Personally I am partial to Keeshonds. I had one for 8 years and can't imagine a better companion dog. You will have to get used to everybody saying "Oh what a pretty dog!" when you go on walks with one. They are a smiley dog and mine had a great sense of humour. Here is the AKC description of the breed temperment.

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Temperament
Temperament is of primary importance. The Keeshond is neither timid nor aggressive but, instead, is outgoing and friendly with both people and other dogs. The Keeshond is a lively, intelligent, alert and affectionate companion.

They are about 35 pounds although can be bigger. There is alot of hair but I found that it mostly stayed on my dog until I brushed it off. He didn't shed nearly as much around the house as our German Shepherds do. In general they have a long life span. Mine lived to be 14.5 but before I got him he was taken care of very badly. I've seen a 17 year old Kees that was still going out for walks and being active. Good luck in your search.

Just thought I would say a little about my Cairn Terrier in terms of what you are looking for...

yappy - sometimes, but only if she's bored outside and wants in
unfriendly or leery around other people - never! she loves everyone
loud - no
quick to bark - at times, but is easily correctable...most of the time this is when she's on the trail of some critter
can't chase cats (or trainable so as to not chase them)- could care less about our two cats
not stubborn - HA! insanely stubborn!!
Not expensive to own - true in our case

Our Daisy is an interesting little dog that's for sure! She's happy go lucky constantly, nothing brings her down. She's not the smartest dog, but she makes up for it with her friendly nature. She's nine years old and keeps up with my working line GSD no problem...we often joke that she'll probably outlive us all lol. Oh, and she'll take care of any small animal that happens into the yard...

-Melissa

I don't have a lot of multi breed experience, my first and only dog so far being a small male standard poodle (still going strong at almost 13 and living with transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate for over a year...thanks to raw!)
I recommend a standard, miniature or moyen (standard X miniature poodle). They are great all around dogs that can be as active as you want them to be or lie like a rug in the house quite happily.
They are smart, funny, and friendly towards people without being overly entusiastic (they LOVE their family).
Poodles don't do well in boarding kennels, so if you go away and can't take them with you have them stay at a friend's house.
The coat can be both a positive and a negative...virtually no hair in the house and no doggy odour, but you have to clip and brush regularly. If you get someone else (a groomer) to do it....pricey. If you do it yourself....a relatively expensive up front cost in equipment, but it will pay for itself over time.
Here are several sites where you can look for breeders. Watch out for sizes in standards, some are too huge. Try and go for performance titled parents or lines that breed for the true all around standard, they are out there.
http://www.poodlesonline.com
http://www.poodleclubcanada.com
http://www.vipoodle.org
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I hate to be a dissentor but my mom has a Corgi and he is a barking nightmare. I have not had to much exposure to them so he may be an isolated occurrence (I hope!). My sister has a really neat dog that lives with her in Manhattan. He's a Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier. I recently met him and was really impressed as far as pets go. I would definitely consider one were I in your situation.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/softcoatedwheatenterrier.htm

I know they have a bad rap, but have you considered a cocker spaniel? I have been fostering for cocker resuce for the last 3 years and we are seeing more and more dogs that have the correct cocker temperment. I don't know if you want a puppy or an adult, but if you find a reputable breeder or a rescue who can evaluate an adult dog for you, they are small, love everyone and are very easy to train--just really fun dogs to have around. Very few of the many I've fostered have been barky. They do require some grooming, but depending on the length you keep them, it is not too bad.

I've trained some English Cockers that I would own in a heartbeat.
Great obedience dogs, and both goofy and elegant at the same time.
Now if I only could get the grooming done....... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Think about a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (yes, it's an AKC breed) -- A small bitch would only be about 17 inches at the shoulder & weigh around 30 pounds (with way fewer health problems than over-produced Labs & Goldens)...

I also really love English Cockers (steer clear of their American cousins!) if you don't mind all the necessary grooming <:-)

Be afraid, be very afraid, LOL -- Shibas are like furry Basenjis (!!!) or dwarf Akitas with a permanent case of PMS <:-O

I happen to like the breed myself, but DO your research homework very thoroughly before deciding to get one, or you'll be really sorry...

I actually was recommending American cockers in my previous post (we don't often get the English ones in rescue-at least not in Dallas). Yes, quite a few have health and temperment issues, but we are seeing the merry cocker temperment more and more often.
I will step off of my pro-cocker soap-box now.

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Be afraid, be very afraid, LOL -- Shibas are like furry Basenjis (!!!) or dwarf Akitas with a permanent case of PMS <:-O

I happen to like the breed myself, but DO your research homework very thoroughly before deciding to get one, or you'll be really sorry...

You peeked my curiosity about the Basenjis, so I googled...whew, makes me tired just reading.......

I wonder if my Lilly is part Basenjis LOL LOL