I Pine for Canine

So I went to get my mail the other day, and I noticed a sign above the mailboxes saying that my apartment complex now accepts dogs! I had wondered when this would happen, since I have seen SO many dogs around the place (it's a gated community, so I knew they were residents). I had already resigned myself to not getting a dog until I had a yard that it could play in and I had time to spend with it. However, once I moved in, I noticed there are several large areas of grass (big enough to throw a frisbee around on or play catch) in my community, one of which is right across from my building. Also, there is a park right across Pacific as well as a bike/running trail that starts right there. Additionally, I would love to get up early with it, take it for a walk/run, I could come home for lunch (I usually do anyway), and I'll be home in the evenings. That leaves 4 hours in between morning and lunch, and another 4 between lunch and evening, it would be home by itself. Is that too long?

So, if I do decide I can get a dog while I'm at my current apartment, it probably won't be until next summer. This is because I don't want to spend all that money right now when I just started my job, and also, I'm still settling into my own apartment and surroundings myself. I wouldn't want to get one in the winter, because I'd feel bad for a wittle baybee puuuupppy to be out in the frigid cold so soon after it's born. I'd want to have the chance to train it outside when it's nice out.

This is mainly because I have such an affection for dogs, but also, because I'm now living on my own and it'd be nice to have some sort of companion. I miss my old dog, Suzie (she was 16 when we had to put her down a couple years ago) so much and I still crave that bond between pet and owner that you just can't get with a fish, rodent, or even a cat. My plants are the closest thing I have to that right now... haha... and that's pathetic.

Anyway, so I have a few breeds in mind, and welcome comments about them:

• Weimaraner - I love their unique look (silvery grey coat, light blue eyes) and think they're a beautiful dog. The only problem is that it's a big dog, and I don't know how well it would do in an apartment. Also, I've seen some articles that say they shed and others that say they don't. If it does shed, that just might nix it as an option. Also, they're a great hunting dog, which I know my Dad would appreciate. I don't know if it would be possible to have it trained to hunt with my Dad since I live in Omaha, he lives in Lincoln, and the land is by Crab Orchard. I mean we could, but I don't know if it could be consistent enough to do any good. I think my Dad could warm up to the idea of having a part-time dog at their house when he wants to hunt. This is the only big dog I think I would be willing to go with. They supposedly are very active (thus needing to be walked a lot), but supposedly have a great temperament.
• Bichon Frise - this is what Suzie was and it's what I'm used to and know. They are a cute little dog, don't shed, and have a fun temperament. The only thing is that I think it could be weird, because I feel I would be replacing Suzie with a mirror image. Suzie has to be respected... haha... that's corny.
• Westie (West Highland Terrier... I think?) - They're adorable... and don't shed... and are a good size for an apartment.
• Miniture Pinscher - I love Doberman Pinschers and this is just a bite-sized one. They have a pretty coat, are active, don't shed, and again, a good size.
• Willing to consider any other non-shedding, preferably small(er), dog.

Anyway, I'd love to hear comments and/or suggestions. I'll have to do a lot of research and a lot of saving for initial cost, vaccines, training, supplies, food, etc. But I'm excited to have a pooch of my own someday.