Tough call, what breed is it?
Some dogs are more apt to nip, etc...My wife shows Yorkies, sometimes the males will fight, you pick one up during a fight, probably get bit. Even small, they're very protective of food, toys, pens, etc... Very important knowing the breed and finding a correct pet for children.
Personnally, many dogs aren't meant to be around younger kids. I would've tried to find a home more suitable for it at the first growl.
When showing dogs, the judge will run their hands over the dog's testes, it shouldn't provoke a response. If the dog growled or nipped...disqualified that moment. Our best looking male dog just didn't like his balls rubbed and snapped at the judge, so no more showing. Still he, made a great pet and I never felt the need to rub his balls so we get alone fine.
However, if you called in a pro and the problem couldn't be determined that caused this behavior, I would've put it down myself. I wouldn't give it away knowing it could end up hurting someone else, finger today may be a arm tomorrow.
My favorite dog of all time died last year and within a week my 22 year old cat died. I often wonder if they had some connection, because they slept together. The cat seemed stressed when the dog wasn't in their bed, died later...hate cats and will never have another, but that one grew on me.
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