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 Newfoundlands
So you think you want a
Newfoundland?:
Owning a Newfoundland can be a wonderfully rewarding experience. It can
also be a disaster! Careful
thought and a tremendous amount of research must be done BEFORE you
purchase your pup.
Ask yourself:
1. Do I really want a Newfoundland?
2. Can I afford to keep a dog?
3. Do I have time to spend training, grooming, exercising, and playing
with a dog?
4. Will a Newfoundland fit into my lifestyle and my home?
Did you answer yes to all the questions? Then, Let's go on!
So you've decided on a Newfoundland... male or female? Did you say that
you wanted a quiet dog or an
active one? Contrary to what public opinion may say, Newfoundland pups are
quite active until at least
eighteen months old, maybe older! And the grooming, a
serious consideration! Your dog will have to be groomed regularly. It's a
project that takes more than just
twenty minutes a week. Will you do the grooming or will you pay to have
someone else groom your dog?
Now what about training? Whether puppy kindergarten or
beginning obedience, your pup will require structured schooling in its
first year, to ensure that you will be
able to control this BIG dog!
A few more points that deserve consideration:
- How much does a Newf eat? How much will it cost to feed my Newf?
Contrary to their size, a Newf does not need massive amounts of food to
grow properly or maintain a
weight appropriate for their size. However, growing pups will probably
cost more to feed than a full
grown adult. The price of a forty pound bag of a quality dog food could
range from $25.00 to as much as $38.00 per bag. The pup will be eating two
to three cups three times a
day, just to give you an idea.
-Does it cost more to take a big dog to the vet?
It certainly does! More body surface to examine, larger doses of
medications, and etc.
-Is there a variety of Newfoundland that DOES NOT DROOL?
NO!! Some Newfs may drool less but none are dry-mouthed!
-Does a newf need a lot of grooming?
YES!! Regular grooming reduces the incidence of hot spots and ear
infections and will alert you to flea
and tick infestation.
The Breeder
Your first interview with the breeder should be done, ideally,
with no puppies around, so as not to cloud
the issue with adorable Newf puppies running around. Observe closely to
determine if the dogs appear
happy and healthy, if the dogs area is free of stool and clean if the
water buckets are clean and filled with cold water, if the dogs are well
groomed, behaved. Look to see if the dogs have shade and proper shelter.
Are they happy
to see you or shy? Does the breeder seem to be proud of the dogs? Does the
breeder belong to regional
and national Newfoundland clubs? Does the breeder participate in dog
shows?
Receiving positive answers to these questions tell you that you are at a
good starting point. Any negative
answers, say good-bye!
You should be able to see the bitch that will be/is bred. You may or may
not be able to see the stud dog,
as he may not belong to the bitch owner. This is not unusual.
You should be able to put your hands on the bitch, to verify her
temperament. This is the time that you
should ask about diseases that affect the Newfoundland, i.e., have the
hips been x-rayed? Is there an
OFA number? Can you see the certificate? Has the heart been
checked/certified?
Ask about the breeders contract and make sure that you fully understand
its contents. Ask about guarantees,
names of previous puppy buyers as references. Look at the pedigrees of
sire and dam, checking for titled dogs.
This COULD indicate that the pups come from good examples of
the breed, as well as intelligence.
A dedicated breeder will:
-talk almost non-stop and fanatically about the history, qualities, and
faults of the dogs.
-try to talk you out of the Newfoundland breed.
-want references and/or photos of your home/yard.
-ask about your past dogs.
-ask if you have a fenced yard/pen.
-ask who will be the primary caretaker of the dog.
-ask you to take the dog to obedience school.
-ask what your plans are for the dog.
-ask how your last dog died.
-make you feel like you just got the third degree!
The questions are not meant as an insult, but only to assure the breeder
that the pups he/she brought into
this world are going to be properly cared for.
Your search is over, finally!
Now you have found the breeder that you feel comfortable dealing with.
Expect to spend a lot of time with the breeder between now and when the
pup is ready to go home with. There is much to review!
Newf Health
-What are the most common health problems?
Hip dysplasia, heart problems, hot spots, ear infections,
allergies, cherry eye,
genetic eye problems, Von Willebrands disease.
-Are Newfs good with children?
YES! BUT, you must remember that if a child torments a dog, the dog may
grow to resent children.
-Do Newfs need to swim?
No, a Newf does not NEED to swim, but they do enjoy it and it provides a
wonderful form of exercise for
your dog!
-What is the difference between "show" and "pet" quality?
Show quality - has no outstanding faults as compared to breed
standard.
Pet quality - has a trait that is not acceptable in the show ring
and should not be passed on.
-What coat colors are available?
The Newfoundland standard accepts the following coat colors:
black, white and black, gray, and brown.
There are other colors that are far less common and are not accepted in
the standard, as far as
conformation showing. The unacceptable colors do not mean that the dog is
not a wonderful
Newfoundland!
-Do Newfs make good watch dogs?
Yes, but not in the same manner as Dobermans or Rottweilers. While a Newf
does have a strong protective
instinct it is their size and deep bark that intimidates most intruders.
-How long does a Newfoundland live?
An average of 10 - 12 years.
-What kind of temperament should the Newfoundlands have?
A very social and active temperament/personality.
-What are the negative aspects of the Newfoundland breed?
Drooling, shedding, sloppy water drinkers.
Once you have considered these points and if you are still in favor of a
Newf, the next step is to order
some reading material.
"THE NEWFOUNDLAND PUPPY" by Judi Adler.
Send $26.00 to : Judi Adler; 12320 S.W. Malloy Way; Sherwood, Or 97140
HOW TO FIND AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BREEDER
You've decided on a Newf! It's important to speak with several different
breeders. Breeders may be
located in a variety of ways, i.e., local breed referral service, dog
shows, kennel clubs, Newfoundland
clubs, Veterinarians owners of Newf's, etc.
Keep in mind, that people begin breeding for different reasons. Some do it
strictly as a commodity, some
sell to brokers, who, in turn, sell to pet stores. There are those,
referred to as "backyard breeders", who
breed to attempt to reimburse themselves for what they spent on the bitch
that they bought, or to give
their children a chance to see a birth. These "backyard breeders" are
usually unaware that there is a
breed standard, or that the line their dog comes from may have a genetic
fault, or that there are certain
health checks or tests that should be done before breeding. These are the
ones that will find some excuse
NOT to take their dog back should a buyer be unable to keep the dog. These
are the breeders that must
advertise in newspapers to sell their pups because they are not prepared
to keep the pups that cannot be sold.
Then, there a responsible breeders.... who breed selectively. They xray
for hip dysplasia, spaying or neutering those dogs affected. Brucellosis
test are done prior to breeding, heart and eye certifications are obtained
. These responsible breeders enjoy bringing healthy, well structured
puppies into the world because they are committed to the Newfoundland
breed. These breeders know who their pups are going to before they are
born. All of their pups, whether pet quality or show are placed in homes
with the same care and devotion. These breeders insist on contracts, which
include a provision that they will take their dogs back, at any time, no
questions asked. They consider the pups that they produce to be their
responsibility for the entire dogs life.
Responsible breeders answer the buyers questions, they guarantee their
pups free of genetic defects common to the Newfoundland breed, they keep
in touch with the buyer, just to see what's going on.
You should expect to receive:
-health/vaccination/worming record
-feeding schedule/instructions
-contract
-AKC registration slip
-3 to 5 generation pedigree
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