Samantha, a Papilon would probably work well for you. But also check out Toy Fox Terriers. Of course they do tend to go after small vermin such as rats and mice but they're not generally quite as intense as some other terriers and do well in agility, obedience, rally, etc. A friend of mine's TTFs have even done some weight pulling.

If I was told right this minute that I had to get a small dog, one that would mature to less than 20 pounds, I would get a Papillon, no question. They're intelligent, trainable, active when you want them to be but not hyper, and generally healthy. One of the big things I like about them is, unlike a lot of toy breeds, they haven't been deliberately bred with conformational deformities that can cause health issues (pushed-in noses, for example.) To me, they basically look like a "regular" dog, just in a small package. There is the coat, though, but a longish coat on a small dog is a lot easier than on a big dog. There are several people in my dog training club who have Papillons. They do great in obedience, agility, rally.

As far as the Schipperke, I only know one person, again, in my club, who has one, and she is a highly successful, top-rated obedience competitor. From what I've seen, he's a great little guy, and I have no doubt she'll put an obedience trial championship on him.

I also know a few people who are doing very well with Miniature Pinschers, though I believe I have heard that the word "pinscher" basically means terrier in German, lol. (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.)

I will always have a Corgi. Partly because it's my breed, but mostly because they're perfect little dogs in my eyes.

The work ethic on most of them is incredible. Conan can do obedience for days. He loves herding, he loves flyball and he loves training in general. I've met a good number of Corgis and he's no exception. He tracks. He has minimal titles because my competing focus is on Danni. But he loves to work. He's got major food drive and ball drive. He's handler soft but has been tough against an angry ram.

I just love the breed. He could be a perfect active house dog but he's too good a dog not to train and compete with, even if it's not my top priority.

Plus, look at that butt. I can't get enough of it.

 Quote: Katie Finlay

I will always have a Corgi. .... Plus, look at that butt. ....

Well, that's true.

 Quote: Katie Finlay

I will always have a Corgi. Partly because it's my breed, but mostly because they're perfect little dogs in my eyes.

Katie, just out of curiosity, how big does the average Corgi get, weight-wise? I like them, too, and they would definitely be on my short list (sorry, couldn't help myself), if I was down-sizing. The weight wouldn't matter to me, but I guessed they would be more than 20 pounds.

I've also been researching small dogs and was planning on adding one next year. Plans have changed though since my mom is going to be adding another GSD kind of unexpectedly (we lost our oldest girl about a month ago to bloat) and I will wait until it's grown up to add a dog of my own. We have a unique situation where our dogs spend a good amount of time together and I don't want two puppies at once!

Anywho...my short list:
1. Corgi - I prefer Cardigans, but would be open to a Pembroke
2. Swedish Vallhund
3. Icelandic Sheepdog

Talking of small, small dogs...Papillon or King Charles Cavelier...but I will probably never have a dog that small. I currently have a 16 year old Cairn Terrier...and with that said, I will NEVER have a terrier again. They are not for me.

Cheri, Conan is large for his breed and he's about 28lbs. Granted, he's on the thin side. I'd say they range from 25-30lbs.

Melissa, the meanest dog I ever met in my life was a Cairn Terrier. He was confident as all heck and wanted you to die. Luckily he was about 15 years old and had no teeth. But he sure let you know he hated you!

My daughter's 130 lb Rotty wouldn't walk down the hall if my old Norwich terrier was asleep in the hall. My JRT took away the Rotty's plush toy (the Rot never so much as broke a thread in the toy) and TRASHED it in a matter of seconds.
I LOVE the little bassids!

Terriers are definitely in a league of their own. I love them to pieces, but for a house dog? If I really wanted a terrier I'd get a Staffy or a APBT. A bit lower key than the true hunting terriers!

I can see myself having land and kennels and having all sorts of terriers and herding breeds some day, but in the mean time I'll get a dog that my husband could live with.

Even my hunt terriers were house dogs. It's all about what you expect from a dog, not the breed.