Golden Retrievers are a pretty standard choice that you might want to look at.
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We have 2 Brittney's and they are super around kids. They have a high pain tolerances which is helpful and they are very very playful. Just make sure you have lots of things for them to chew on! Puppies could be nippy, just a warning.
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Our border collie has always been very good with kids, but I don't know if that goes for all border collies.
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I grew up with boxers, and they were terrific dogs. I'd recommend them in a second.
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The Jack Russell Terrier is the Choice of Choices, my friend. I had one once (and a German Shepherd, Collie, Black Lab while growing up) -- and never have I seen a dog that more 'human-like' than a JRT. You look in the eyes, and someone near-human is home in there. They're like little men. Smart, smart, smart. (In, Jack Russell Terriers are supposed the 'smartest dog' -- which is why you see them in http://www.mahalo.com/The_Mask a lot, they are very trainable). Get one with a 'patch' on his eye :)

http://cdn-www.dailypuppy.com/media/dogs/anonymous/3542/2008050830057_2.jpg_w450.jpg
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I'm particularly fond of Welsh Corgis. They're intelligent, playful, and full of energy!
Source(s):
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/top-dog-breeds-for-families/page1.aspx

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A Maltese might be good, since it will always be smaller than the child.
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Have you thought about a beagle?
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oh no contest, a beautiful tan and white jack russell with a tail.intelligence in an abundance,trainability,patience loving nature.loyal to the end.iv been owned by a rottweiller,2yorkies,a staffy a jack-corgi x and a full bred jrt called basil and he was/is the love of my life.sadly beyond measure i lost him oct 07 aged just 5yrs 2mths to a brain tumor.iv neva saw a dog so full of life and fun.adorable.
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