First off, if you're within a reasonable days drive, we require you to come visit. We want you to see the dogs, see the size, see the drool and see the hair!!!! We prefer that you come when we DONT have puppies. Our puppies usually are spoken for before birth or by a couple weeks old anyway, but we prefer there be NO puppies on the premisies when you come and visit. While this may sound odd, we have a very good reason for this:
We want you to look at the ADULTS, and not the puppies!!!
We've been doing this for a long time and we noticed a long time ago if there are puppies, people new to Newfs look at them, and not the adults. The problem with that is that a Newf puppy will be a little fuzzball for only a VERY short time. They grow very quickly, and what they grow into is a large, hairy, drooly dog that usually LOVES rain and snow and LOVES to be outside in inclement weather. What this means for you, is that your wonderful Newfie will love being wet and being muddy!! And if its ice and snow he'll be even happier!!! We want you to see the Newfi in all its natural glory, becuase they are often groomed one day and playing in the rain or snow the next.
So, if you still think you want a Newf, keep reading below:
As Newfoundland breeders, we feel that one of our most important roles is education for current and prospective Newfoundland owners. If you are new to the Newfoundland breed PLEASEconsider the thoughts and observations below BEFORE you decide to take this adorable little fuzzball home with you.
First and foremost, Newfoundlands as a breed are riddled with health problems. This high rate of health problems occurs in all breeds of purebred dogs, and the Newfoundland is no exception.This is mainly caused by a limited gene pool. In other words, if health problems turn up in ANY dog breed, breeders cannot breed to an outside breed to try to prevent them. Newfoundlands are definitely not a cheap breed to own. Sorry to say, but its true. We do the best we can to MINIMIZE the chances that your Newfoundland will develop health issues, but we CANNOT eliminate the possibility that they will.
And health issues in Newfs can be very expensive to correct. If your dog blows a cruciate ligament, you are looking at the possibility of a $3000+ operation to correct it.
Newfoundlands as a breed are very prone to hip, elbow and knee problems. Again, as responsible Newfoundland breeders, we can minimize the chances your pup will develop these problems, but we cannot say it wont happen. Our contract covers severe hip dysplasia only, since we feel we can reduce the incidences of severe hip problems. But our contract doesnt cover Mild or Moderate hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is considered to have multiple causes: genetics, nutrition and environment. Even researchers do not understand how all the causes work together to produce the defect.We do what we can by using only parents who have good hip conformation. Sadly, as a breed, the percentage of Newfs with joint problems remains depressingly high despite the work of dedicated Newfoundland breeders to try to eliminate it.
Newfoundlands can have allergy problems, they can have skin and eye problems, they can have a whole multitude of health problems. Just like you cannot control what problems your children have, we also cannot control what problems your Newf might have. Sometimes we are lucky enough to be able to detect a problem before a pup goes to their new home. However, that is not the norm. Most problems in dogs wont show up when the puppy is 10 weeks old. Most will show up as the puppy gets older.
We STRONGLY advise that your purchase pet insurance for your Newf (or ANY breed of purebred dog you might be considering!!!).
Newfoundland puppies grow EXTREMELY fast. The furry little bundle you see today will rapidly become a 100+ pound animal that can be very difficult if not impossible to handle if you neglect early training and socialization.
Newfoundlands are great with children. However, PLEASE remember that a Newfoundland puppy and a child should NEVER NEVER NEVER be left alone. By 6 months your Newfoundland can easily be in the 50 pound range, and still VERY much a puppy. A puppy that may nip, or knock over, or paw at your toddler.
A Newfoundland is NOT a babysitter! You much teach your Newfoundland puppy that your child is ahead of him/her in the "pecking order" of the "pack".
Newfoundlands need exersize, and they won't get it of their own accord. Even with a large yard, Newfoundlands do not just "get up and go" if they can lay and hold the grass down. You will need to find ways to interact with your pet to get him the exersize he needs. This means playing fetch, swimming or going for long, leisurely walks EVERYday.
Newfoundlands are to large to let get overweight. Weight control is one of the most important aspects of your pets health, right up there with quality food and necessary veterinary care..
Newfoundlands need to be brushed at least twice a week or so. They are not heavy year round shedders, but twice a year they shed PROFUSELY (by the trash bag full). This is called "blowing coat". Your pet will need to be brushed daily during this time to avoid skin irritations.
Newfoundlands slobber, and some slobber A LOT!
Newfoundlands need a fenced yard or kennel area. We recommend either 6 ft fencing, or electric fencing. Newfs are not known to be jumpers or climbers, but the normal chain link fence is not sufficient to keep a determined Newf in the yard..
Newfoundlands LOVE water and your furry friend will take every opportunity he can find to lie in it, jump in it or swim in it!!! After this wet little romp he will see no reason at all that he should not be allowed into the house.Newfs have a habit of taking people's hands in their mouths and leading them around. Though this can be endearing to you and people who know your Newf. it can be very disheartening to stangers who think your big guy is trying to bite them. This habit MUST be dealt with at an early age or it can be hard to break.
Newfoundlands crave human companionship. They need to be part of the family and they need a lot of interaction with their human family to keep them happy. They will paw and paw until you pet them and want to be right under your feet. If you are looking for an animal to keep inside while it is a pup, and then banish to the backyard a Newfoundland is not the pup for you. In fact you might want to rethink whether a dog is the best pet at all!!
Everything about a "giant" dog costs more. Food costs more, but Newfoundlands dont eat as much as you might think once they are grown. The more costly items are vet care, medicines, toys, grooming etc. Since most meds are dosed by weight, all his meds will cost more. The same will hold true for flea and tick preventative, heartworm meds andwormings.
Spaying and neutering will cost more, and the older he/she is the more it will cost!!
Grooming will be a LOT more if you have it done professionally. A full grown Newfoundland will cost between $60-90 to have groomed. Some groomers charge even more.
If your Newfoundland ever needs to be kenneled plan on paying high fees for most commercial kennels.
So, the bottom line is:
The initial purchase price of your Newfoundland will be the cheapest part of your life with him. If it is a struggle to come up with the purchase price, this is probably not the time to add a Newf oundland to the household.
After all of the "negatives" above, it is also important to point out that if you are willing to train groom and interact with your Newfoundland as he needs, you will be rewarded with one of the most precious relationships you will ever have. He will truly be your friend through thick and thin.
