I think you should go to a shelter to pick out a puppy. There are unreal amounts of animals abandoned every year, and shelters always manage to have really sweett dogs time and time again. Its definetely a cheaper way to get all the things you need with a dog ie. shots or if its an older dog even a spay or neuter. A lot of shelters are also importing puppies and dogs from places like South America and they're literally the sweetest things, and they really deserve a good home. I would go out and buy a dog from a breeder because they can be very expensive. If I was you I'd go for a mutt or whatever fits you best at your local shelter. Some dogs I DO NOT reccomend you getting are any sort of sheep/herding dog, lab, or husky. My best friend has always had aussies and border collies, but she lives on a farm and its outside running 18 hours a day.They would be very depressed to be kept inside, and don't seem like they're the kind of low maintenence dog you desire. Same goes for huskies. They are SO high maintenence and active its mind blowing, and very intelligent. This means that when bored they're gonna go through your house/backyard and make a huge mess/destroy everything. I know a lot of huskies, and have even been dogsledding, and they aren't dogs for those who desire low maintance dog ownership. Finally, I wouldn't reccommend getting a purebred lab because they often have really bad health problems like hip displaysia. The also are BIG shedders, my grandparents had 2 and it was a nightnmare. Their fur secretes oil, as they're bred fro fishing/hunting and being in the water so it acts as protection. But this oil is smelly and makes the dog greasy to touch, stink, and have terrible dandruff, especially when they age. people who are sensitive to animals oftentimes find themselves having intense allergic reactions to labs. ANYWAYS I could go on forever about which dog for you to get, but to keep this simple, I think you should go to the shelter and get a mutt. IT feels amazing to rescue an animal, and after having dealt with adopted cats, dogs horses and other small animals I can assure you its your best option. It really is inexpensive and after working in a lot of shelters it truly is amazing to see how happy you can make an animal by giving it a loving home. I personally can say that I would never go to a breeder ever after my experience with rescues.