Never owned a dog...which breeds should I consider

I want to thank everyone so much for your replies. I think I'll be making a trip to the local shelter this weekend. I looked at the Stafford Bull Terrier breed as suggested, that's about the size dog I would prefer. Do they shed a lot? Do they bark much? I have all but one neighbor with dogs and they bark all the time! My two boys are very active but have been respectful around friends dogs.

I THINK YOU SHOULD GET A YORKISHTERRIER THIER SMALL DOGS, GREAT WITH YOUNG KIDS AND OTHER ANIMALS, LOVES NICE WALKS, DON'T TAKE UP THAT MUCH SPASE AND ARE GREAT COMPANIONS

I will share my story of looking for a dog since we are in similar boats and I have been considering this decision for about 2 years. I will need to get a child friendly dog because I want to be able to take my dog with me everywhere (except work) and children are always a consideration in the future. I have decided to use http://www.petfinder.com as opposed to just going to the local shelter (although most local shelters are on there) because there is such a huge selection and they usually give great information about the dog and you can narrow down your choices and then go see them. I live in a large metroplex area so this may not work as well if you live in a small town. Most of the rescues on petfinder make you fill out an application and have specific requirements before you can adopt one of their dogs so I know they really care about where the dog goes. I plan to find a few that I like and then when I talk to a person at the shelter/rescue I will tell them all about my situation and let them suggest which dog they think will work best for my family. I know I will easily fall in love with any dog so its exact looks don't really matter. So, that's how I'm gonna do it, maybe that will work for you. One thing I would like to reiterate, there is no dog that will be adequately exercised with only a walk a few times a week. No matter how well a dog fits in with our lives there are considerable accomodations that must be made to our lifestyles.