I would like to second everything little B says. I wouldnt get a rescue dog with a baby or small child, you cannot garuntee the history, FWIW, most rescue centres have a policy where they wont rehome to families with very young children.
ewc - cringing at the thought of a puppy for xmas. BUT if this is something you have thought about for some time and know what you are letting yourself in for - i still think you are mad, but i think you should go for it.
I recently got a puppy after my old dog passed away. He is a little terrier cross and i love him to bits, his IS hard work. But you can train and push at the same time.
Terriers are not always fantastic with children although mine is a little star and has the patience of a saint. But he is MAD MAD MAD, he has so much energy and basically, if its on the floor, its fair game, he WILL chew it, that can be upsetting when its one of DDs toys.
IF you can answer positively to all these questions then go for it.
Are you prepared to be vigilent and NEVER leave the child and dog alone, not even for a second?
Are you prepared for the vet bills, initial vaccinations approximately £70, plus wormers and flea treatments, yearly boosters £35, plus wormers etc. Any other treatment, bearing in mind a runny tummy can often deliver a bill in excess of £40. Cut pad that needs stitching £150 etc etc.
Food costs, ok, minimal with a terrier £10 a week should cover.
I'm rubbish, i dont take my dog out every day but i should. So are you prepared for walkies, no matter what the weather?
Probably best to look for a completely non shedding dog if you have an asthmatic in the house.
How do you feel about being tied to the home in certain circumstances, you cant just leave a dog for hours on end, some dogs dont do well being left - so a day out could even pose a problem in some cases.
Holidays: Add about £200 to a two week holiday if the dog has to go to kennels.
Insurance: Anything up to £20 a month!
House training: Speaks for itself, can take a few months to get this right.
The Garden: Be prepared to do shit patrol
Walks: you have to pick up after your dog, its the law.
oh and your house will never be spotless again.
All of those things are big issues, for me, nothing would persuade me not to have a dog in the house, i lasted two months without a dog and i was very unhappy. They bring so much to a family and can really seal the knot. It can be such a great thing.
If you decide to go ahead, do your homework, there are some great sites on the web, one, which i think you can get to via the battersea website even has a quiz that assesses what sort of dog would suit you and then gives you a list with all the breed information.
Make sure you go for a puppy that comes with papers and preferably insurance, from a good breeder. Avoid the local rag, look on the net and dog magazines (saying that, i got my dog from the local rag, hes a cross breed and imo about as perfect as they come - we got lucky) I would be more inclined to go for a home bred dog, not one bred in kennels as this makes it harder for them to settle in the home. If they are raised with children all the better.
Good luck, whatever you decide.