I want a dachshund or other small dog because it seems like a good middle ground
Sorry for the unsolicited advice, but please do think it over. Dachshunds (and many other small breeds) actually require quite a lot of activity and exercise (mental and physical)*. If those needs aren't met, that can cause so many difficult behavioral problems. They're working dogs, after all: if they aren't given a job, they'll find one themselves (and it'll be likely something very annoying or unpleasant to you)
*yes, it does depend on the individual dog, but the general tendency points to those breeds being high energy
Also, a lot of people who do like cats want a Maine Coon because they've seen pictures of mine or others', and they're majestic! Huge!! Fluffy!!! Such a good kitty!!!!
Maine Coons are dog-smart, and basically tiny thumbless toddlers who will never grow up. They have long memories, they hold grudges, and they want things the way they want them. What you want is probably not a Maine Coon. I love them, but jumping from "cat" to "Maine Coon" is like jumping from "dog" to "border collie". Don't do that unless you know what you're getting into.
We have an anxious, jealous sheepdog mutt. A small breed perpetual motion machine obsessed with her ball. And a very relaxed and cuddly soft criminal who is obsessed with chasing paper balls (which the perpetual motion machine tries to steal and eat), and will rip up paper and bring it to you. From anywhere in the house. On any surface. And eats plastic.
None of them are ‘easy’ to take care of. If you don’t want to deal with personalities it’s probably better to get fish.
A great many fish owners abuse and neglect them because they think of them as moving house plants. I think it's best to just assume that any pet needs five times as much care and cost as you think it will and choose accordingly.
I have a dog and three cats. I will die a childless cat lady but I will never again in my life have another dog.
Cats? They come into your bed and want to cuddle. They shed and eat plants and steal unattended ham but all you need to do to keep them healthy and happy is to give them food water, a litterbox and an empty cardboard box. The more antisocial you are in the beginning the more they will love you because they will interpret it as you giving them space and letting them set the terms. They purr and special circumstances notwithstanding they are nice and quiet. A cat is your friendly roomate who thinks they own the place but are so nice you don't even mind.
Dogs are, regardless of anything else, first and foremost, a shitton of work. Our dog in particular is an anxious wreck. Great if you actually WANT a literal pet project and to go outside in the freezing rain and snow and scorching sun three times a day for a minimum of 30 minutes marching. Because if you don't do that, that shit will tear your house down, chew up the furniture and god forbid a fireworks goes bang because so does your TV. And if you get a dog that likes to bark, every single neighbor will hate you. I hope you make a decent paycheck because you will need to give it some kind of toys to occupy itself. We buy old thrown away stuffed toys in bulk for it to tear apart so it doesn't shred our clothes. We can't leave it alone in the hoise for too long because it gets anxious so me and my mother have to make sure our schedules don't overlap. Dogs require a lot of training if you want to keep them behaved in an apartment with no yard. If you want a child get a dog first and if you still want that child a year later then godspeed you earned it.
You want a chill, cute, cuddly pet? Get a tabby cat. A regular garden variety tabby cat. There's probably one in your yard already and it really shouldn't be so bring it inside. 90% of the problems it will cause can be solved with a lint roller and I think you will find the company is worth it.
