young lad and -when I met my wife- taking care of her Bull Terrier, I think I have enough experience with the more 'difficult' dogs. But I wouldn't try that route with small children in the house.