Help me pick a breed

Question
Hi, thanks for looking into my question.

My family's looking to buy a dog and so I'm trying to do my part of the research.  I'm 19 but I'm a college student so I'm not home all the time, but the people who will mainly take care of the dog are my Mom and Dad, who are moderately busy, and my 13 year old sister.  My grandparents also live with us, so that might affect it, too.  The only person who has had experience raising a dog is my Mom, but that was long ago, maybe 30 or 40 years ago.  It would be a new experience for my sister and me.  We have a pretty big piece of land that is chain-link-fenced, and our house is a decent size.

In terms of breeds we're very open-minded.  My sister, after looking around, likes the Australian Shepherd but she can be attracted to anything that is "cute."  My Mom used to have a German Shepherd so she would like that.  I am open-minded, and I'd most like to have a dog that melds perfectly with our lifestyle.  I was thinking a Lab or a Golden Retriever would be friendly and easy to train, but they might be too boisterous for my grandparents.

Also, they are determined to get a puppy.  I was able to convince them not to get TWO puppies at the same time, but I don't think I can persuade them that an adult dog would be easier for owning a dog for the first time.  However, I do think that they can keep up with the responsibility of raising a puppy if necessary.

Answer
Well Dan, you obviously thought this through. I agree two dogs will not work for this situation. I think a puppy is ok but you are going to have to train it young so it doesnt jump on your grandparents when it is bigger.  I think if you get a lab it should be yellow. They are the most mellow of that breed. Golden retrievers are smart but can be hyper til they are about two. Bichon Frise  is a good dog and medium size..that might be an option. does that help?