So I think we got the OK to get a puppy... | Animals | Forums

We homeschool and my wife said if I can help my 6 year old daughter write a convincing essay on why we should get a dog she will allow it. The preparation for the essay is going well (brainstorming, ranking the best benefits, etc.) and so now I am trying to narrow it down to breeds/breed mixes.

My requirements have changed since we moved out here. Previously I was looking for a larger dog that could live outside, guard the house, and scare away most animals (coyotes, etc.). Since having our last dog, and re-homing her, we realized a small to medium sized dog that lives inside most of the time and that is good with kids would be better for us. So far I have thought of beagles and corgis -- any other recommendations? Something that can not be too fragile since the kids are small -- I am not thinking of a chihuahua or anything. Pit bulls seem to fit the bill but my wife is just too afraid of them since now-a-days you most likely wouldn't know the parents lineage. Too bad, they used to be the staple farm/family dog in the 1940's and 1950's.

Any recommendations? I will most likely try to narrow it down to a breed or two and come up with whatever is in the area -- be it pure bred or a mix at a local shelter.