Well, I didn't have time to read through every post, but I wanted to add the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to your list. They are VERY affectionate, bred for that specific reason for King Charles the third, I think. Mine doesn't bark much, they love to have other dogs with them, they are not Real long haired but not short and very cute. Mine doesn't shed very much either. I think all small dogs are harder to housebreak. I've read somewhere that small dogs have smaller bladders and not proportionate to their size, even though they are small. They need to be let out more often. Another reason small dogs are harder to housebreak is becuase while a great dane will leave a lake or great mountaine behind, a small dog can walk behind the couch and you wouldn't find it for months. Do a search on Cavaliers..I think you'll find them adorable. I like the Beigham.