I have two large breeds--Doberman Pinscher and Great Dane. Both are amazing, great tempered, and extremely obedient dogs (due to a large amount of training on our part) but I would not recommend a Dobe around birds if that is an important criteria for you--the prey drive is simply too high. Our Dobe is a wonderful dog but she does have issues which seem to be somewhat common (please realize that I'm speaking in broad generalizations here) in Dobes--high prey drive, tendency to be high strung/anxious, somewhat unfriendly towards strange dogs. Obviously every dog is different, this is just what I've noticed in her and have seen quite a few other Dobe owners confirm in their own dogs.
Honestly, I'm not sure I'd recommend ANY dog around birds. My dogs are never allowed in the same room as the birds when they are uncaged. Our Great Dane came nose to nose one time with my TAG when our GD came home from a vet appointment--it was cute and he behaved (I took a picture) but would I ever allow it regularly? No way. So I'm not really sure how much the dog's behavior towards birds matters anyways--I'm pretty sure you'd keep them separated, right? I'd just research dogs that have the qualities you are looking for and go from there to look for a good breeder.
Other than the running, I would say a Great Dane embodies everything you stated. Paced running would not be a choice activity for a Dane though because of their size. Our Dane is absolutely the best dog I've ever owned or been around. BIG, sweet, laid back, playful, goofy, friendly to everyone (people and dogs alike), just generally a fantastic dog. Our vet has repeatedly complimented us on what a phenomenal dog he is (he knows both our dogs and does not say this about our Dobe even though she is a good girl, so I know he doesn't just say that to everyone).
Here are a few pics of our pups. The one of Seamus (Great Dane) with the blanket on him was when he was quite a bit younger--maybe 5 months old or so. He got up on the couch and covered himself with our daughter's blanket--no help from anyone. I swear he thinks he's a person.
She's being dominate... luckily we're working on it, and she's getting better and better. They do have high energy...but this can be calmed down with training, but they make me get off my lazy butt. 
Oh, and I would definitely adopt....there are too many wonderful dogs out there to buy from a breeder. Both of my dogs are adoptions/rehomes....
