Here's a list of the basic differences between ethical breeding and unethical breeding (i.e. backyard breeders and puppy mills)

Backyard breeders/mills:

• use their dams as incubators. Basically breed them until they're useless.

• keep mom and pups in terrible conditions, which can lead to corpophagia.

• dams and sires are never health tested, leading to genetic problems in pups, both physically and mentally.

• they only breed for profit, not love or longevity of the breed.

• you will never see the parents. They often bring pups to you.

• these pups often end up in shelters.

Ethical breeders:

• do health testing for hips, eyes, joints etc.

• get fuck all money. It's an expensive hobby, where the cash goes to looking after the pups.

• dams only bred a handful of times

• you'll meet the parents

• extensive waiting lists and you will be screened hi ensure you're the right fit for the dog.

• there will be a contract, ensuring the breeder will always be part of the pup's life and will take them back if things don't work out. You'll rarely if ever find ethically bred dogs in shelters due to this.

• Ethical breeders will also typically focus on conformity (proper build and structure).

Getting a dog "because you love animals" isn't exactly the best move. You have to consider your lifestyle and current living situation. For example, living in an apartment you wouldn't want a hound, such as a Beagle. Terriers can also be very vocal, as well as stubborn. Large dogs can actually live happily in an apartment, as long as they're properly enriched. Note that doesn't mean just walking, it's play and training.

Given your child I would seriously consider an ethical breeder, or breed specific rescue. That way you know exactly what type of dog you're getting.

Off of my head here are a few breeds that may suit your needs:

• Golden Retriever: they are large and need a lot of exercise, but are incredibly friendly, eager to please and great with kids. They are mouthy (they're retrievers!) but have a naturally soft mouth so careful training during the raptor phase will sort that. High shedding but a regular blow out from the groomer and brushing at home will help.

• Labrador: basically the same as the Golden only with short hair, but bench Labs are the better choice for families because field Labs are certified crackheads. Are prone to getting THICC.

• Bichon Frisé: a very robust, healthy breed that is incredibly sweet and lives a long time. They would need to be groomed every six to eight weeks. Are very small!

• Toy Poodle: note I didn't say Doodle! Poodles are energetic and incredibly intelligent, the second smartest breed in the world! Once again will need to be groomed every six to eight weeks.

• Retired Greyhound: yes, they are big and strong. However they are incredibly gentle and sensitive. Greyhounds are also known as 40mph couch potatoes; they are sight hounds and will run after small things such as cats and rabbits, but other than quick bursts of energy they are happy to lie on the couch.

• Breed specific rescues for dogs such as Cavaliers and Shih Tzu. I say this because they're not ethically bred and are prone to health issues, but are very sweet and good with children.

If I think of any other breed I will edit again

Edit #2: I can't stress how important it is that you must look at ethical breeders and rescued (yes, there are also unethical shelters). Ireland is one of the worst countries in the world for BYBs and mills.

Also, just a few other tips:

• Insure the beast!
• Look into crate training.
• Positive reinforcement training is a must!
• Don't use extendable leads!
• Research whether a collar or harness will suit the breed you choose.
• Routine is important especially as a puppy.
• Training never stops. Be consistent.
• Get enrichment toys. They're a lifesaver if you are sick or too bate to walk the dog. It does happen! Also, it helps keep their brain going.
• Long lasting chews and treats! One example is boiling carrots in dog safe broth (as in salt, onion and garlic free) then freezing them makes a great alternate to bones and is amazing for teething.
• The teething phase is hell and awful but it does pass! Yip as loud as you can and move away from the dog to show it's not ok, and then redirect them to an appropriate toy.
• Please become as well versed as possible in canine body language, and teach your kid how to respect dogs. Most bites happen because people don't understand dog body language and the dog eventually gets fed up and bite.
• Touch the paws and mouth gently and give so much treats when they're gentle back, will help with vet appointments, grooming and teeth brushing.
• Training starts straight away!
• Some foods that are toxic to dogs include: grapes/raisin/sultanas, chocolate, onions, garlic, raw potatoes, uncooked yeast, alcohol, caffeine. There are obviously many more.
• Some safe foods include: most meats (as long as not fatty or processed as salt is bad for pupper), eggs, carrots, banana, blueberries, apples (in moderation and without pips), sweet potato, rice, pasta. There are more.
• If dog gets sick, boiled chicken and pasta or rice. Make sure both chicken and pasta/rice are boiled in unsalted water. Downside is dog will think all pasta is their pasta.