I know this is a Husky thread but since you asked what other breeds might be suitable....

The Toller sounds like they may be a good match just judging by your description of what he wants unless he'd like a bigger dog, as Tollers are pretty small (well, to me they are anyway). I've already PMed you before on chaz with specifics of the breed, so I'm not going to go through all the details agin unless you'd like me to. Just let me know. You said he's not fond of retrievers though. Does he have any other breeds in mind besides the Husky, or just the oens you've listed?