I wonder if Sophies Daddy has ever owned loving schnauzers? I cannot believe so, or he would not be so deprecating. I have had three minis and now have a black standard, who lives very happily with his companion Patterdale terrier. A mini or standard would make a superb companion for Grandma; they love people and other dogs and can happily co-exist with cats, if introduced early enough. My first mini came from the US and served quarantine in the UK in order to share the following 13 years with us here in England. Do let Grandma go meet some of these real canine characters, she won't be disappointed. Incidentally, they are not difficult to train, but do benefit from a happy and relaxed atmosphere - perhaps that could be why Sophies Daddy has had problems with them..