[M.D. Holloway]

So my son has been bugging the heck out of us to get a dog. His best friend has one along with the nieghbors. Both my 6yr boy and my 2yr old girl love these dogs and play very well with them. Momma says that she is cool with it. Now - the selction process. I will stay away from the puppy mills but first things first - what sort of beast?

Here is what we are thinking:
1) Has to have short hair
2) Rather be medium to large
3) Must be great with kids
4) Must provide a scary image when I am out of town (a good bark will help)
5) Must be trainable and not act like a freak - some dogs are more over the top then others.

I was thinking a Rottwieler (sp), my boy wants a Boxer, my daughter just wants a puppy and Momma wants something she can feel safe with.

Any ideas?