Getting a new dog...-what's the right breed for me

Question:
 We hope to get a new dog. Probably not too soon, I'd guess in a few months to a year. We've been doing ALOT of research lately, and haven't figured out the best breed for us. We keep finding a breed, and loving it, and then finding another breed later and wanting that instead. I'm really just looking for someone who's had experience w/ a certain breed, as we all know the standards aren't always 100% right. Right now we're contemplating the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pomeranian, Maltese, Beagle, Dachshund, and Italian Greyhound. Those are just what I pulled off the top of my head. There are several others I've looked at, and liked, but probably too many to name. ;) We're looking for a fairly small breed, not excluding the smaller sized medium breeds such as Cavaliers, and Australian Shepherds. The only think about the Aussies, Beagles, and other working breeds, is sufficient exercise, and over-all working ability. We had a Border Collie who was just SO high-strung because he NEEDED to be worked. He needed a job. Back then, we lived in a small house, with a small yard, and were very uneducated about dogs, so we didn't take him on walks, etc. I want to know if with sufficient exercise, a working breed can be kept in the home....I've seen people in appartments keep Beagles, so it's got to be possible right? We live on 2 acres, way out in the country now, so we have the room for a dog who has more energy, but we'd prefer to have a dog who needs moderate exercise, while alot of exercise isn't out of the question either. We need a smaller dog, but aren't limited from the medium sizes either. We definately don't want one over about 30 or (maybe even) 40lbs though. We currently have a Yorkie, and a Silky/Yorkie mix who are pretty close to being fully housetrained. We'd like an adult dog, so that we won't have to go through all the training again, because if Dixie, and Lucy see a new puppy going 'potty' inside, I don't want them to back-track. But we're prepared to train another one if need be. We're soon installing a doggie-door, so it shouldn't be a problem. My sister is really set on a Beagle(or Aussie/Mini Aussie), but I really want to talk to someone who's had one before first....I'm really into a Cavalier, Pom, or Maltese, and would like some advice/experiences posted if possible. Also, new breed suggestions are definatley WELCOME! We've gone over the AKC breed list about 10,000,000 times (lol) but may like one we didn't think about at 1st glance. Thank you in advance! :)
Answer:
 You are considering dogs from vastly different backgrounds. If you really want information about a particular breed go to PetFinder.com & check the breed rescue site for that breed. what you read on the AKC site is information about the best of the breed, not what is actually out there & available. Aussies (ditto BC's) are from the herding group - they are extremely intelligent, need LOTS of work to do & will herd furniture, kids what ever & if you don't supply them with enough physical & mental stimulation, you are not going to like how they occupy their time. Please don't think that because you live on 2 acres that you can allow ANY dog to run loose. There is NO such thing as reliable boundry training & it only takes one mistake for your dog to be dead. Especially should you get one of the hound dogs that go to ground - doxies yep I've pulled them out of ground hog holes - jrt's too. As for doggie doors - NO WAY. No dog should be outside unattended. To many get stolen, then sold for research or pit bull bait, attacked by predators including taken by BIRDS of prey, hit by cars etc. As for NEW breeds - there arent any. If you are referring to the mixed breeds such as the "poo" & other mixes - they are mutts glamorized by irresponsible, greedy money hungry bottom feeders who are known as Back Yard Breeders. There are far far more of them than there are reputable responsible breeders. cont.
Answer:
 If you must have a PB go thru a rescue or shelter. There are plenty of worthy dogs at either. Plenty of the designer breeds as well (mutts) A rescue dog will come HB, shots UTD, neutered, crate trained, chipped, leash trained, usually for around $300 + or -. Prices at shelters vary widly & include many different things or none. Please look seriously at the other options I have suggested as the AKC information does not give a true picture. Good Luck