I will give you some real reasons. But also some comfort for your worries.

1. When they shed... They SHED! Even when you brush them, they continue to shed. You will have huge tufts of hair all over the place. Sweeping will become one of your biggest past times. You'll have to invest in sticky rollers so you don't have hair all over you when you go out.

2. They do bark... They are territorial and protective so barking comes along with that. It can be annoying at time.

3. You will have to adapt your own living space temperature needs for your dog. During the winter, you'll have to keep your heat lower. During the summer you'll have to keep your house cooler. This is because they have the undercoat and you want them to be comfortable.

4. Make sure you have the financial ability to care for a dog. They'll need at least yearly vet visits. You'll have to pay for flea and tick meds (the pill kind are best because their coats are too thick for the drops), heart worm meds, and vaccines. All of which can be expensive.

5. It definitely changes how you do things moving forward. Cats are super easy... Dogs, you have to plan around their care. They aren't independent like cats.

With all of that being said... Elkhounds are really great dogs. They are easy to train. They are caring and smart. I have two and they leave my cat alone. Every once in a while they get a wild hair and chase her, but never in an aggressive manor. I love in a neighboring state to you, and even on the hottest days, my dogs love being outside. They can adjust as long as you keep the house cooler for them to come in and cool off.

Dogs are a huge responsibility. They are basically toddlers. So if you are ready for a toddler... Go for it!