I agree with browsing Petfinder/shelters, and finding the dog that fits YOU, rather than a breed... since the breeds you listed really have nothing in common except size. C:

I can say that Corgis are awesome dogs, and coming home to one definitely cheers you up! They are clowny, quirky, happy, sassy, playful little balls of sunshine. They are also demanding. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Fozzie almost never barks, but I feel that barking is more of a training issue than anything. They need to be with their people, as much as possible. What is your schedule like? I have 5 classes... but I still have plenty of time to spend with my dogs. It mostly depends on how you manage your time, and how dedicated you are. Living in an apartment shouldn't be a problem, as long as you have somewhere nearby where your pup can get daily off-leash exercise, and as long as you go on a few walks a day.