good buddy for our golden

Question
We have been thinking about getting a second dog.  We currently have a nearly 7 year old golden retriever.  I would like another golden, but everyone else in the family is thinking of something a little smaller. I would still like the people-friendly, pleasant disposition of our golden.  Do any of these dogs fit the bill:  Sheltie, Bichon Frise, Bull Dog,Keeshond, tibetan terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Norfolk terrier, miniature or standard schnauzer, Wheaten Terrier.  Should I get a female if our older dog is a male?

Answer
Yes go with the female.  That avoids 2 dominate males competing with each other.  the male and female are much more likely to fall into a cooperative relationship.  

The breed is much less certain.  If I was getting a small dog, I think it would be a Sheltie.  I have seen so many of them do so well at 4-H.  But dogs are individuals, and you really can't expect any one dog to be what is expected of any one breed.  

One of the best sources for dogs with a predictable personality is the rescue
dogs.  These are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home
to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them.  You may
find a rescue near you starting at http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm  The rescues charge a fee to help cover their expenses, but is much less than the price of a puppy plus all its medical expenses the first year.