What dog breed for small apartment, low budget, quiet, hot climate?

These are very long days to expect a dog to be left alone, especially in such a hot climate and you should think very carefully before adopting any dog (puppy or adult) on a tight budget with limited access to veterinary facilities - it is important to always expect the unexpected. It may be worth contacting local shelters to see if they need volunteer help when you are not in college or if they have dogs which need fostering (ensure that they would then be providing back up for veterinary fees and other expenses if required)

If you are living in a small apartment, then a small breed dog would honestly be a better choice; in addition, smaller breeds don't need as much maintenance as a medium breed dog. You could consider a pug, a pekinese, a French bulldog, or even a chihuahua. These breeds need a minimal amount of exercise, and are very happy being lap dogs.

More important than breed is the personality of the dog. Since you're gone during he day so much a puppy is not a good choice. I'd go with a shelter dog who is an adult already and seems to have a very calm personality type. Stay away from border collies, dalmations, many retrievers, and other innately-hyper working breeds as they require alot of attention and activity.

All dogs need space to exercise and access to both physical and mental stimulation, unless you are able to take them out at least 4-6times a day a fenced garden really is recommended for any medium-large breed in order to limit boredom and destructive behaviors. I really would not recommend any retrieving/herding breeds (labradors/spaniels/collies etc) for such an arrangement but an older sight hound such as a retired greyhound which has been used to a kenneling routine and limited periods of controlled exercise would be expected to adapt quite well as long as you have the time for daily exercise and frequent toilet breaks

Great question and kudos to you for doing your homework before adopting a new puppy! :-) Some of my favorite smaller dogs breeds that bark a bit less include a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Welsh terrier, or a miniature Australian Shepherd. Any dog will bark from time to time, but these breeds typically are quieter and have gentle temperaments. Another breed, a Shiba Inu, practically never barks but generally speaking, they tend not to be as agreeable. The AKC website has a tool that can help with "breed selection" based upon your lifestyle and needs, if you are exclusively looking for purebred dogs. Otherwise, there are plenty of rescues and shelters (even breed-specific rescues) that may be able to help you find a puppy if you are also open to mixed-breed dogs.

I am not sure that it is a good idea for you to have a dog if you are afraid of them. Remember that cute, furry puppies grow up to be adult dogs. You must be willing to train a dog, and cannot back away in fear if he jumps on you or does something else (within the realm of normal dog behavior) to frighten you. I would strongly suggest a cat or other small, less-active animal for a pet. The worst thing for you and the dog would be for you to have to surrender it to a shelter or give it away. Best of luck with this!

I believe a Shiba Inu is a wonderful choice! If you want a large breed but need a small breed due to tight living quarters, Shiba Inus are a great breed for you. Shiba Inus act like big dogs as they have a high activity level, but only take up the space of a small to mid-size dog. That said, this breed will fit happily in your apartment, but they need regular, vigorous exercise. If you already live an active lifestyle, a Shiba Inu gives you the best of both worlds. https://www.petcoach.co/article/8-great-dog-breeds-if-you-live-in-an-apartment/