emotional companion pet - dog

Question
I recently found out that due to having a mental disability I can own a pet as an emotional companion even though my apt. complex has a No Pets rule. I don't want to train a puppy or buy from a Pet Store. I am considering going to my local animal shelter to invest in a dog that is has some training already...

I am a larger woman and the thought of  a tiny dog that runs around my feet creates a fear that I will step and crush the poor thing. Also, I don't want to feel as if I'm holding a tiny baby with a tendency to talk and act 'babyish' (dress the dog up...etc) towards...

I guess I'm asking...what breed/type, age, and gender of dog would have the personality and characteristics to be a good emotional companion to someone who is home almost 24/7, doesn't go out, and who wishes to own a dog that is
A) apartment dweller
B) has 'some meat on their bones', strong and about knee heighth
C) intelligent and trains well
D) quiet in an apartment setting
E) slight shedding, low maintenance
F) couch potato and content to cuddle
G) requires little exercise and 2-3 potty breaks a day  and ...
H) How can I tell if a dog at an Animal Shelter matches these requirements...I know it is more than one question but it is an all inclusive question to ... What's the best dog for my situation?  Thank You..Suz

Answer
Well age and gender is more of a personal thing-so that more or less is up to you

As for breeds my first choice would be a greyhound,as they are low shedding and do not need to be groomed,also they are couch potatoes,are also known for being clean and intelligent dogs-and there's a lot of greyhound rescues around as well

another choice is the greyhounds cousin,the whippet similar to the greyhound,but is smaller-also are couch potatoes

Staffordshire Bull terriers are also excellent dogs,and are big lap dogs,love to give kisses and cuddle,also low shedding and are known for being easy to train

Standard Poodles are also excellent dogs in any situation,easy to housetrain,and are calm dogs-but the downfall is daily brushing and they do need to be clipped

Boston terriers are also excellent dogs,and are not tiny toys and are rather sturdy,low shedding easy to train and intelligent

Also there are any number of mixes at shelters which might be subtile for you-the staff have programs to test the dogs and match them up with the right people,so if you go there tell them everything you have told me,and they might have a dog that is a good match for you,it doesn't have to be purebred mixes can be just as good

However you will want to avoid dogs that are herding breeds,like border collies,Australian cattle dogs,Australian shepherds ect as they are not good apartment dogs as they need a lot of running-also avoid mixes that might have dogs like these in them

Also avoid any scent hounds such as beagles and basset hounds as they are heavy shedders and are usually too noisy for an apartment,sighthounds would be good though(greyhounds ect)

Shelter staff take a lot of training into matching people up with the right dog,but at the time you visit they may not have a dog that is right for you-but they may do in another week or so