In St. Louis (where your location says you are) there is a place called Stray Rescue. There is one dog there in particular that might work for you. It is a female dog name Mini-May who is female and a terrier mix. Your wife will love it because she can raise it from a puppy and because it is female (so less aggression issues). Since it is a terrier, when it is grown you can push it around and play with it, but it won't be so big that your wife can't take it around the store. Happy dog finding.
Yea I think something bigger would probably fit your needs. Golden retreivers are great dogs and you can get them smaller now.
i wouldn't go for any big dogs. i will go for a medium size to a small dogs. i like yolkies though! i would recommend those. if not then maltese or any of the mixed breed of them. they shed very little hair!