We have a Chihuahua. Very well mannered dog unlike most small dogs. He's very obedient and doesn't bark much, if at all. Though they can be yappers. One of my friends has one and her dog won't shutup when you come near it, though friendly.
Our really good friends have purebred Akita. Amazing dog and they can be very smart.
Not theirs but a random Akita photo;
This one is very similar to theirs but little less white on the chest;
Another dog to consider would be the Boxer.
