Leslie,

My sister has a Shitzu.
She is the size of a toy breed.
Sometimes I get to babysit her when
they go on vacation.
She is so sweet, has the best temperment.
The only drawback with the Shitzu,
they need to be groomed. IF your mom
doesn't mind having to take the pup to
be groomed I think you can not go wrong
with this breed. My sister
keeps her dog in a puppy cut which is
easier to take care of inbetween the
grooming visits.