Maltese shih tzu's are great little dogs but be prepared to bath them regularly and have them professionally groomed about every 8 weeks. They don't shed a great deal and generally have good personalities. My parents have one, I had two several years ago and both my SILs have them. All have been great dogs but a couple have been a bit snappy at times.

If you want a true non-shedding dog, go for a poodle cross. We have a Spoodle and he's gorgeous! He's a American ****er spaniel crossed with a miniature poodle and he does not shed at all. Their coats are truly amazing as they have a wool coat. I get him professionally clipper at least 5 times a year though to keep his coat healthy and tame. His coat is super wavy and he's such a crazy, adventurous boy (despite being a perfect indoor dog, he LOVES going nuts in the yard) that he ends up getting matted when he's due for a clip.

Any of the 'oodles' breeds generally have a low to non-shedding coat. If you want a small dog, you would need to go for one bred with a toy or miniature poodle. Cavoodles are gorgeous and so loyal, quite the lap dog. Our Spoodle is bursting with personality and has a good mix of the intelligent poodle and the dopey spaniel. Weird combo, I know! He's very funny though and has loads of energy - something to keep in mind with boisterous puppies, lol.

If I was allowed to get another dog I'd get a miniature Groodle - golden retriever poodle cross. OMG, so cute!!