Anyone own a Newfoundland?

Question

I am thinking of getting another Dog, i have a labrador, i have a house and garden and always make time to exercise a dog although i work, however if im out all day i have someone walk my lab so could do the same with this one.
Im just wondering what they are like? they sound lovely from everything i have read, i love big dogs and dont mind shedding or slobbering!! i have read they are really gentle is this true?

Answer 1

They are very gentle dogs, great with kids - that's totally true. A newfie puppy, though, is still a puppy, a very big puppy, so you have to use common sense if you have young kids. My newfie had a terrific head with tight flews so he didn't drool except on really hot days. The amount of drooling depends on the dog's head - if his head's more like a saint, you get more drool.

They do shed a lot and need daily grooming while going through their bi-annual shed, but I enjoy grooming as much as my dogs do, so that was never a big deal.

My boy was a show dog, obedience (although I must admit he wasn't nearly as fast a learner as the afghans, but he really enjoyed it), and he was trained to pull and loved nothing more than pulling kids on a sled.

You sound like an ideal person for a newfie - go for it!

Answer 2

For the most part yes, they are gentle dogs. Have you looked into any associations for newfies? That and the AKC website would be able to give you specfics about the breed. I do know that they require a lot of brushing.

Answer 3

if you get it as a puppy it will be great. I got one that was over a year old and it ended up being rather aggressive due to the fact that it was left outside all the time. If you have the time to devote to this breed, go for it.

Answer 4

very nice breed - PROVIDED you get one from a reputable breeder.. but bear in mind ,, the life span is shorter than a smaller dog...... check out newfoundland club of america website - can get info for that and others from AKC.ORG