Newfoundlands good pets or not?

Question

I am thinking of getting a newfoundland and would like information from owners or experts about the dogs temperment, potential health problems and anything I should be aware of before purchasing one..... Thank you

Answer 1

I think you should contend with your blind lab puppy before getting into a Newfie. I love Newfs but they are always underfoot. I end up kicking Bess all the time. They can have severe health issues especially since there are very few quality breeders out there. Mine is a rescue and shouldn't be alive and it may be getting closer for her. Her hips are so bad it is getting harder and harder for her to get up and that is very painful for me to watch. Her heart is better now than what it was when we first rescued her but she still can't do too much.

And the loveable side - I can't believe she hasn't broken my ribs. When she wants pet she means it and throws her head at you. I love her to pieces and kept because no one else wanted to adopt a dying dog that was dog aggressive. She has been kicking for three years and is still a royal B*TCH with other fosters but we love her!!!

Answer 2

Newfoundlands have been described as one of the dogs that do teh best with children, maybe even the best. They truly are gentle giants. However, what you have to remember is that they are giants. Newfoundlands are collossal dogs and require lots of food, grooming, special care and MONEY. They are not just any old dog and they are very high maintainance. You have to be prepared to take care of one as if it were another child. If I were you, I would look up a few other breeds first, especially if you are a first time dog owner. Dogs that have high pain tolerance and lots of patience are good for children. High strung dogs are not good for households with small children simply because they can run around and knock kids over or hurt them. Also be careful of small dogs that are nippy or that were bred for herding. They might nip at your children or attempt to herd them... Do your homework! Visit websites that are the national club for the breed. Those sites will have extensive information and suggestions about the dogs. Edit: Well, since I know now that you've already got an english mastiff, I'd say a Newfoundland would be a good choice. Just be prepared for lots more shedding and even more drool!

Answer 3

I'll give you some cons about the breed, and then some pros.

Newfoundlands need a lot of companionship, so you can't leave them alone for hours on end or they can be very destructive. Some Newfoundlands tend to have a stubborn streak, and though they're responsive to training, they can be a little slow to learn. You'll have to have patience with them. Newfoundlands are not overly active dogs, but they are very rowdy and bouncy when young. While they commonly get along well with other dogs when socialized with them, some Newfoundlands are dominant with other dogs of the same sex. Newfoundlands also shed a LOT. If you like having a clean, hair-free, drool-free house, a Newfoundland probably isn't for you. Their big jowls slobber and drool. Lastly, they are prone to a lot of health problems common to giant breeds. There are many bone and joint diseases common to the breed, and they have quite a short lifespan compared to more moderate-sized dogs.

On the plus side, a well-trained Newfoundland is typically a very good-natured dog with kids and strangers. They love to swim and are very playful. Their thick coat is good for cold weather, but it might be difficult to own a Newf if you have hot summers, because they can't take extreme heat well.

Newfoundlands are huge dogs, commonly weighing anywhere between 100 and 150 pounds. This very large size makes them very powerful, and they'll take up a lot of room. It's important to train them while they're young, because they'll quickly become big, rowdy dogs that can destroy things with their exuberance. In order to control them, training while young is vital.

I hope that helps!

Answer 4

I love them. I have five now and have had Newfies since 1991.
They have a great temperment, they are great with other animals, they love kids, and they are willing to please. They are soft,good retrievers, great draft dogs, and wonderful swimmers. They are not generally hyper or over-active. They really do not eat a lot for their size.

That all being said...they are NOT for everyone.

They are big and need a lot of training. They really require outside time, and will play in the mud, dig holes in the yard to China, and will destroy toys buy the bucketful.

They require a LOT of grooming, especailly when they are blowing coat. They get hot spots easily when grooming is lax. They need trimming...which can be hard to learn to do. They swim a lot so frequent baths are needed. They are prone to ear infections if they swim or not.

They drool. Some breeders say they have "fry mouth" Newfs and that is NOT true. They all drool to some degree and as puppies there is NO way to tell how much. They can drool big thick gobs that they shake all over the walls. They will get a "film" all over many things.

