I was going to say a minature schnauzer but cashy beat me to it
bearded collies make fabulous pets but you gotta keep on top of their coats
my sister has a labradoodle although pretty expensive to buy as a puppy her girl has a temperament to die for and is so entertaining quite a clown,but having said that my sister has two young children and the dog is fabulous with them.
All i can add is if you are looking for a pedigree puppy ask to see the health testing certificates the breeder should have both the dams and sires hip scores.heart tests etc,ask to see the parents of the litter.
as for sex i adore both males and females
females do have a twice a yr season but if your not going to breed you can spay after the first season
Dogs you can have neutered once they have matured
ive owned males that have never wandered to get to a bitch in heat,males do scent mark though but that shouldnt put anyone off.
im picking a new puppy up 2weeks today and know ive a few sleepness nights ahead of me and the toilet training,but its all good fun and the pleasure you get from owning a dog makes it all worth while