Interesting Ray.
I've always had dogs around me mate, since I was born. Usually multiple, most out, but always one in, often a retiree. I get on with animals, and dogs in particular, much more than people. And dogs seem to like me.
There have only been a couple of years when I haven't had them, and it was very lonely, and I got into a fair bit of trouble
I honestly couldn't imagine not having one in the house, it just wouldn't feel like a home. Saying that I don't like manic dogs in the house, and I don't like dogs playing or making noise inside really.
The whippet is ideal