Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fun dogs. They need a lot of exercise and attention, but you have the space and you'll be around. They're strong, curious, smart, and basically playful -- which means they're great dogs if they're trained right, and pains in the asses if they pick up bad habits early. Big, muscular, short-haired and basically clean. Seeing a ridgeback come running straight at you is an unnerving experience. Then the damn thing stops, jumps up on you, and licks your face!
For more info:
http://rrcus.org/