I have a maltipoo and a corgi/poodle and both are amazing dogs. I will say the major downside is they tend to bark at anything that moves by the window but it's like a little doorbell/alarm for me that someone/something is there. They are both lazy as shit, especially the corgi mix who walks halfway around the block and then sits down and refuses to move again like an asshole. The maltipoo loves going on little walks but the corgi could not care less. They are both cuddlers and constantly try and get pet by whoever they meet. I am a big fan of poodles, they are really smart and affectionate. Pros and cons on these dogs:
Pros:
-Small, adorable, low maintenance, great family dog for kids, if you're single they get you a lot of attention at the dog park
Cons:
-Barks a lot, grooming is expensive, tends to be super lazy at times and doesn't want to go on walks, picky eaters in my experiences
I also had a german shepherd for almost 18 years. Hands down the best dog I have ever owned. He was so sweet and gentle but could be protective. Not sure how shepherds do in hot climates but if you are looking for a bigger dog, I would highly recommend them however they need to be exercised often or they get restless.