Ok so to update:
Yesterday I ducked into the local pet shop. I figured I probably wouldn't find any pups in there but figured I could ask about future litters they may be getting in.
But when I went in there was a little shaggy pup all by himself. At first he didn't get a look in by me because I was only info gathering.
Anyway after talking to the owner of the pet shop, and having a cuddle with the pup, I put him on hold so that dh and dd's could give their verdict.
So on Tuesday we pick up our new little member of our family, a mini groodle pup (it's golden retriever crossed with a poodle). Totally not the breed we were going for and thought we would own, but yeah.