awwww, I used to hate small dogs. Had a Brittany that swam with me, a golden retriever I rescued who hated water, a black lab from the pound. But then I got into small dogs quite by accident as I was looking for a small dog for a client who had just lost hers. I found this lovely white poodle terrier mix and she was mine. She was only about 5 when she died of melenoma. That was a few months after my daughter died and I about cracked. I drove to Long Island to get a dog from a shelter site unseen as the volunteer lady thought that she was a terrier mix. She was beautiful and we loved eachother on the boat and car ride home. Next morning she met my son and I no longer had a dog. Turns out she's a beared Collie cross and is a magnificant intelligent dog. But not mine. So then one day months later I was reading the paper and saw some terrier poodle mixes advertised. I went and got my little girl. She is black and grey, is 3 but looks old. A few years later the woman somehow notified me she had another litter. I took home my little boy. I later helped the woman adopt out a few litters and she finally gave me the mom. I had the puppy people make donations and got mom fixed and the vet tec adopted her. And here we are now, three weeks ago I was speaking with someone and asked her since she always had small dogs where I could find the puppy I have been craving. She told me to call a deceased client's daughter. I did, got a boy, visited him twice and took him home tonight. The other children are a bit freaked by the smells of the dogs from where the puppy came but they are wagging and kissing him. He is Willy. Hope this isn't robbing your post, I love my children so much and I know it needs to be the right match. I was also lucky as i took the kids to work with me and still do a lot. They are unofficial therapy dogs. They are so smart. Training? Oh my, mine know no tricks but come when they are called and know a lot of words. They are spoiled rotten. Look around and find a dog that chooses you, or a puppy and know that if you are working the critter may need doggie day care. I think about any breed is doable if your in love. But I agree, research the breeds first. I don't think you want a Grey hound. I like mutts the best. Good luck. I am so excited I wish I could help you find that perfect friend!