Which dog breed would be best for me and my family?

You sound like you have a definitive idea of what you would like and they are not unreasonable wants. You also seem to have a good grasp of what you are capable of doing for the dog. The only issue is the brushing. Some dogs require more brushing then others, a lot of none shedding dogs have hair as opposed to fur, so it is a little more likely to mat. Some dogs that fit what you are describing are...

Silky Terriers, Shih Tzus, Bishon Frise, Mini Poodles, Airedale Terriers... there are many more, these are just some examples... You can google non shedding dogs to get a better idea of what might be available and Wikipedia is a great resource to find out the temperaments and sizes of these dogs. You are looking at a small to medium sized breeds.

Here are some great articles that discus choosing a new dog that will fit into your family and home. The articles raise important issues you should consider before bringing home a new dog.

Choosing Your Puppy - http://www.dog-pound.net/choosing-your-puppy.htm

Five Tips to Track Down Your Canine Soul Mate - http://www.dog-pound.net/canine-soulmates.htm

Why Consider a Shelter Dog? - http://www.dog-pound.net/shelter-dogs.htm

Good Dogs for Children - http://www.dog-pound.net/good-dogs-for-children.ht...

Best of Luck

Take family and go to animal shelter, you will be able to find any and all breed and mixed breeds in the world. It is to hard for all of us to say get this or get that because we don't know you or your life style and the type of house or apartment you have. Do you have a large yard or going to walk dog daily.

All dogs shed just some do it less then others. So think about a shelter dog or rescue dog.

please realize that dogs who do not shed need brushing every day and regular trips to the groomer (every 6-8 weeks) otherwise their coats get painful mats. This is not brusing once or twice a week - but almost daily for a few minutes.

You didnt say if the dogs is indoors or outdoors - small dogs do not do well if outdoors only - and all dogs are PACK animals so prefer to be inside - with you, their pack.

high engery dogs will be destructive if their mental needs are not met.

here is a link

http://therealowner.com/dogs/the-six-safest-dogs-f...

the six safest dogs for children

I would say a Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle). All dogs shed, but the amount varies. Cockapoos barely shed at all. They are good with kids, and will be 15 - 20lbs. Cocker Spaniels are good as well and may get along with kids better, but they shed slightly more.

West Highland White Terrier!

They are sort of small, and they get along great with kids. They can tolerate young children. They also don't shed much, and are very affectionate and cute!

Poodle! standard or miiniature.

Also, the characteristics you have here can go with any dog, not a certain breed.

google non shedding dogs. make sure you do your research before buying a dog. there are too many unwanted dogs!

You should go to a shelter, they have many dogs.

too long