Check out shar pei's, they are a little hard to find but mine is the best dog. They don't shed much and they are lower on the energy scale, which makes them much easier in a house. Mine and others I've known are all calm, loyal, mild manored dogs.
I decided I should mention some of the drawbacks. Shar pei's are prone to some skin problems and with the folds around the eyes. They also tend to be a little skittish of new people.