A little different, here's my Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund or alternatively a Great Swiss Mountain Dog. Now 8, same age as my daughter. Big, friendly and protective but kids can do just about anything with her.
As regards the the cat/dog debate, we also have a cat, nothing like seeing the two of them curled up asleep together.
Which do I prefer? Well I'm a dog person, had them all my life except in the RM and when travelling. When I first moved here my wife had two so it didn't take long to get into the plastic bag routine. At the most we have had three, German Shepherd, Dachshund and a Jack Russel, that could get lively at times!!!