What breed or breed mix would fit me best?

I have a Maltese and so far she hasn't been too hard to train. But I think every dog is different. I'm sorry I can't really help with suggesting a breed, the only breeds I've ever owned were small, a Toy Fox Terrier and a Maltese.

How mucuh can you afford?  Are you looking to go with a puppy or adult?  Breeder or rescue?
 
How about a Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, or French Bulldog?  All have GREAT senses of humor, don't require as much exercise as dogs from other groups, they're reasonably intelligent and easily trained, and they're small ^_^  A Schipperke may also be a good choice (OMG those little black dogs are hilarious!).
 
English Cocker Spaniels are pretty cool.  They're pretty merry, but require a good bit of exercise.

ORIGINAL: Xeph

How mucuh can you afford?  Are you looking to go with a puppy or adult?  Breeder or rescue?

How about a Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, or French Bulldog?  All have GREAT senses of humor, don't require as much exercise as dogs from other groups, they're reasonably intelligent and easily trained, and they're small ^_^  A Schipperke may also be a good choice (OMG those little black dogs are hilarious!).

English Cocker Spaniels are pretty cool.  They're pretty merry, but require a good bit of exercise.

  

I'm pretty sure I want a younger adult.  Would that make it harder to train than if I got a puppy?  And I plan on getting it from a shelter.  I can't afford the most expensive dog though.  I'll probably get a mix of some sort, but would like to know more about the breeds that are in the mix, too.  I'm trying my best to totally educate myself.


EDIT: I'm kindof eyeing one I found on petfinder.com that is located at a nearby shelter that is listed as a Shepard mix.  Doesn't say what kindof shepard though...he's listed as medium in size. I haven't gone to see it yet though..I'm waiting for an email back. 

Just to let you know that Aussies are very high energy dogs and even a mix is gonna have some zip in it so be aware of that.  They are extremely intelligent but that intelligence can turn on you if you don't give them a job to do. FYI - I saw a dog show on Animal Planet that said that retired Greyhounds make EXCELLENT apartment dogs and are extremely loving.   Kudos to you for going for a shelter dog.  Keep looking and you'll eventually find one that's right for you.

Yeah, and Aussie is one of the last dogs you want to get if you're aiming for a medium level energy requirement.
 
I don't think small dogs are any harder to train than bigger dogs... I think they tend to be perceived that way because people often "spoil" little dogs and baby them too much.
 
When you see "Shepherd mix" in an adoption listing, I think that's typically short for German Shepherd. But that's also often one of those "he has saddle markings so he must be part GSD" things. The great thing about shelters, or even better, rescues where the dogs live in foster homes, is that you can get some idea of the dogs' personalities and needs from the people who are currently caring for them.

im not sure about small dogs but boxers make excellent house dogs
i lived in a townhouse with my collie x and a boxer....i also had 2 cats
my boxer was excellent in the house and very clean
he got along with my 2 cats and all my friends dogs
i took my dogs for 1-4 hr walks,played ball or a bit of tug-o-war
i found my boxer to be easily trained,great with kids and other animals and he himself could have done with an hour walk or some ball playing
he prefered to snuggle on the couch with u

Thanks for the replies.  When I first posted about the Aussie Shep, my only experience at all with them is with a friend of mine who has an Aussie mix...he's the PERFECT temperment for what I'm looking for.  However, in the past few days I have done a lot of reading and did find that they are generally high energy.  

Corry,

I grew up with a maltese and now have a yorkie.  With your price range and what you seem to be looking for, have you thought of a -poo mix?  Maltese and yorkie's are great dogs, but they do climb in price.  They are sweet, fun, and don't require much exercise.  Just to let cha know, they do run about $700+ up well into the thousands. (eek!)

My roommate had a peek-a-poo who was about 15 lbs, sweeter than sugar, didn't know what "biting" was, and knew every trick/command possible. It got along perfect with the neighborhood kids/family and basically trained my dog!  (i even taught him how to use a doggy-doorbell to let us know he wanted to go outside!) Poodles are known to be extremely smart, and less stubborn than a maltese or a yorkie so a poo mix should be easier to train. Plus, being a poo "mix" ---key word "mix"---  they don't run as expensive.  do beware of breeders trying to sell them as a pure breed.  AKC does not recognize -poo mixes.  A good breeder of -poo dogs knows this and does not try to run the price up.  I think my roommate got hers about 2 years ago for $250 from a breeder around Ocala, FL.  I know they run more and less.  Plus---this is just an idea []

How I found my dog was I asked my old vet.  I had a maltese for 16 yrs and a year after he passed, i wanted another dog.  I asked him his recommendation for my situation and for a number of a breeder he was familiar with and had a good reputation.  Is there a vet in your area that knows you?  Or one you would trust?

As far as training, in my experience, a dog is only as trained as the owner.  If you want a good mannered dog, you must never be lenient or let bad manners slide.   Spend time with your dog and  ***properly socialize!!!***  Let it be around kids, around dogs, at parties/family functions/etc.  Make puppy play dates with other dog owners.  When a dog is used to all situations, it never freaks out and is "bad".  Plus, it will be more confident.  I cannot stress socialization enough. 

Hope this helps!

I only live in 1700 square feet and have 2 house dogs, a german shepherd and a rhodesian ridgeback. The GSD has a LOT of energy, and the ridgeback is fairly mellow. i think that if you have the time to properly exercise the dog, you should go ahead and get what you want. I get up an hour earlier than usual and walk the dogs about a mile or 2 in the morning, same in the evening. I also like to take them to the park for some off-leash running. All dogs are different, but from my experience my smaller dogs ( jrts, beagles, etc) have been harder to train and are not as tolerant of children. My large dogs that i have now, were VERY VERY easy to train, are super well-behaved, and gentle around children. I would check out the local shelter. Good luck!!!