We have good friends who had a Keeshond, and he was a fabulous dog! Very smart and very affectionate and very well mannered... and a nice mid size!! So, I would second that as being a good possible choice. He did have a lot of hair, but not as much as in the picture. And you could always give a shorter cut for the summer if he was going to spend time in water, etc. I know they took him to be groomed regularly. I don't know how much he shed...but I don't think it was much. Now they have two mixed breed adopted dogs, both very good natured...but one had $4000 worth of vet bills for hip surgery
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I like Shelties for a mid size dog, but they have a lot of hair, too...and I think they must shed. I've only known two, and both seemed very smart and well trained.

We had friends who had a Spitz. He was smart and nice, too, but again...the HAIR!

I know... how about a Wheaten Terrier kept with a pet cut...lol. I'll let you know how this goes ~ .

Cara