Best Small Family Dog?

I'm sure I'm going to offend someone by saying this but in all honesty, I would not place a dog with someone who keeps a dog outdoors because it's "really wild" and is not considered "family" as you state you are looking for a "family dog".  It sounds like the dog did not get the time or training it deserved and chances are that a similar fate would happen to the smaller dog. I don't know of any responsible breeders or rescue who would be willing to take that chance.

When you say "family" does this family have small children? I would not place a small dog with children, just too much of a risk. I'm only asking because I want to get a better idea of what your looking for. A cocker would do alright with children but a Chiwhaha woud break it's leg if a child was to toss it around. I like cockers as family dogs but there are many more great breeds.

What do you want as far as grooming goes? What kind of trainig do you plan to do with your dog? How often do you exercise it? <---There will be similar questions that you will be asked when adopting your new dog

I couldnt train the dog b/c i was 4 and the top was full grown

Well, ANY size dog can (and should, in my opinion) be an inside "family" dog. And also, even a small dog can be "hyper" and a holy terror if they aren't trained.
 
That being said, I think some small breeds that would be good with children are:
 
Pug
Boston Terrier
Beagle
Sheltie
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 
All of the dogs above are generally friendly with people and other dogs, they're also small but sturdy and a well bred one will have a stable temperament. The Sheltie and Cavalier need the most grooming. The Pug and Boston Terrier need to be protected from heat and not over exercised. The Beagle can be a little independent, stubborn and follow their noses! They're all great breeds (and I'm sure I left out plenty of other breeds that would be a great choice) - it really just depends on what specifically you're looking for in a dog, what kind of grooming, training and exercise you're willing to do, etc.
 

Warning!! A beagle is a great family dog, but...it needs a whole lotta playing! Our Chelsey (9 month old beagle) won't stop. We bring her to the dog park everyday, for about 2 hrs, where she gets to run and play with other dogs. Other dogs are tired after...she, on the other hand, wants to play some more when we get home!!! Sometimes i want to pet her, she gets up, and goes and get a toy! But, that said, I wouldn't change my Chelsey for the world!

I forgot to mention something. I've heard, that in time, cocker spaniels get aggressive towards children, because they don't tolerate them. Don't know if it's true, but my mom has a cocker spaniel, and whenever he's around kids, he doesn't seem to change, but then again , he's barely just 2 yrs old. Anyone know if this is true?

A well bred cocker will never do this.  Even if tormented by children.  A poorly bred, from a byb cocker may.

We have a HAVANESE, this dog is known to be circus dog because they learn tricks easily and have a funny disposition.  Anyhow, we know quite a few people with Havaneses and so far, all of the ones I've met have had amazing temperments, great personalities, and have been amazing with children.  This is a sturdy small dog, not very delicate, but max 10 to 12 lbs.  If you keep the hair long, then there is more maintenance involved, but we keep ours with a puppy cut (short hair) and he's easy to keep neat and clean.  They don't shed, they are quiet dogs, they have a guard dog complex, they enjoy company of all dogs and people, they are very friendly and easy to train. This is not a very common breed of dog, but once you've owned one or met one, you'll instantly fall in love.  If you have more questions, feel free to PM me.  We are planning to start having children soon and we have no reservations about Winston with babies or children at all.  He plays with our nieces and nephews all the time and is sooo gentle with kids, by the way, our dog is only 10 months old. Hope this helps.

Miniature Schnauzers are great family pets as well, IMO.  They are sturdy little dogs-(not fragile or frail), playful and very smart, but as with lots of small dogs, they can be noisy, so be warned.  The only thing to consider with these dogs is that they need regular grooming or at the least to be brushed a few times a week.  I don't see the grooming as a downfall though, as many breeds have grooming requirements, and my mini schnauzer and I enjoy cuddling and brushing.   

what do you guys think about Pugs? My friend had one and it  was the coolest thing and fun to watch TV with. BTW my family is just me (15) and my mom and dad

If you like the mindset of the Jindo but find it's "too large" to be in the house, perhaps a Shiba Inu would be more along the size requirements for your family.  But be warned, they can be holy terrors if they are not trained from day one.  They are very smart and will show you just how smart they are when you least expect it.

If you're looking for a smaller dog, I'd suggest going to the shelter.  There are all types of dogs there from the biggest to the smallest, an perhaps you'll find one that you "connect" with from the start.

Melaini, I'm listening and I fully agree. My pups would not go to this home.

ORIGINAL: HeavierThings
BTW my family is just me (15) and my mom and dad

I thought you sounded a little young. At 15 your at the age where you are learning your responsibilities, you may not treat you dog the way your parents did with their outdoor dog. It's a hard age to place a dog. In 3 years you'll be 18 and ready to leave the nest, will your dog be ready? In many cases when a person moves out the dog often suffers becuase it looses it's main care giver. If you go to college who will care for your dog? If you move out will you be able to take your dog with you? With this new dog you need to get your parents to be a big part of it's life to gurentee the happiness of the dog. When you leave will the dog just be kicked outside, or will they contuniue to give it the same care?

ORIGINAL: Xebby

I thought you sounded a little young. At 15 your at the age where you are learning your responsibilities, you may not treat you dog the way your parents did with their outdoor dog. It's a hard age to place a dog. In 3 years you'll be 18 and ready to leave the nest, will your dog be ready? In many cases when a person moves out the dog often suffers becuase it looses it's main care giver. If you go to college who will care for your dog? If you move out will you be able to take your dog with you? With this new dog you need to get your parents to be a big part of it's life to gurentee the happiness of the dog. When you leave will the dog just be kicked outside, or will they contuniue to give it the same care?

 
I totally agree with all of that.
 
Pugs are definitely cute... one of the main things to consider with them is that they cannot deal with heat well at all. They're very prone to heatstroke and should never be left outside during the day without being monitored. You also have to be careful and not exercise them during the hottest part of the day and monitor them for overheating during outings. Overall I think Pugs are great pets, the only grooming they need is the basics ( brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, occasional bathing). They DO shed a lot- I don't know if that's a consideration for your parents. They're generally playful little dogs, don't need to much exercise. I really like Pugs personally.