Should we get a Newfoundland dog?

Question

I'm really not a dog lover AT ALL! But my boyfriend loves them and can't imagine life without one. We live in a small house, 2 bedroomed terrace. I know these are big dogs and I was quite taken with the idea of having a big fluffy playmate but I'm not sure of their temperments? And realistically, how much space do they need? Do they need to undertake training? Are they good with children and babies, we have a 2 year old daughter. Has anyone ever owned one?

Answer 1

I have 6 and I can tell you they do need a lot of space. They are couch potaotes, but they do not do well just "being". They really ned a lot of outside time to develop coat,bone, and muscle. They are HUGE and slobber, and sometimes the slobber has hair in it and sticks to the walls and ceilings. It can actually have to be scraped off. The hair comes out in "tumbleweeds" all over the house, and it gets into ALL the food. You will find it on your toothbrushes, and stuck to the shampoo bottles. They TOTALLY shed badly at least once a year, and that time is worse and LOTS of time is spent on the coat care. If not, mats and hot spots follow....along with the HORRID small of hot spot. The ears need weekly attention and cleaning, due to the hanging ears and hair around it. They will knock kids over. They NEED obedience training!! SEVERAL classes. They need to be kept LEAN for their bone and joint development. They should not be kept on slippery floors, or be subject to stairs. Both are bad for growing joints. They should not go for walks on pavement, and are not a breed to jog with. They will not save you from home invaders. They MAY bark, if they are awake.
The have a wonderful temperment...so wonderful it shoud be that our breed standard starts with it. They are good with other dogs,cats, and people.
They have health problems, and vet bills are higher than for the average breed. All medications are MORE. You cannot buy one size of heartworm pill, you need two. The dog needs Baytril...take out a loan.
You do NOT shave them, but BRUSH DAILY!!! It is a lot of time and upkeep.
Think REALLY HARD before getting one. Your living situation does not sound ideal, and as a breeder, I would have concerns.
They are an expensive breed to buy, and should ONLY be gotten from a good breeder that has done ALL health clearances on the breeding stock.
I would NOT rate it as a good starter dog.

TO Jane D. (above me)...they are NOT,NOT,NOT known as a Newfoundland SHEEPDOG!!! They were NOT breed to do ANYTHING with sheep!!! They are a water/draft dog and the foundation for many of todays retrievers. ZIPPO to do with SHEEP!!!! They DO NOT herd AT ALL!!!!! Know what you are talking about before you answer!!
Maybe Jane is thinking of the Belgin Sheepdog???????????? It is BLACK and somewhat hairy too.

Uhh...pepsie...it really isn't HELPFUL to copy breed standards. This person does not care about the lay back of the shoulders, or the gait. She wants to know if the breed is for her....not if she can find the breed standard. If you know nothing about Newfs, don't answer.

Good idea to "edit" your cut and paste there pepsie!!!!!

Answer 2

Sorry to put a damper on things, but I believe you need honest advice. You really, really shouldn't have a dog at all. You're not a dog lover. Dogs, cared for correctly, are hard work, and I truly believe that yours would end up being re-homed once you woke up to the reality of owning a dog. I am definitely not trying to put you down. When people say they would never own a dog because they don't like them enough to have them around all the time, I accept that, and find it perfectly honest. My dogs take up oodles of my time, and I wouldn't have it any other way, but we are all very different, and that's what makes the world go round. Please - don't have one, it would be the wrong decision for you. Why do I know for sure? Being "taken" with the idea of fluffy playmates doesn't prepare you for puppy pee and poos, or cleaning up their muddy messes - you have an awful lot of work on with a 2 year old believe me. In between looking after your daughter, you will need to put puppy out every hour to housetrain it. Get yourself to puppy classes with the dog, then practise daily at home, so that you have a dog that is a pleasure to own. I don't think you have time for all the extra hard work involved.

Answer 3

don't get any dog unless you want it too. I personally would not get a dog with a 2 year old child. Yes they need training as do any dogs, yess they need space because they are a massive breed. I would love a 'newfie' but don't have a spare £1000-£1500 for a pup. I'm amused that JaneD is training to be a vet, yet cannot spell and says that they are sheepdogs which they are not, then recommends a yorkie, Airedale or bearded collie to live in a small house with inexperienced owner with a 2 year old child. I guess anyone can say anything on here. I am a multi millionaire vet who has a degree in rocket science and brain surgery.

Answer 4

I have worked with newfies and they are massive dogs that realistically speaking do require more room then a 2bed house.They also eat a huge amount and this becomes quite costly,they moult in bucketfulls,and the average price of a pup is between £800-£1,000 in the u.k.There not ideally a first time dog owners pet as they can be very strong minded and obviously they have no problem over powering a person.They are gentle dogs though very docile but in the right hands.Oh and if your house proud look else where that drool go's everywere.

Answer 5

I've never owned one though I've considered it, so have some of my family members. always keep size in mind when buying dogs it may start out small but these dogs grow to be about 27 inches and up to 150 pounds so i would consider space and sleeping arrangements for your dog. As for there temperament it says in one of my dog breeding books that "this is a dog for the whole family, but he is not for the house proud or the flat-dweller." He also most likely needs a lot of exercise. hope this advice helps. good luck

Answer 6

I knew a couple who had one - they had a little cottage but lived next to fields. Then they had a baby which was cool at the beginning but then when little one started walking the dog bowled her over all the time. They're really dippy and clumsy - lovable but in limited space and with kids they found it so stressful so the dog moved into his Mum and Dad's house. Think carefully.

Answer 7

Newfoundland's can be nice dogs, but yours doesn't sound like the ideal situation for one. Maybe you should look into a mid sized breed that doesn't require as much activity? There are plenty of good couch potato breeds out there that might be better around your daughter.

Answer 8

You cannot put a big dog in a small house. It's just wrong. Also, Newfies shed and drool a LOT- your little house will get really dirty really fast. They're very calm and good with children, but I just don't think they are a good match for your family right now.

Answer 9

The Newfoundland grows to be a very large dog that requires a lot of exercise and grooming. If you cannot afford to have someone walk him/her daily and be professionally groomed, and are unable or unwilling to do it yourself, then please don't get a Newfoundland.

They are very friendly and are good with kids. All dogs need training.

Answer 10

I think maybe you should get a smaller dog like a lab or a golden retriever

they are really sweet dogs and would get along with children

you should also think about getting a dog from the pound

we got both of our dogs from the pound and they are sooooo sweet