I think the right borzoi would fit your needs pretty well too.
They are very big, but fold for easy under-bed storage:
lol, seriously though, Strider is 30 inches at the shoulder and can comfortably curl into a ball and ride in the passenger seat of my saturn sedan, fit on an airplane, curl up under my chair in a restaurant, movie theater, etc. I don't know if a dane could do that.
He's very good at his job, and does all the things you mention except retrieve meds because I don't have any (allergic
)
They are very long lived, 12-14 years old is VERY common. I've personally met two that were 15, and still got around fine.
A stable, good correct temperamented borzoi will be naturally inclined to be good at public access. They tend to be aloof with strangers and focused on their owners so you don't have to worry as much about them poking people in the crotch as you pass by. They also lack the defensiveness of poodles and dobes, so you don't have to worry about them getting huffy if they think someone is invading their or your personal space (something I've seen a lot of st. poodles have issues with, and one of the big reasons labradoodles were made instead of just sticking with st. poodles). The main thing to work on is controlling prey drive. Once they understand that running is situational, and what situations it is/isn't okay, you're golden.
Plus, by the time you're ready for one I might have a puppy for you. :rofl1:
