Only get a dog if YOU want a dog and YOU plan on walking, training, feeding, playing with, and taking out to potty.
Your kids are going to love it for a couple of weeks ~ then it's off to their friends! Believe me, I speak from experience here. But if you want all that and crave a little dog for yourself ~ you might also consider a Maltese. I had one on the little larger side, great with kids, and a little more laid back than my Lucy. A little more sturdy also. But, he, too, would bark when he saw someone walking by his house or in his yard!
If your family is very active, liking to hike and able to take the dog, I could recommend a Westie. They are very sturdy; playful; and mine also likes kids. But their exercise requirements are pretty big.
Bottom line, it is going to be your dog.
Good Luck!
__________________  Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew |