I'm considering a small fluffy dog type . . .

Hello-some of you may know me from other discussion areas here-mostly water gardens and the co-op but I am also an animal lover. I have been thinking about getting a small cuddly dog type for over a year since I had to put my favorite kitty to sleep. I had this great 5 pound exotic shorthaired cat (persian cat without the long hair but a friendly dog like personality) how used to follow me everywhere in the house and be a lap cat anytime I sat (or tried to sleep). She was tiny, delicate and gentle and was great with my two other dogs and my two sons as well. Unfortunately, her health was failing progressively and she crossed the rainbow bridge last year.

I currently have two friendly socialized dogs but neither are both cuddly and delicate and lay in my lap . . . I think this is my baby substitute. I am thinking about a poodle mix, shizt tzu mix, maltese mix but am a little unsure. I have been looking on petfinder and see dogs/pups that are cute but notice that they are really expensive $500.00 for a rescue dog and most are back yard breeders rescues. I worry about health problems and social problems (primarily with my 6 and 9 year old respectful but still boys. . .).

Does anyone have any information or advise to share? Anyone have a dog type that you would care to discuss with me? My other two dogs are rescues as well, with one being a snauzer (spelling?) mix at 13 years young and 30 pounds and the other a wirehaired pointer that is 6 years young. Both are healthy and social animals but neither are the lap dog I desire.