My family is looking for a new dog. We have always had giant Newfoundlands. My dad would like something similar to Newfoundlands, or, at the very least, a "respectable" dog. My mom wants something considerably smaller and more manageable. They agree that the dog has to be easily trainable and nonagressive. I will be leaving for college in the autumn of next year, so they will have plenty of time for an active dog, and would prefer something that would fetch. We live in suburban New England, with a medium sized yard and access to a beach.

So far, it seems like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (yes, long name) is ideal. Does anyone have experience with this breed? Are there any other recommendations? Any advice or anecdotes would be welcome.

Sorry for the long post, just trying to give all relevant details.
user
Need advice on a suburban, medium-small dog acceptable to masculine sensibilities, and/or opinion on Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever as a
assistant
My family is looking for a new dog. We have always had giant Newfoundlands. My dad would like something similar to Newfoundlands, or, at the very least, a "respectable" dog. My mom wants something considerably smaller and more manageable. They agree that the dog has to be easily trainable and nonagressive. I will be leaving for college in the autumn of next year, so they will have plenty of time for an active dog, and would prefer something that would fetch. We live in suburban New England, with a medium sized yard and access to a beach.

So far, it seems like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (yes, long name) is ideal. Does anyone have experience with this breed? Are there any other recommendations? Any advice or anecdotes would be welcome.

Sorry for the long post, just trying to give all relevant details.
user
big dogs for parents, small dogs for school kids.
assistant