My girlfriend and I are basically pondering the same thing, although we've more or less decided: The Hungarian Vizsla (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vizsla). Very smart and playful dog, requires absolutely no grooming. In many ways it's very much like a cat: Long claws, licks itself clean, loves to cuddle in your lap.

You'll have to enjoy running, though, as this dog requires (once fully developed) about two 1hour instances of jogging/running every day.