Newfoundlands: Rescue or Breeder?

Question

I have small children and this being such a large breed, I am leaning toward a breeder so that I could raise the "third child" with family in mind. However, skipping puppy-hood is a slightly appealing idea. I was wondering what others views would be.

Answer 1

go to petfinder.com.....this is a site for rescue groups.....just enter your Zip code, and be AMAZED at how many great choices you have !!.....i recently adopted a Great Pyrenees mix from them, and my dog Sylvester is awesome !!.....check it out.....try it.....do a good deed.....adopt a Newfoundland today !!!.....good luck to you, in your search for a Newfoundland as a new pet !!!!.....most adoptions run between $ 50 to $ 200 maximum, for a wonderfull dog, that will be very happy to be your new pet !!!.....ask some of the rescuers what they think of the puppy vs dog idea, especially with small children !!

Answer 2

It really depends. If you've raised dogs before, and have the time to do it now, then getting a pup would probably be best because you can do it the way you want. Keep in mind that having a puppy IS like having a third toddler in the house. Do you have the energy and time for that?

However, if you're relatively inexperienced with raising puppies, or already have enough on your hands, it might be better to go through a rescue or adopt an adult from a breeder. This way you can see off the bat if the dog is good with kids, and if it has the personality and manners that you are looking for. A good rescue or breeder will not want the dog to go to a family that is not suitable for it.

Answer 3

I totally understand wanting to skip the puppy phase! It's a ton of work and when you have human children already to care for, it can seem overwhelming at times... I'm doing it now with 2 young boys and a 5 mo Border Collie.

I would say that a Newfie rescue would be a really good option. A good rescue will screen you to match your family up with the right dog (personality and all).

Another option is to contact a few local breeders. Sometimes, they will sell older dogs that are:

1) Returned as they did not meet the intended show quality the previous owners wanted... makes them great for a family pet tho. A good breeder will require the puppy be returned so that they ensure it is properly placed in a loving home and not sent off to a shelter or rescue group.
2) A retired female will sometimes be available for purchase. The bonus here is that she will likely have been shown and be very well trained, but no longer able to breed.

Good luck finding your new puppy!

Answer 4

I vote for rescue. Most rescues will not lead you astray. They are bluntly honest. If a dog will not fit in your home situation, they will tell you. I do rescue, and trust me, I have offended a few people. I have turned people away for many reasons, but usually it is because the dog(or dogs) I have will not fit them.

Understand that most dogs at rescues are not up to the breed standard in some way. With MOST of the dogs I get, their temperments are great, but they are not "top-of-the-line" in looks. Sometimes, though, I get dogs who act atypical of their breed. I have had Rotts that coward at new people, pitts who were hyper active, and a Golden who was flat out mean. Most of these dogs make great pets, even though they are different.

Be very honest about what you are looking for. You have kids, so you want a dog that is good with them, but would one that doesn't like cats be OK? Do you have the money to put up an escape proof fence for a Houdini? Could you handle a dog that is pre-disposed to demedex(monthly treatments usually keep it under control, and are inexpensive)? These are some questions you may be asked, and one mistake people make is thinking that we need a answer RIGHT NOW. I feel better if someone takes the time to think about it.

Saving a life is always appealing, and I feel like it is usually the best option, but you do need to be just as careful as you would be with a breeder! At least you are thinking about your options, and that is always a good thing.

Answer 5

I'm all for rescueing dogs rather than buying them, but if you do rescue make sure you know exactly what you are taking on in terms of that particular dog. Puppymills don't just breed little fluffy dogs, it is possible to get a Newfoundland that has been rescued from this situation. Health problems on a Newfoundland scale would be extremely expensive to take on. I'd say find out exactly what kind of situation any rescue dog came from, and think with your head before making a commitment. Sad as some dogs' stories are, they are better off waiting for their perfect home just as you will be happiest waiting for the perfect dog for you.

PS I'm jealous, they are adorable! Any dog you get should make a wonderful companion and babysitter.

Answer 6

Either is a good way to go. The only concern would be getting the dog/pup from a good rescue that checks health well. Having to have it euthanized young due to health problems is hard for the kids. Some are from bad situations and untrained, so that could add some stress to a house with kids. That is the reason many people part with their Newfie...it was more than they could handle!!!!!!
Check out the National Club...we have a good rescue group and all the regional clubs do rescue as well.


www.newfdogclub.org

Here is the link to the rescue.....

http://www.ncarescue.org/

Watch some of the petfinder dogs...many are listed as Newfs, but are not!!!!!!

Answer 7

I vote for rescue rather than breeder. All of my dogs have been either strays (turned out to be wonderful companions) or I have rescued from either a shelter or humane society. I love my animals as they do me. There are just so many animals that need good homes and you may find a breed other than Newfoundland that would fit quite well with you and your kids. Good Luck to you and you family.

ps Labs and Beagles are very good dogs for kids.

Answer 8

A lot of people feel this way. What I have found is an adult dog has already matured not only out of "puppy ways" but also disposition. I don't feel as comfortable adopting a baby yorkie out as I would a 6-8 month pit. Babies still haven't come into themselves and what kind of attitude they are going to have.

Rescue pets are always evaluated and temperment tested and you know what you are getting. They are more willing and able to work with you on what you need in a pet. I work close with a couple that foster newfs and I find it very comforting to see how they get them used to family functions. I have run into them at water parks to take them swimming with all the kids and other dogs around. They take them to petsmart to visit people and socialize.

Breeders can tell you what the mom and dad are like but that's it. And they can lie.

Rescues are less likely to lie because they have already rescued the pet from someone that bred them and didn't care. Rescue is not just finding homes for abandoned pets but finding the right home that will keep them forever as a member of their family. We don't want someone to return them because of something we knew about the pet but they couldn't deal with and abandon the pet again. We enjoy seeing our adoption come back and visit us and send their family photos in for our yearly calendar. The joys of rescue and why people do it is much different than the monetary value a breeder places on their dogs.

My personal opinion is that unless you have a champion dog there is nothing to breed. Its still a four legged creature with the same chance as any to be a piece of sh*t. Ive also had more purebreds turn "bad" and be "unadoptable" than pits, shepards or labs. I have a lhasa right now that I would give away if you can get near it. Im feeding it and it still wants to bite me. Another volunteer found him and I am holding him for his shelter hold time.


Petfinders has been down all morning but I would suggest doing a search for newfoundlands in your area. Be sure to remember as much as they try to get the breeds right they aren't always right about what they are. Especially Newfs. People see black fluffy and big (to them) they think newf. Most have quit asking me what size something is because anything under 40lbs is a small lap dog to me.

My newf came to me at over 7 years and is basically unadoptable because of her stubborn streak and aggression towards other dogs inthe house. I deal with it and her and can get her used to them but children she is in heaven. She marches in parades and will stop at the kids and we can't get her to move. If the little ones across the street come over she'll gaurd them to try to keep the rest of my dogs away them.

Newfs put themselves in between you and danger your biggest concern is going to be the swinging of their tail clearing off the kitchen table and the size of their paws when they decide they want to pet you. Mine has knocked me in the face a few times with her head that made my head rattle. Puppies still jump and will certainly knock you over.