Choosing a new dog

Question
What would be a good breed of dog for children under six years old (that isn't too big or furry)?

Answer
I prefer larger dogs with children.  A bigger dog will shrug off or see as play, a tumble that would hurt a smaller dog.  A small dog may be quicker to feel it must protect itself from something not meant to hurt it.  

Most of the breeds that come to my mind for children are big and furry, Goldens, Australian Shepherds, etc.  Perhaps look at a miniature Poodle or Schnauzer.  They actually have what can be a fairly low maintenance fur if you choose a simple cut.  They hardly shed and are free of the dander that causes most dog allergies.  They are big enough to take some of the knocks in a house with kids without being intimidating.  

I would not start with a puppy.  One of the best sources for dogs with a predictable personality is the rescue dogs. These are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them. You may find a rescue near you starting at http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm The rescues charge a fee to help cover their expenses, but is much less than the price of a puppy plus all its medical expenses the first year.