My land-lady says I can have a dog, but I'm just wondering what sort of dog to get.
[A big dog is out of the question] I just want something that makes me happy and has a happy little life in my (not to be up myself) amazing garden. I want a companion so badly!!!!!

I'm not sure about my future yet and I have plans to move internationally in the next few years so I just want some advice about stuff like that too!

As a general rule, small dogs live longer than big dogs.

If your immediate future life is not settled ('move internationally in the next few years') I'd not think getting a dog is such a good idea. You are looking at a minimum of a 10 year commitment when you take on dog ownership.

GET A CORGI!!!!!! Those dogs are energetic and always will love you no matter what and is always happy. I have one and he is amazing and really healthy but im warning you if you run they will try to herd you because they are a herding breed. They live to be 15 or older and they are really "sturdy" dogs. I hope this helps

I have a corgi and a Golden retriever/ German shepherd

All dogs have a life span of 12 and more years - if they are healthy.

If you are not sure about your future, I would suggest the following instead of owning a dog.

1st)
If you are a dog newbie, I would recommend to volunteer at a pet shelter or dog trainer to achieve knowledge about behavior, care, first aid and leading skills.

As soon as you have the skills you have several possibilities.
- walking dogs in your leisure time (many people pay for that service due do lack of own time)
- become a foster parent for dogs/pups in need who would be adopted by long term care parents after few days or weeks.
- become dog sitter for people who go on vacation/business trip and are unable to take the dog with them.

Hope that helps.

common sense and a heart for animals

Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, and Pugs are the shortest lived dogs that I can think of. Saint Bernards rarely live past 10 years old. Rottweilers usually only live to be about 9 years old. Very well cared for Pugs can live to be 15, but most don't live past 12.

As a general rule, larger dogs have shorter life spans. There are a couple of very large breeds that are said to only live up to the age of 8. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

I would never purchase a dog based on it's lifespan myself. All die before we do, the longest you can get comfortably from any dog is apx 14 - 16 years, all will need geriatric care after that age.
Purchase a dog that suits your lifestyle, you ability to train, exercise, feed, vet care. Look at temperaments of different breeds, care liability ie: grooming.

There are many aspects to owning a dog.

Get a puggle. It's a beagle/pug hybrid. I have one. He's my best friend. We are very close. He's like my son.

The thing is, if you are looking for companionship in a dog, you will find it. The bad thing is, if you choose a dog that dies young, and you are attached, you could hurt yourself.