I think the min pin is a great compromise. And if you have your heart set on a pure bread, try the pounds first. Not only strays and mutts there. People move, get tired of their dogs etc.... Also check out the rescue groups for the min pin. Consider an adult dog over a puppy. They adapt quicker. Me personally I LOVE pound "puppies". I had wanted a collie forever (had Collie/Sheperd mix when I was little and loved it). So BW heard about a Collie/St Bernard mix in a pound and got him for me in 96'. He was 5 years old at the time and lived to be 16. He was the sweetest dog ever and had very little trouble out of him. BW is allergic to dogs so that makes him the sweetest husband ever too.
Good luck and enjoy!!
Good luck and enjoy!!