What breed or breeds do you think make the best family dog?

I grew up with Great Danes, chow chow, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, Afaghans, Airdale Terrier, and  Wire Fox terrier at different times in my life.  I got married had kids and someone had a Rottie pup they couldn't keep so I took him and raised him and he was awesome with my kids and he passed away in Jan.  I was wondering what everyone thoughts were on this subject.  All of my kids have learned respect for animals.  So now I am looking for a new dog.[]

I don't know which I would choose as a good family pet. I think with any animal children need to be taught at a young age how to care of an animal and to respect it and to never mistreat it.
We only had problems with one dog when my oldest daughter was born. The dog, a mutt, that otherwise was a very sweet dog, was very jealous of her and it stayed that way even after my daughter got older.
I love dachshunds, but I think there are plenty of breeds that make excellent familypets.

Everybody has their favorites, and all dogs are great.....but you can't beat the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for sweetness!!
 
 

I would have to say a staffie good with kids big and small and easy to train

Like Spiritdogs, I'm partial to Aussies and completely agree with her that they're not for everyone.  We have three boys, 5,7, and 15, and a new mini Aussie pup, Ruby.  No problems so far, but because I'm familiar with the breed, I'm aware of potential problems.  My middle son and I are working with Ruby on obedience and his goal is to eventually work with her through Cub Scouts to get her CGC and his badge.  He is awesome with her - I can't tell you how proud I am.  But Ruby gets lots and lots of excercise and that helps so much.  I don't work during the day, either, so she never really has a chance to form bad habits, so far, LOL. When the boys are a little older, we'd like to add another dog, possibly a GSD, Golden Retriever, or maybe even a Saint Bernard.  Another dog I'd heard is great in a family situation is the Newfoundland but I've not done any research yet.

Another best breed search.[]
It looks like I am getting ready for a puppy. After death of my dear Sherlok (doberman show and stud dog) I couldn't make my mind and take another dog. No certain plans yet, just trying to concentrate on one breed which is difficult - I like them all.
The question is which breed will fit the best into my family.
We are living in a quite big house and have a big, but not huge backyard. I have two kids (10 and 5) who are good with pets, two cats and may have my mom's elderly dog one day. We like to go hiking, camping, boating, skiing. I can't say we are very active family but it looks like we can provide enough exercise for an active but not hyper dog. So I am looking for a dog who
will enjoy our lifestyle,
normally good with kids,
will tolerate cats and other dogs. 
will be attached to his human family
friendly to other people.
could take a couple hours hike,
may fit into kayak and swim
tolerate snow and California Summer
Yes, and I almost forgot! Be smart and trainable.[]
 
I do have several breeds in my mind and hope to find some ideas and inspiration here. This is whom I have in mind now: golden (by my kids request), springer spaniel, irish setter, keeshond, mini schnauzer, vizsla. Too different, I know [sm=rolleyes.gif] 
I would be glad to read your comments about my list breeds and and other breeds which seem to be good for my family.
 

Well, I sit for a springer spaniel and he is truly one of the nicest dogs I have on my client list.  And, I think, not positive because he's not "mine" that they would fit your list of preferences.  I was also thinking of a lab because they would definately fit the bill of what you like. 
 
I've researched Keeshonds a bit, they look so similar to chows to me, and I don't think they would be able to keep up with your families hikes and exercise like that.  I'm also not sure how great they are with kids. 

I think that V's require MASSIVE amounts of exercise.  I'd stay away from MINI anything with little ones.  I grew up with Springers and they are great dogs, as are Irish setters, but I know nothing about keeshounds.
 
My personal fav for a family with kids is a well bred german shepherd.  I dont suggest those to first time owners, but where you have some dog experience under your belt, that'd be a good breed to look at.

Thank you all for your comments. I am going to take my family to a Dog Show next weekend and talk to breeders.
 

Most Bull Breeds make fantastic family pets, although there are 'certain' bull breeds that dont make good pets for the first time Bullie Breed owner. []

Just a suggestion, but Staffordshire Bull Terriers are amazing.  I came to Staffies through tons of research because my wife was always afraid of dogs.  I needed a "smaller" family dog that was easily trainable.  Most of all I needed a dog that would win her over.  Now my wife absolutely adores Nanny, and even when she was a young puppy, Nanny knew the difference between playing with adults and playing with kids and toddlers.  She adapts to the situation.  Take a minute and read what people have to say about Staffies.