If I may chime in, I know you said no terriers, but I must insist on recommending the West Highland White terrier. Our child, Teutul ( yes, the motorcycle family on Discovery) is quite possibly the most clever, most brilliant, coolest dog I have ever met. When you speak to him, and he looks up at you with his head cocked, and those eyes twinkling....it breaks my heart that he and I can't actually converse. :cry :cry He is really just an amazing dog.