The North Central Newfoundland Club

So You Want a Newfoundland?

What is a Newfoundland?
A very large dog, and when full grown generally stands about 24" (female) or 28" (male) at the shoulders. They usually weigh between 110 to 150 pounds, and the males are generally larger than the females. Most Newfs are Black, but other colors are White and Black (Landseer), Brown, or Gray. They normally have double coats; a wooly undercoat, and long guard fur.

Drawbacks about owning a Newfoundland
Newfs drool; some a lot, some once in a while. When you own a Newf, your home will be decorated with slobber. Slobber will be everywhere, just like the balls of fur.

They have a lot of fur, and are considered a "high maintenance" breed, since they need constant grooming. Grooming must be on a routine basis, otherwise, if neglected it might take you all day just to untangle the fur. Newfs shed a lot.

Newfs are very BIG DOGS. Their tails are at the perfect height to wipe out the contents of your coffee tables, and their noses are dining room table height or higher. If untrained, they will knock down children, and senior citizens, by bumping or jumping onto the person.

Due to their large size, and rapid growth the first year, they will eat a lot. Depending on the Newf's age, size, and activity level, a Newf may eat between 4 to 8 cups of high quality food daily.

Some regular expenses include veterinarian care, professional grooming, boarding, etc. Since a Newf is large, expenses are higher than a toy poodle.

Owning a dog requires confining your dog within your property. You will need a fenced-in yard, or kennel run. Newfs require a fence to be at least six feet high. A Newf should never be tied up, or put on a trolley. Shelter must be provided to protect your dog from extreme weather conditions. Most Newfs want to spend time with their owner, and will not be happy if left alone outside for long periods of time.

Newfs will need regular exercise, especially an adult. Most adult Newfs are inactive if left alone. To keep them happy and healthy, you need to take them out for long walks, play games, and take them swimming (if possible).

Will you have time to take your Newf to obedience classes? Puppies will need early obedience training since a Newf puppy may weigh 90 to 100 pounds at 8 or 9 months old. Will you have time to spend 10 to 15 minutes daily, training your Newf between your weekly classes?

The breed is prone to the following health problems (but not limited to): Hip Dysplasia, Heart Problems, Skin Ailments, and Arthritis. To help you in trying to find a healthy puppy, check with the Breeder to insure that the parents of the puppy have been OFA certified for their hips, and have had heart clearances.

Unfortunately, like most giant breeds, their life expectancy is very short, usually about 8 to 10 years.

Good reasons to own a Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is known as the "Gentle Giant", loyal and kind companions to humans. Temperament is the hallmark of the breed, and most Newfs are great with children.

They are intelligent, versatile working dogs, love the water and possesses strong water rescue instinct. Most Newfs enjoy pulling carts for children, hauling wood or the family's Christmas tree. They do well in obedience and tracking.

Due to their calm disposition, most Newfs are regular volunteers visiting nursing homes, schools, and various health facilities.

The Newfoundland is truly a magnificent animal, and beautiful to behold. They have a proud head carriage, and you can see their intelligence and serenity when you look into their eyes.

If this is the breed for you, the following guidelines will help you purchase a Newfoundland puppy.
Write, call or visit at least two or three breeders. Be sure to see an adult Newf so you will understand the size of this dog. Try to attend local dog shows, and visit with Newf owners. Look at the Standard for the Newfoundland which are the guidelines that describe the ideal Newf.

Plan to wait 4 to 6 months or longer for a puppy; a healthy puppy is worth waiting for.

Buy a puppy from a reputable breeder.  A reputable breeder usually is an active member of the local Newfoundland Club, and the Newfoundland Club of America.  The breeder is usually a participant at dog shows, whether obedience or other working dog events. The Newfoundland Club of America, Inc. publishes a Breeders List.  It is included in the General Education packet which also contains a booklist, subscription information to the quarterly magazine Newf Tide, membership information, regional club and rescue information and the booklet The Newf And You.  The packet can be ordered by sending $ 5.00 to the Newfoundland Club of America at P. O. Box 2614, Cheyenne, WY 82003.

Most reputable breeders will not release their puppies until 8 weeks of age.  It has been noted that it is critical that the puppy be with the mother and littermates for proper socialization.

When visiting the breeder, observe their facility.  It should be clean, lots of drinking water available, adequate shelter and space provided for the dogs. All the Newfs should be good-natured and approachable.

There is another option to getting a Newf, and that is to look into Newfoundland Rescue.

10 Tips on Where To Buy a Purebred Pup

Buying a purebred pup is like marriage or any other long-term relationship -- impulse or convenience shouldn't determine where you do your match-making. The pup you buy should be a quality companion that looks and acts as a fine representative of his breed. Considering the source of the pup is the first step of the smart buyer. Rate your pup's origin with this checklist.