My family is contemplating getting a Newfoundland pup. We have owned large breed dogs in the past but this would be our first registered pet. We are planning to go and meet with the breeder and see the mother and pups. They wont be ready to go till late February. Any advice?
2007-01-07 22:46:00 · 6 answers · asked by spudfarmer 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have had and bred them since 1991. They are a wonderful breed, but not for everyone!!
If the parents do NOT have health clearances for HIPS,ELBOWS,HEART,and CYSTENURIA....do NOT get a puppy!!!!!! There should be certificates from OFA that list on them the parents results. All these diseases are a great problem in the breed and can shorten the life of the dog GREATLY!!!!! They can drop dead of a heart defect, SAS, before they are a year. Do not believe ANY breeder that claims they do not test because it is not in their "lines".....it is in ALL Newf lines!!!!! I think Newfs are currently ranked 13th out of all the breeds for the highest occurance of elbow dysplasia. Hips are always a problem. If you can at least help to encourage a healthy pup, that is half the battle!
They shed....a lot. Especailly a good once a year blow-out of the coat. It requires a TON of grooming at this time to get the dead coat out, or massive skin problems can occur!! Twice weekly brushing will do the rest of the time for most.
They DROOL. Sometimes the drool has hair in it and sometimes the drool with hair gets shook onto the walls and ceilings. It gets on your clothers and furniature. It gets on guests. People have slipped on drool that was on the floor.
Vet bills are greater. They weigh a lot and most medications go by weight. A good skin or ear infection can cost a fortune.
They like the outdoors and develop better coat and bone mass if they are allowed to spend a lot of time outside. For that, you need SPACE. And a good FENCE.
They need early training and obedience class. A few obedience classes is the norm. They get BIG and STRONG and can be very hard to control if not trained.
Their temperment is wonderful and they are a giant,soft,strong,happy breed. I love them and cannot imagine having anything else!!!!!!
Just remember, the health clearances are TOP PRIORITY!!!! Do not buy a dog for untested parents just because it is cute!!! Usually, a pup from BYB untested dogs costs just as much as a a pup from a good and responsible breeder.
2007-01-08 01:53:03 · answer #1 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Most Newf have lovely temperaments. They tend to be gentle giants, and as a previous answer mentioned, can knock over a small child, without meaning to, so consider the ages of the people in the household.
Get a good vacuum, (I suggest a built-in with a LARGE canister),.... , a good brush and comb grooming set, huge water bowl and be prepared to spend money on vet bills. They dogs are expensive at times, but worth it. They love to be loved back.
They need a decent size yard, but not acres and acres.
2007-01-07 23:00:57 · answer #2 · answered by bc_is_the_place_to_be 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we had a newfoundland for about 10 years and he was a great dog. very placid and affectionate. he did shed alot of hair though and droolled a fair bit. he was great with kids but sometimes he did knock them over but not on purpose. they are great dogs if you have the commitment to look after them properly.
cheers!
2007-01-07 22:55:23 · answer #3 · answered by agent99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't own a Newfoundland but I just want to say that this breed of dog is awesome. They are gentle giants. I congratulate you on your choice of dog.
They can be dominant breed though - Ensure you are the Alpha pack leader.
All the best - Enjoy your dog.
2007-01-08 01:09:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i have a 3 month newfoundland pup and he's not much of a trouble maker! if your lucky you will be just like me
2007-01-08 01:00:40 · answer #5 · answered by All About Dogs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well my neighbors owned one when i was a kid, they are really nice and huge, type in adult newfoundlands on google images, I plan on owning one of those gentle giants
2016-05-23 09:24:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