I have two mutts, I recommend mutts.
One from a shelter one found under the shed in the backyard.
Both as puppies, raise a mutt from a puppy you'll be happy.
I also have a Great Dane - you really want to learn more/gain
experience before getting a large dog like that.
Mutts are smart and protective, most I've seen don't get huge,
and generally they live longer - generally. I've also not met
too many dumb mutts, even if they aren't very bright they
are usually still very trainable. (The dog in my avatar; his name
was Lucky, not real bright -he would just run into parked cars,
posts, walls, people etc - just walking or running around, but
he learned everything we taught him just as quick as other dogs.)
You said something about bathing being a hassle, get the
Three minute bath. (much cheaper at Wal-Mart.)
It works pretty well, two mutts and Dane the size of the
mutts put together in about twenty minutes.
Enough of my late night tired ramble about mutts. Go get one!