We have had several dogs over the years.

As a kid we had a Newfoundland. He was beautiful. a gorgeous nature a big gentle giant and a terrific guard dog - one bark had most people running BUT he was boystrous for the first few years and at 120kg in size (I did mention he was big) wouldn't reccommend having around toddlers.

Mum got a Bishon x Maltese a lovely little dog, no shedding great at barking at everyone but she was not fond of kids never bit anyone but wouldn't tolerate being poked and pulled.

I had a Jack Russel x (?) he is great with kids of all ages and an awesome barker

DH and I have a Border Collie and a Stumpy Red Heeler. The BC is still quite puppy at 2yrs so is very active and quite boystrous she is actually very good with kids and strangers and just wants someone to throw a stick or ball for her. The Heeler is a gorgeous quiet dog and a real smoocher she just wants cuddles and seems very patient with children.
My BUT with both of these breeds is that they are working dogs and are bred to round up and snap at heals. I would have no problem having kids around these two in particular however would never leave little kids with them unattended.

I think one of the more important things to think about is the breeding of the dog i.e what the dog was bred for originally, hunting, herding etc. when you're making a selection.