Breed Advice

First off, think about this. How much time do you have to devote to a dog? Could you take about a week off from work to get the puppy adjusted, and pehaps start on housebreaking? If not, you might want to consider an older dog, even then you might have to take a couple of days from work. What are your work hours? Can you come home for lunch? Although, a cat also requires TLC. I you can't its probably best that you wait until you have enough time to devote to an animal. I'm pretty new at this, so wait until the experts come!

At first glance I would agree with natali, but if you DO have the time, I *think* pugs don't bark that much.  Don't quote me on that, and they do have several health issues that have to be considered.  Others who are more experienced in small breeds will have more advice.
 
Kate

Well Jack Russels and Fox terriers require alot of exercise these are energetic breeds.  What sixe dog are you looking for?  Try the following sites to see what breed would fit into your lifestyle: [linkhttp://www.dogbreedinfo.com/]http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/[/link]
[linkhttp://www.dog-breeds.net/Dog_Breeds_Directory.htm]http://www.dog-breeds.net/Dog_Breeds_Directory.htm[/link]
 
I also think that an older dog might be a better choice then a puppy and why not try looking into shelters and rescues.

shih tzus are the best. generally they are loving, laid back dogs and they are usually not barkers. The only problem would be the coat, but if you dont have much time to groom or simply dont preffer the full show coat, clipping is an option

When you read breed guides they always mention the "negative" traits of each breed - every breed has its downsides or aspects that aren't right for everybody... this is just to help you figure out which one you match with. Some people don't mind vocal dogs, some don't mind grooming, etc. It's important to be honest with yourself. Try to imagine what kind of dog would fit into your life as it is right now rather than imagining some ideal where you rearrange your life to fit a dog. It sounds like you are being pretty practical - but also having considerable doubts.
 
I would recommend adopting an adult dog for you - it is just so incredibly difficult to housetrain, crate train, and obedience train a puppy when you are not home very often, plus it's not really fair to the puppy. Maybe try spending time at a shelter, or even dog-sit for a friend to see if you are ready to have one in your life.

What about a Boston Terrier?[8D]

Shih Tzu dogs are awesome.  They are laid back and a good watch dog.  They give warning barks but don't bark and bark and bark.  They don't require a lot of exercise like a jack russell terrier would.  They enjoy being an indoor dog and lap dog.

Its more about the temperment of the individual animal, your willingness to train and socialize than what breed or mix of breeds the dog happens to be.  The list of dogs you gave is apples oranges, bannas carrots califlower and eggs.  Your list appears governed by size.  I was surfing last night and found a website  K9country.com  They have taken information from "Your Pure Bred Puppy"  Michelle (somebody) and turned it into to a breed selection tool.  Be really honest and straight forward about your  time and efforts about dog related stuff.  It may help you chose from a more narrow list of dogs (it is sorted by 100%, 90% and 80% matches)

Thanks for the input all who gave it.  The size is my main guide as i dont really like toy dogs and i can't have a large dog in my apartment obviously.  I had a look at some jack russels and think i am really leaning towards them.  I do have quite a bit of time to spend with them, just that it will be left alone during the day. 

My brother and his girlfriend have a Scottish Terrier, nice size, lives fine in apartment/condo with them.  He runs with him and he enjoys other dogs but is also OK with just having a walk and hanging out with them too.  Might be a good fit!