I would never put anyone off getting a mongrel pup, as long as you meet the mother (to get an idea of size and temperament). They are often brilliant dogs. For a breed I would recommend something like a Cocker Spaniel or a Miniature Poodle. Both breeds are intelligent, good with children and not too big or too small. Spaniels shed hair twice a year and have to be groomed regularly. Poodles don't shed but you have to have them clipped regularly or they look like sheep.
What ever you get, please be prepared to put a lot of time into training and exercising, a lot of money into the vet's and be patient - weeing on the carpet is not an act of wilful disobedience (I mean the dog.....not you).
