To dog or not to dog...

Once again the question has come up, do we get a dog or do we not get a dog? My kids would love one, despite thier allergies. I'd love one, because I've grown up with dogs and enjoy thier companionship, my wife would like one but wants an outside dog. Given that dogs are pack animals and den animals, we disagree on this very important point. I dont want to relegate a dog the backyard. We started looking at poodle hybrids like schnoodles (schnauzer/poodle). More later...