Hello,
I am thinking of getting a dog in the future, not in the immediate future but possibly a few years from now. I have been doing research and I think I have narrowed my choices down to two: a Newfoundland or a Rough Collie.
Now, initially I was set on getting a Newfie. I read that they are not super energetic, that they are very friendly and that when they are fully grown they don't eat much more than a Lab despite their size. That seemed to fit what I wanted. But then I read that Newfies have many health problems and a very short life expectancy, about ten years or even less. Also, my house is not very big and and I have a small yard. I am confused on this point because some sources say Newfies are low energy and don't need much space but other sources say that they need a lot of space due to their size.
I have tried many dog breed selectors online and most point me to the Rough Collie as being the dog most compatible with me while also being healthier and having better longevity. But I worry about not being able to give a Collie enough mental stimulation and their tendency to bark. I don't want a high-strung or nervous dog or one that will anger my neighbors through constant barking.
My family used to own Dobermans but I have decided that they were a bit too much to handle and I would rather get a more laid-back dog this time around, especially since my retired father now lives with me.
What would you recommend? I love large dogs and would rather not get a small one, even though they might be a good choice.
Thanks.
I am thinking of getting a dog in the future, not in the immediate future but possibly a few years from now. I have been doing research and I think I have narrowed my choices down to two: a Newfoundland or a Rough Collie.
Now, initially I was set on getting a Newfie. I read that they are not super energetic, that they are very friendly and that when they are fully grown they don't eat much more than a Lab despite their size. That seemed to fit what I wanted. But then I read that Newfies have many health problems and a very short life expectancy, about ten years or even less. Also, my house is not very big and and I have a small yard. I am confused on this point because some sources say Newfies are low energy and don't need much space but other sources say that they need a lot of space due to their size.
I have tried many dog breed selectors online and most point me to the Rough Collie as being the dog most compatible with me while also being healthier and having better longevity. But I worry about not being able to give a Collie enough mental stimulation and their tendency to bark. I don't want a high-strung or nervous dog or one that will anger my neighbors through constant barking.
My family used to own Dobermans but I have decided that they were a bit too much to handle and I would rather get a more laid-back dog this time around, especially since my retired father now lives with me.
What would you recommend? I love large dogs and would rather not get a small one, even though they might be a good choice.
Thanks.
