I don't think I've ever had a pure-bred dog of my own. My mother actually breeds and trains Weimaraners, but I've always had mutts. My current pack includes a Great Pyrenees mix, an Akita/Lab cross, an Aussi/Rott mix, and an Aussie/lab/hound/whatever jumped the fence mutt. All are great dogs, especially the GP. He's huge, and so good with the kids, they give him a push and he just falls over so they can climb all over him.
Having your kids help with care and feeding is a good way to teach them responsibility, and to spend some time interacting with them as well.