The breed of dog is an important consideration, the background of the dog, the family's lifestyle, the dog experience already obtained, and the expectations of the family  members should be taken into consideration. What most people seem to usually forget is that even the smallest of dogs can inflict injury if children are not properly supervised.

What kids need to be taught:

1. Do not approach strange dogs, do not  touch dogs they do not know, and do NOT pet ANY dog unless under adult supervision, even if it is a friend's dog.

2. Always ASK to pet another person's dog "before" touching/petting.

3. Let dog smell open palm of hand, or top of knuckle area FIRST, before attempting to pet, do this slowly.

4. NEVER directly pet on TOP of the dog's head, either pat on dog's side, on or chest, esp. if it is not your dog. Do NOT put hands or arms over the dog's head, do not reach out to the dog's face.

5. If dog shows teeth, growls, has tail between legs, fur is standing up, dog starts to back up, dogs ears are down purposely, do NOT touch the dog or run. Do not STARE at the dog.

6. Do not wildly swing arms, legs or run and scream all at once. Stand straight like a tree and keep arms up to chest. If dog jumps up to harm you, cover neck and face the best you can and roll into a ball on the ground. 

Almost all injuries to children by dogs can be prevented. Many victims are male children out on their own, unsupervised. Almost none have ever been taught dog safety. The two worst cases we know of are the lab that severed the girls head, and the doxie that tore off the legs of a baby. Please teach your child proper safety and ask that your school have this taught to all students. It could save your child's life.