Apartment Dog?

[TakeTheLeap]

I just recently moved into my first apartment and I live by myself. Right now, my schedule is totally unpredictable, but come August it will hopefully settle itself out.
I currently work as a team member at the local Target so my hours (once the job starts) will be totally unpredictable. I can go from working a morning shift one day to an evening shift the next, which I -know- isn't good for a dog, especially one that's not adjusted.
Hopefully, though, by August I will have secured a full-time teaching job for the fall which will give me a little more stability. The problem is, I'll also be taking master's classes from 4-7.
Once I get adjusted to my new (and slightly crazy) schedule, I'll be looking to adopt a dog... Probably around Christmastime (Mom said she might agree to paying the $250 pet fee and whatever the adoption fee is, as my Christmas present).

So, here's what I'll be looking for:
-A medium-sized dog, no larger than 50lbs, full-grown.
-An adult dog who is already housebroken. This is a MUST.
-A somewhat quiet dog that won't bother the neighbors, but has a relatively aggressive sounding bark if they sense that someone is there who shouldn't be.
-Male or female doesn't matter much to me, although males are characteristically a little bit more protective than females.
-A good companion that will cuddle when I'm home, but won't mind when I'm out for a good portion of the day (it could end up being 12 hours or more, with a stop at home for a quick walk/potty break)... This DEFINITELY leaves dalmations out of the options. They don't like being alone.
-As a breed characteristic, they should also be pretty easy-going and will get along with other dogs/cats. Although they'll be the only pet I have in my apartment, it's imperative they get along with my dogs and cats at home as well.

I'm not opposed to mutts as most of my dogs have been from the humane society, and I'm really quite against buying a purebreed from the pet store (we have one, and she's a fantastic pet, but I still prefer not to promote breeding when there are so many pets without homes).

So... All that being said (I know, I'm being kind of picky, I'd love some suggestions of dog breeds to look into.

[Aletheia*]

Some form of beagle breeds are really good dogs. I had a beagle/terrier mix for 15 years until we had to put him down due to his continuous health issues. Right now, we have a fell-bred French Coton De Tulear dog. Mixed beagle breeds don't get large, but do have a menacing bark when need be. Smaller dogs won't have a loud bark at all, or can sound screechy when they do.

Find a website that gives extensive information on dog breeds. If there is a pet shelter nearby your home or close enough to drive, you might want to stop in to get a feel for the kinds of dogs that are there. I'm assuming this is where you'll be wanting to adopt from, so this would be your best option.

[Toast]

I was going to suggest Great Danes, because they are actually quite laid back. I personally have never owned one but I work at a dog kennel and many people have told me they are great apartment dogs. They're pretty tall though. I can tell you a lot of breeds not to get though! If you're living in an apartment, you don't want to get any of the following breeds unless you're willing to take them for 3 walks a day(no exaggeration)
-Springer spaniels
-Beagles
-Pug/beagle crosses(ESPECIALLY DO NOT GET ONE OF THESE! They are called Puggles and every single one we have ever had at work is completely insane. They need so much exercise!)
-Labs
-Golden retrievers
-German shepherds
-dalmatians
-Airedale Terrier
-Shiba Inu
-Huskies
-Australian shepherd
-Border collie
-Boxer
Just for the record, this is in no way a comprehensive list. Don't forget that there are exceptions to every rule. One of these breeds could work out, especially if they are older dogs. Unless you know however that the dog you are buying will be calm and low energy, do not get one of the above breeds. You may want to consider some of the small breeds. They are easy to exercise because they have such short legs :P I would look into Papilons. They are very small but they are cute and the ones we've had at work tend to be very cuddly! If you're getting an older dog you can probably find out if it barks a lot. Whether dogs bark is more of a personality thing, not breed.
This is a papilon. I've personally never had one but I would definitely consider getting one.

[TakeTheLeap]

I do NOT want a small dog by any means. I don't want one with a tiny bark or a bladder the size of a peanut either. xD
I'm looking more in the 30-50lb range because I've grown up around bigger dogs. We've had a German Shepherd/Husky, a Collie, a black Lab, 2 beagles, a bagle (beagle/basset hound), and an American Eskimo. I know personalities for some dogs are VERY different and I certainly have to meet/fall in love with the dog first and foremost.
We've always had very easy-going dogs (except for the American Eskimo, who is a constant ball of energy) and that's exactly what I want.

As a side note:
One of our beagles (Beazy) was absolutely terrible. She was fine when we first got her, but after 2 weeks (after I went back to school), she got really aggressive and started attacking our other dog. It was bizarre. Not sure exactly why it happened, but I don't really think I want another beagle because of this (unless it's old and lazy)...

[Max_99]

I suggest a Great Dane, or an Otter Hound. Both are exactly what you said from what I've seen of them, especially the Great Dane. The Otter Houndh is about 50 pounds, and they're snuggly but don't enjoy walks as much and like to just chill when alone. Boston Terriers are great too.....Pitbulls are my absolute favorite. Hope you find one you like!

[Power Cosmic]

I'm thinking maybe take a look around your local rescue shelter, see which ones you like the look of?

[Nutty Nat]

http://www.dog-adoption-and-training...ment-dogs.html

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/apartment.htm

hope these help

[Power Cosmic]

Ooh, I just have to chime in here that dogbreedinfo.com is a very good site =).