I have to weigh in here. I agree with Genia. I have had four poodles (in all 3 sizes). You can pick the size that is best for you. Toys and minis make great lap dogs and my standard would have loved to be a lap dog too but, at 45 lbs., it was not possible, though she did try. They are very easy to train, and housebreaking is easy to accomplish in a short period of time. With both of you working you might appreciate that. Even though you won't have lots of time to spend on training (with not being home during the day), they will pick it up easily, although the more time you can spend the better.

They don't shed, but the downside is they require routine grooming maintenance. It is usually just a matter of clipping every six weeks and occasional brushing in between. We kept our babies in the "puppy clip" which is fairly close to the skin, and matting was not a problem. The areas which were left long were the hair on the ears and tail tip and I would just comb them out while watching TV.

We are sort of in the same situation that you are in. We are doggieless right now, having lost 2 dogs in 2 years' time, and we are just now making early plans to bring another baby into our lives. For the longest time my husband said "No more dogs. I can't stand the grief of losing another one." Let us know what you decide. Good luck with your decision. There's a pup out there waiting for you (and me)!