picking the right breed for our family

Question
Our family dog of 10 years passed away 2 years ago, and I think that we are ready to start the search for another loving, playful, medium size family dog.  
My husband and I, and our 7 and 9 year old children are animal lovers and miss the companionship that our dog gave us.
Do you have any suggestions on what breeds to look at.  I am not sure about the whole puppy stage, but I am not really sure about getting a dog that is too old for fear of the temperment with the kids.  We want a dog that will play with us as well as cuddle/love on us and want to run around outside with the kids.  
I hope that you can steer us in the right direction.                      
What are your thoughts on breeders in Ohio or Angels for Animals?  

Answer
Hi,  I don't personally know about Angels for Animals, but basically most rescues are pretty good.  The bad thing about shelters and rescues is that you don't know where the dog has come from.  You don't know their past, you don't know what has happened to them, what bad habits they have etc.  So it is a hit and miss as to what you will get. As far as buying from breeders, at least you can meet the parents, see where the dog is coming from, environment etc.  You shouldn't buy from pet stores, again because of the fact you don't know where the dog is coming from.  Most of them come from bad breeders or environments.

As far as deciding about age and breed, a puppy is better because you can mold it to the way your family lives, but of course you have to go through all the puppy phases.  If you get an older dog, they are more set in their ways, bad habits etc.  So it really is a toss up which ever way you go.  Just depends on what you want to put up with.  Breeds are not as hard of choice, first break it down if you want a dog you have to hassle with getting groomed or not.  That will eliminate half the breeds for you.  Then decide if you want a big dog or small dog.  Small dogs are yappier, and snap easier when it comes to littler children.  They also are harder to housebreak.  Big dogs knock smaller children down too.  So when you think about picking a dog, you think of these things first, and then go down to more particulars about certain breeds.  If you find a breed you are interested in, let me know and I can give you the particulars on that breed.

Hope this helps,

Dawn