They are prone to health problems. The parents should be screeded by OFA or PennHip for hip dysplasia. They cleared by OFA for elbows, cystenuria, and heat defects. ALL PUPPIES should be seen by a BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGIST before going to new homes. No exceptions. If a breeder had not done that, they are a BYB out for bucks. SAS, the heart problem, can crop up in a litter even if the parents have been cleared. They can have skin problems. Most vet bills are more due to the large sixe of these dogs.

If untrained, they can be inwelcome family members.
They cost a lot to purchase as a result of all the screenings for the parents, and becasue they are not the easiest dog to breed.

They do not come out of a box looking like the ones you see on TV at dog shows, and most only look like that for 10 min after leaving the ring!!!!

http://www.ncanewfs.org/index.shtml

There is a lot of information at the National Club site...read it all.

And lastly, the key is finding a GOOD and reputable breeder!!!!!!

Answer 5

The Newfoundland is a dog with an outstanding temperament, good, courageous, generous, intelligent, human. Lord Byron wrote of one of this breed: "... Courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of a man without his vices." It is also a patient dog, mild with guests, and obsequious with its master. He is noble, calm, gentle, loyal and trustworthy with a sweet temperament. Dignified and peaceable. Very devoted. They can become so attached to their owners that they cannot adapt to a new home. Good and brave. Intelligent enough to act on his own when needed. Protective, but tends to place himself between the intruder and his family rather than bark or growl. Newfoundland's can recognize a dangerous situation and will generally act if the family is threatened. Any dog, other animal, child, or visitor who has no evil intention will receive a friendly welcome, however some males may be aggressive with other males. But the breed is generally good with other animals. Patient, playful, and loving with children; he is a born babysitter. Very sociable. Enjoys the outdoors, but also requires companionship. The Newfoundland drinks a lot of water and may be messy about it, as he loves to get wet. They tend to drool, though not as much as some other giant breeds. Although puppies require a lot of food, an adult Newfoundland eats only about as much as a retriever. They love to swim and if backpacking near water, don't let the Newfoundland carry your sleeping bag - or you may spend a very damp night! This breed may be slightly difficult to train. Training must be conducted in a calm and balanced manner. These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. This dog's huge body tends to move rather slowly. Take this into account during training.
Height:
Male: 27-29 inches (69-74cm)
Female: 25-27 inches (63-69cm)
Weight:
Male: 130-150 pounds (59-68 kg)
Female: 100-120 pounds (45-54kg)

They will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They are sensitive to heat: provide them plenty of shade and cool water in warmer weather. These dogs prefer cool climates.

This gentle giant is quite content to laze around the house, but it will benefit from regular moderate exercise. It should have frequent opportunities to swim and frolic.

Daily to weekly brushing of the thick, coarse, double coat with a hard brush is important. The undercoat is shed twice a year in the spring and fall and extra care is required at these times. (The heaviest shedding period coming in the spring). Avoid bathing unless absolutely necessary, as this strips away the coat's natural oils. Instead, dry shampoo from time to time.

Answer 6

Well, Steel, ALL breeds of dogs can be dominant with other dogs of the same sex. Newfs are less so. Two male Rottis will start a fight faster than 2 male Newfs.

And they can thrive in the warm weather. Hawaii actually has a very active Newf club.

Answer 7

They are a great breed. Like any Big dog you have the potential hips problems and air getting in there stomach. They are big on drooling and they shed a lot but they love to be loved.

Answer 8

I think they are great dogs, but as with any large breed, they are a big commitment. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as bloat, subvalvuar aortic stenosis (heart condition) and cystiuria (bladder condition) all of which cost several thousand dollars to correct. There is also the cost of feeding and grooming.

Answer 9

They are great dogs. They are very good with kids. They have a great temperment. BUT, full grown, they are HUGE ! Something to consider. They also struggle in the summer heat.

Answer 10

They are very good dogs love to swim and are friendly . But they will protected their families. Lots of grooming big shedders .They are very smart good for obedience classes. Hip dyplaisia can be a problem. go to http://www.akc.org/ they can point you to breeders and tell you more facts about the dog.