I was going to put more detail in the title, but this newfangled mumsnet cuts the end off, so here goes.
I live in a flat in central London with no garden and I'd like to get a dog. I've been investigating the idea of a greyhound, and someone is coming to do a home check tomorrow, but I am fairly sure I'll be refused because the two storeys of my flat are connected by a steel spiral staircase, which I know a grey would struggle with. There is a way round this (using the main shared staircase) but it would probably be a bit awkward.
So my question is, which type of dog could I get if not a grey?
I'm after a companion dog for me because I'm at home on my own a lot of the time (studying and working part-time for my partner's business), so the dog wouldn't be left alone much (although it would be nice to be able to pop out to the shops or to the occasional appointment for up to 2 hours without needing a dog sitter). We don't have young children (two teenagers) or other pets. I enjoy walking and we live near parks and have access to a large communal garden in the nearby square (less than a minute's walk from my front door).
I'd rather have an adult rescue dog than buy a puppy from a breeder.
Given the choice I prefer dogs from the hound group.
Although I enjoy walking, I would prefer a dog with a low-medium exercise requirement.
I'm quite keen on the idea of training classes (as much for me as the dog) and don't mind grooming, although generally would prefer not to have to contend with tumbleweeds of fur on a daily basis.
I have a friend with a Staffie who happily lives in a flat and bowls up and down my spiral stairs when he visits, and Battersea Dogs Home is full of Staffies, but am resistant to the idea of a terrier, although I could be persuaded.
Any thoughts?