Some can be destructive chewers, but a much better choice than a Basenji for 99 percent of the population. A great small breed is the Papillon. They make fine obedience dogs, have few health problems, easy enough to keep groomed, and more sturdy than many toys. Italian Greyhounds are nice, too, as far as affection goes, but they have more health concerns such as epilepsy and broken bones, and are generally not quite as fearless as a Pap. In the large dog category, there is, of course, the ever lovin' Golden Retriever.
Labs are good, too.
In Terriers, I like the Border Terrier. A spunky, easy to care for and smart dog. Not particularly quarrelsome, and willing to learn. Although I'm not particularly fond of them, I've noticed that some of us like Australian Cattle Dogs. I think they can be kinda mean, but I've also seen some real sweet ones and they are very good with their owners.