I love Dachshunds. A former co-worker has 2 mini's. My real concern about them is that they're real barkers, at least the 2 this lady has. They also can have back issues, so you have to watch their weight. I have a Basset hound, so I would vote for a Basset. They're still smallish(read that short legged!), and are very easy going, sleep most of the day.