Help us pick a doggie!

My daughter has a tremendous heart, and a love for anything animal/doggie like! She is very good to the 2 cats we have, and isn't mean at all. But they just won't let her snuggle, or get to close and it's just sad. So we think we want to add a dog to our mix, someone who will be my daughter's best friend! My daughter is 18months, and we are looking to adopt a little bit older than a puppy. Any one have any suggestions? I'd like a dog that will be kind to her/ want to snuggle! A relatively low maintenance dog( does if even exist.?) and I'm thinking a smaller breed. Not Chihuahua size though. I just don't know what the perfect fit for our family Is! (PS. we have a large backyard)