Be guided by the temperaments of the parents of any puppies you look at with a view to purchasing. Yes, if they are brought up with them from puppy-hood. As with all breeds of dog, you should never leave one alone with any child. Like all breeds with the correct upbringing they make excellent family dogs, being sturdy and robust in stature. The difference in size is not that noticeable and the temperament between dogs and bitches is reasonably comparable.
Dogs can be more territorial than bitches.
Bitches have the disadvantage of coming in season twice yearly. Of course, having your bitch spayed will put an end to this, but spayed bitches can become fat and lethargic. In my opinion unless you particularly want to breed puppies, a dog makes a better companion than a bitch. We always advocate using a crate as a training aid and also as their 'den'. Dogs like somewhere of their own to go to and a crate provides a secure environment for them.