Ok here's my opinion. Take it or leave it.
Puppies - it is a lot of work to have a puppy. You WILL come home and find messes if you leave them alone for a few hours. They will get bored and chew/destroy things. Their first months are a crucial age for training. While it is possible to teach older dogs new things some habits are formed.
Once you decide on a breed you can rescue an older puppy/younger adult from a breed specific rescue. For example if you decide you adore poodles you can search "poodle rescue" in goole and come up with lots of hits. Even if there isn't one in your area they can help you find one. There are also purebreds at local shelters as well but you may have to wait awhile to find what you are looking for. You can search
www.petfinder.com for your breed as well.
If you choose to go through a breeder learn about reputable breeders. I know you think 'yeah, yeah, help the population' but it helps you too. Reputable breeders don't breed animals that carry breed specific disorders. While, that doesn't guarantee that the dog won't have a problem it helps eliminate it.
www.dogbreedinfo.com has some interesting articles and tools that you could use.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ready.htm Are you Ready? Is a good article that you should read.
Here's a quiz you can take that helps you find the right breed
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
I plugged in some answers for you, although you haven't given us enough for all the questions, and this is what they recommended.
American Hairless Terrier
Bichon Frise
Bichon/Yorkie
Bolognese
Cairn Terrier
Chinese Crested (hairless)
Chi-Poo
Chippiparai (photo needed)
Coton De Tulear
Havanese
Lowchen* (Little Lion Dog)
Maltese
Malti-Poo
Miniature Poodle
Raibs Suns
Seidenspitz
Shichon
Toy Poodle
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Xoloitzcuintle
Yorkipoo
Yorkshire Terrier