What breed would you recommend for my first dog?

I'm a cat person and always have been, but I'm missing a pup in my life. Every time I visit a friend who has a dog, we're instantly friends. I miss that.

I know that many breeds will get along with my cats (Siamese, and Siamese mix). I can't have some monstrosity that will eat as much as I do, nor do I want something like a chihuahua, which while absolutely adorable, are noisy (and yes, I realize this comes from a guy with two Siamese cats!)

I'm thinking of a beagle or a Jack Russell; I suppose I'm looking for something in the lowest quartile, perhaps in the second-lowest, as regards size. I definitely don't want a dog who's smaller than my cats,

Thoughts?

Thanks!