Rough collie or dalmatian - views please!

[Cloudtree]

Right we might be taking the plunge and getting a puppy. This is the first time we've had a dog although DH always had dogs growing up.

I have two DSs 14 and 12. Two cats who have been with us for 8 years since they were kittens. 5 free ranging chickens...(I'm aware this could be an issue)

House is large and we have 5 acres of garden/woodland. I am a little concerned since it effectively isn't fenced off at the bottom of the wood. It has a post and wire fence only in that area, but it only backs onto unused woodland belonging to an absent neighbour.

I must admit I like my house to look nice and am a bit worried about it getting trashed. I am home a lot though since I work from home so hopefully that minimises the chance of a puppy going bonkers/getting bored and ruining the place.

Any thoughts on which might be a better fit for us. I like rough collies. DS2 favours a border collie although we have explained that they are generally happier when they are working. DH wants a husky which is obviously out of the question given the other animals. DS1 doesn't really mind.

I have spotted a beautiful dalmatian puppy and a litter of rough collies..

[Cloudtree]

I also wanted to really thank everyone for their views and particularly Whitney168 who has been such an enormous help in us finding the right puppy

[Cloudtree]

final pic

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

Aw, he's gorgeous.

I hope you all have a long and happy time together.

[Ellmau]

He's beautiful! Does he know his name yet?

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

Awwwwww! Floofy!

[Cloudtree]

He is just a big ball of fluff at the moment. So soft and likes to smoother everyone with kisses. He comes to his name (although Im not sure its the name he recognises yet or just the general calling). We've done some socialisation already - taking him to meet the DC from the school bus (sitting in the boot watching the traffic pass and talking to passers by) and are signed up for puppy training classes in August.

The cats aren't best pleased but they are tolerating him. There were cats in the house where he was born so I think he's a bit confused about why these two are being so grumpy and don't want to play.

[MsMarvellous]

Awww he really is a cloud! MarvelPup says hello

[DallyFam]

Cloudtree and MsMarvellous ..... They are both absolutely gorgeous .... getting broody 🤣 Hope you both have a lot of happiness and joy with the newest family member xxx

[spot102]

I love all that fluffynes ON SOMEONE ELSE'S DOG!
He is lovely though