Which breed

Question
I would like a dog with similar characteristics of a boston terrier or a cavalier king charles spaniel BUT with less or very low health issues. Can you guide me which other type of dogs are suitable for me? I'm looking for a small pure-bred dog that can live in an apartment with no yard but with an average size balcony. This would be my first dog, so I'm a beginner. Also I work Monday till Saturday 9am to 5pm (8 hours every day). But I do have a whole day free every week and most evenings during weekdays. I am willing to take the dog outside for a walk once a day (between half to one hour duration) and will also take him to dog training classes (for me aswell). I don't like very small toy dogs such as the size of pugs and also do not like poodles. Small to low-medium size would be fine. I do not mind average grooming but it would be better if it is low on shedding, barking, and bad smells. Hope I gave enough information.
Regards

Answer
Getting a dog is much like taking on a small child, and, frankly, I don't think you are home enough to properly socialize and train a dog. A dog that is left alone for hours can find interesting (but not good) ways to entertain itself... and ways that will most likely not make you at all happy. I have heard of some small dogs being litter-boxed trained, but someone needs to be there in order to teach the dog where it should potty. (My dogs go outside four times a day... puppies more often.) I would suggest that you look at a cat, bird, or some other small critters that don't require interaction with people in order to thrive.

If you are still set on getting a dog, you need to attend a local dog show or something similar that has multiple breeds on hand to see and visit with as we all like different things in our dogs for various reasons and you will be able to talk with their breeders. Here is a good place to start your search: http://caninemalta.com/

Good luck to you in your search for a companion.