Never owned a dog...which breeds should I consider

I agree that going to your local shelter is as a family is your best bet. The main advantage with purebred dogs is they have similar temperments and diet/exercise needs. Another good point made is not to get a dog which is really small, with young children around it could get hurt or scared too easily. While staffordshire bull terriers keep getting a bad reputation a cross can be an ideal family pet. They are active, enjoy playing with children and can become very protective with them, making them a good guard when your children are old enough to walk it alone. My nephew has had two staffies in his household and I currently have a staffy cross of my own and they adore each other very much. As with all dogs they should never be left unsupervised with children, especaily young.

I agree. I have got a 9 month old staffy which is my first dog and I have two children. They are great fun and although they need regular excercise, they don't need as much as some other breeds. They love lounging around and are nick named 'nanny' dogs here in UK because they love kids.

I would love to add a plug for my pup, a Bernese Mountain Dog, but it sounds like you wouldn't want such a big baby. They can grow anywhere from 75 to 125 pounds depending on the lineage and the sex, they need TONS of excercise and require diligent grooming. I agree that a small dog with children would not be a great idea. I also agree that a mixed breed from a shelter would probably be your safest bet at the moment. Purebreds tend to have more health concerns, which equals more expensive, and being a single mom with two kids, I'm sure your money is pulled in enough directions as it is. If I were you I would look at one year old or older, medium sized short haired dogs. I'm sure you children will be super psyched to help pick out the new addition to your family. Best of luck!!