I've always been drawn to intelligent breeds. Dogs that really try to understand the world around them, and who do it with curiosity.
The fact that dogs can also provide unconditional love and loyalty is a big benefit as well, in particular for someone like me, who is very self-conscious and awkward when it comes to relationships, weather friendly or romantic. Dogs make it so clear what they enjoy and not, that you don't need to spend so much time worrying about what they "really think" about you.