Do toy poodles make good family dogs ? Is there that much difference in the temperaments between  miniatures and toys  that a miniature would be a better family dog ?

In my personal opinion I think it's more relevant to ask how would the children be with the dog - and how well will they be taught and supervised by the parents in their treatment of the pup/dog.  And how the dog is brought up with the children :)

Also it very much depends on what socialisation the pup/dog has had with the breeder and whether the dog/pup's parents' temperaments are excellent ;) 

As I say this is very much MY personal opinion, but the fact is constant supervision and training of both pups and children are equally as important as choosing the right pup/dog.

One consideration is the age of the children as tiny toy breeds may not cope with young chidren falling on them.

I would say a miniature if the children are young purely as previous poster said because they are more robust, there really shouldn't be too much difference in temperament.

Talking of kids and dogs the blue cross have brougt out a CD-Rom for children and parents to help prevent dog bites, I'm assuming by educating the humans!!!  I haven't seen it yet (I can't afford it for no reason)  Only seen it in Pets at Home.

You can get free stuff from the KC Safe and Sound scheme. There's online games kids can play, teacher's notes etc.

i have 2 toy poodles and they make the most wonderful, loving and of course very intelligent pets, but as said they are very small and fragile as pups so as long as children know how not to be to rough they would be fine.
i bred from 1 of my girls and she had 3 beautiful puppies, so beautiful that i cant part with them!!!, i now have 5.

Many thanks for your replies . I will now definately go for the toy size if i ever get the OK from the husband .
Both my kids and i would love to have a dog but i am very nervous about taking the plunge .

My Nanny and mum have always had Toys(dogs). They were goofy in nature and had loads of fun with the grandkids. So good choice.