GET A MINIATURE DACHSHUND!!!! :-)
They're small enough to cuddle, but big enough to play with. They have a very pleasant disposition, and they're great with kids! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE our dachshunds! Here's me and Blue, our short-haired dappled:
Coconut (our black and tan long-haired miniature doxy) and puppy-Blue:
They're the sweetest, most affectionate dogs I've ever seen, and they don't shed much (especially if you get a short-haired). They're the bestest!!!!