This dog must have SOME Finnish Spitz in him/her. The coat was a big difference -- the animal I met had a coat no longer than a half-inch, while the Finnish spitz coat is 2" thick. Also, the Spitz has a certain Husky-esque look to his head that this dog didn't. I'm going to have to collar the owner the next time I see this dog being walked and demand to know the breed!

But thanks so far for all your suggestions.