What's The Best Breed For In The Home With Small Children?

There are a ton of shelter dogs that are available for adoption, but I can understand you wanting to be careful about bringing a dog that you wouldn't know it's history into your home.  There are many rescue organizations on Petfinder.org, some of these dogs are being fostered by families with children, this way you will know the dog already has experience being with kids.  Puppies bite and scratch and have to be monitored at all times with kids - they don't mean it but boy oh boy do puppy teeth hurt.  Look around and call some places in your area to see if anyone has a nice dog that is already in a home with kids, you can visit and see how the dog is with someone's else's kids without taking a chance on your own.  Best of luck to you and hope you get the chance to save a life in the process:)

I would have gone for a labrador or spaniel, so was interested to see that they both figure on this list of top 10 dogs for children. As the site also says, though, it's more down to the dog's temperament and training than the breed.

Labrador is the best breed for small children, it is very friendly. It doesn't bite

I have to agree AND disagree about labs. Chocolate labs actually are pretty high up on the list of bite cases. And with the dog being very popular, you have back yard breeders breeding bad bloodlines and having dogs that are inbred or have bad temperaments. Although proper training at an early age will help ANY dog be the dog you want, some dogs really are born with screws loose. To be honest ( and I know EVERYONE will argue, but I am a vet tech as well as dog trainer and bully breed owner), pitbulls and boxers are surprisingly gentle and well mannered around kids, if you want to go the large dog route. If you like smaller dogs, Boston Terriers can be great with kids, and they're so high energy, that hopefully the dog and the kids will tire each other out!!! Chihuahuas should not be around small children, and neither should cocker spaniels. Both can be easily agitated.
    As a person with a lot of experience with "bully breed" dogs (pit bulls, rotts, etc), I can personally to them being great with people, but they can be dog aggressive. Please ask me any question you like on these breeds.