Hi, Can anyone give me advice on these 2 breeds? We are trying to decide which one to get. We want a dog who is lively and energetic and fun and friendly - especially with small children. And not one that will be aggressive either with other dogs or with people. We think we will probably go for a bitch. We have had miniature schnauzers in the past (too small and the dog we had was very aggressive), and airdales (too big for our present house). Any suggestions and / or advice would be appreciated.

Personally I wouldn't go for a Kerry Blue, the ones I've seen at shows aren't very happy about other dogs, Welsh Terriers seem nice dogs, and don't seem to cause problems at the shows .  I keep Bedlingtons and most of the ones I know are great with children and other dogs :D 

Cavaliers are also a breed that fits your description :)

Have a look on here
http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/ click on breed standards and you will find info on all of the different breeds to help you choose :D

Good luck

Wasn't it the Kerry Blue that went BIS at Crufts that snapped at the judge in front of all the cameras?

Do you mean Best In Show the movie? If so it was a weimerinar (I know this is spelt wrong!)

No, I mean the real Crufts Best in Show 2000.

The movie wasn't real! ;) Although amusingly close to reality!

Yes, I know...they should do a sequel...with British dog owners... So I guess Kerrys are a little bitey then? Do you know much about Weslhies?

Nope, not a sausage. Sorry.

Why not go for a standard Sznauzer bigger than the Mini and smaller than the Airdale.  they are a bit terrierish but the ones I know get on great with my elkhounds.  the people I know have 3 standards adn two minis and with my five girls that is 10 of them hurtling around a field at once when we meet :D  (well the seniors perhaps mooching is more apt).

oooh I know a standard schnauzer and its ferocious :D it has to be kept away from all the other dogs at training otherwise it will eat them!

All the Welsh I have met have been very people friendly and remarkably dog friendly (compared to many other long-legged terriers).  I have met some wonderfully friendly Kerries, but also some very nervous and aggressive Kerries.  I find the Kerry very similar to the Irish Terrier in temperament, a bit hot headed and too ready to react.  That being said my Irish is very good with other dogs as is most of the dogs in her "family". Also many of the Welshies that I have met have been very vocal, although breed experts I have spoken too say that this is not a common trait, I suppose much of it depends on how they are raised.

We had Kerries for many years.    We did agility with them, and worked sheep with them, as well as breeding two champions.

Kerries are (normally) lovely with people, but can be sharp with other dogs if not properly socialised when young.   Ours were fine, but had a lot to occupy their minds.   Their background is a working farm dog in Ireland, and let no-one say that the background of a breed counts for nothing any more.     A working dog needs to do just that - work in some shape or form.

If a Kerry is kept in a crate, let out for ablutions and trimming, it will get sharp - who wouldn't?????

Welsh terriers are still terriers, and although maybe more laid back, can still be game little souls.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Yes it was a Kerry Blue that went for the judge and still won BIS.  He's done very well in the states since!!

No, its not common for Welshies to be yappers, expect when they're excited or playing. By and large they don't make much noise at all.  As long as the home in which they're bought up, treats them sensibly, with a good amount of physical and mental stimulation I'm hard pressed to think of a better dog (ok, I might be biased)! 

I don't have much experience of KB's but my opinion is that they're sparkier than a Welsh, being bigger that would make them much more of a handful.  Both are Terriers, which means that they are willfull, action packed dogs with a mind of its own.  As with all terriers they bloom with calm and consistent training and do best when the handler is confident in their ability to "keep your head whilst all around you loose their's".

My experience is that they are excellent with children (but get a little carried away around football) and that they can be exceedingly dog tolerant if socialised well as a pup.  But be aware that as in all breeds some have higher temperaments than others.

Can I suggest a Whippet.  They are lively and fun and extremely good with children.  They can also be very calm when you need a bit of piece and quiet.  I wouldnt' have any other breed.