i agree with all the people that have said to check with your parents before getting them a dog.
if they do decide they would like one, i would accompany them to the local animal shelter and let them pick one out. people vary on their tastes of animals!
ok that being said, i want you to promise me you will think of a few things before you buy them a dog.
(1) will this dog be an indoor or outdoor animal? it is best to have an animal that can remain indoors for lots of reasons. Its safe. The dog will not risk the chance of getting run over by a car, stolen, poisoned, or especially being exposed to harsh weather - ie rain, snow, heat, cold. Having a dog indoor is the best way to really make your pet a part of the family.
(2) Dont judge a dogs personality based on size. I have heard nothing but amazing things about retired greyhounds. I know you want a puppy, but these greyhounds, that are usually apart of a rescue program, are said to be the sweetest, calmest, best behaved dogs. They love to just lay beside you and be with you and just be quiet. But they are big- no shedding though and make an ideal indoor pet! Another example would be the jack russell terrier. These are dogs that for the most part should NOT be indoor dogs - they are very very very active...its in their genes to hunt! My brother has 2 boston terriers. Small dogs but hyper as hell! They want to play all the time!
Im a little worried that you said your mom was a neat freak. My mom is too...and she always makes a HUGE deal if she sees one dog hair on my floors in my house and makes the statement "there is no way a dog could live in my house!"
I do have several friends who have shitzuhs (no clue how to spell). They are great indoor dogs, seem to be happy if you are there, content if you arent...and dont shed! They do require maintance though - in the doggy salon lol - as well as the bichon frise or other foo foo dogs.
I suggest adopting a mixed breed - they are generally healthier because they arent genetically prone to getting the diseases common in their breed
i love dogs!
