Yes, the short lifespan is the only downfall, in my eyes. I know they are prone to cardiac problems, osteosarcoma, and serious bloat/gastric problems.
The years pass too fast even with a dog that has a 'normal' lifespan of 12 to 20 years; a dog that is ancient at 8, like Berners, IW's and Newf's, seems so unfair!
I have three sighthounds already in a yard that is not that big, and they make do (they run in circles or figure-8's), so I don't worry too much about they size of the yard. But I already have four 20 to 75 pound roadblocks, and don't need to add a 200-pounder to my already tight hallways at this point - LOL! Someday, someday....
I ran into a IW owner at a pet store recently, and she said that her (smallish) IW only ate 5 to 6 cups of quality food each day - is this typical? My 65-lb greyhound eats 5 cups a day!