What breeds should I be looking at?

[WooflySpeaking]

Am wanting to rehome a dog that

*isn't too big.
*is good with children
*doesn't shed a huge amount of hair
*is relatively calm

I've met 2 mixed breeds being rehomed through adverts but they both were like canine versions of Tigger jumping up at me and the kids and the smaller one (5y) didn't like it at all.

I'm at home all day and can do a few walks a day as well

Any ideas?

Whippets- they're the perfect dog!

Whippet? Would also suggest lurchers/greyhounds, they are big but fulfil the rest of your criteria. Also, on the other end of the scale, maybe a Westie?

Whippets are great, calm not to jumpy dogs.
Cocker spaniel or maybe something like a cockerpoo.

I'd steer well clear of cockerpoos at the moment. We've had them overbred and ruined around here

Definitely whippet. But lock up your bins!

Some greyhounds are very strong, they're certainly not all flimsy!

And my local rescue insists on you keeping them on a lead as the prey drive can be strong and you never know when they'll take off after a cat, for instance.

I love them but they're not ideal for everyone.

I had similar criteria to you when I was looking and Finnish laphuunds fit the bill too.

Shih Tzu

Whippets definately. Biased vote though as I have 2. They're fab

How about the very gorgeous Oscar? He may only have three legs but is apparently gorgeous and well behaved.

Dogmatix is also lovely

We have a westie,

she's a smallish dog (7kgs at 18 months)
is amazing with our kids (7,4,2 now)
doesn't really shed any hair at all although she does need brushing and needs her hair trimmed. I have actually done it myself the last few times after watching videos on youtube
she is calm once she knows you, if a stranger comes in she tries to get attention etc but after 5 minutes she just lays down beside me/us

Spaniels are very kind natured

Miniature Schnauzers are a fabulous family dog (very popular with puppy farmers though, so choose breeders carefully). Neat sized dog that acts like a proper dog.