.jpg)
"What's
it like to have a Newfoundland?"
So,
what is it really like to have
a Newfoundland? I could not
imagine life without my Newfs.
They are extremely loyal, seem
to have a sixth sense about
people, both good and bad, are
very laid back (as soon as you
get beyond the puppy training
stage), Extremely in tune with
their family, and the most loving
breed I have met. If I ever
have a sick day my girls are
right next to me and won't leave
my side. They are very emotional,
dislike discord, are creatures
of habit, and do not need a
ton of room like most people
think. They love to be in the
house and treated as a lap dog,
they don't realize they are
giant dogs when they try to
sit in your lap.
.jpg)
One
of Otis's first pups.
Our
dogs go camping with us, they
sleep on our beds and are a
huge part of our family, I can't
even take a shower without one
laying against the shower door.
They are exceptional around
children or anybody who is small,
they get along with cats, horses
other dogs just fine. They are
happy go lucky all the time.
.jpg)
Lindsey
my first Grand Baby and Mouse
Are
they for everyone? Of course
not.
If
you require a spotless house,
this is not the breed for you.
If
you are an active person who
likes to walk 10 miles a day
this is not the breed for you.
Newfoundlands
do drool but not as much as
people think. Males more so
than females. They tend to drool
more if they are nervous, or
the obvious, too hot. Or if
your taking to long to get their
supper ready but it's not a
constant drool.They also “blow
their coat” a few times per
year. They are not perpetual
shedders. Newfs do not need
to go to the groomer every month.
However, they do require brushing;
the “slicker” brush is the best
for this breed. I also use a
metal comb. I would also recommend
to take your newf to the groomer,
it's a lot of work getting the
coats out twice a year and the
groomer will do a wonderful
job for about 100.00. I groom
my own dogs and find it very
relaxing and they do to. I have
had newfoundland dogs now for
over 40 years, they do best
in homes that someone is around
through the day. They are not
guard dogs in anyway, sure they
will bark when someone comes
but thats about it. They don't
like to be alone so living outside
alone at night would be something
that would make the Newfs unhappy.
I
do not line breed or inbreed
for the same reason you can't
marry your cousin, never made
sense to me to do this, and
it would surprise you how Many
breeders do this for they are
Looking for the perfect show
dog not the perfect family dog,
which is a huge difference.
I also do not breed "designer"
dogs like Noodles. Not sure
why people want to change this
beautiful breed.
I
don't sell my dog online, I
need to meet the families and
have them meet the dogs before
they are placed on a litter.
Reading things on line and seeing
pictures of a newf isn't the
same as meeting them. You need
to make sure this is the breed
for you for this is a life long
commitment.Obedience
is very important right from
the get go, these cute little
babies grow up to be 200+ lbs
and can be very strong and sometimes
stubborn, you need to teach
them right from wrong as pups
for it's hard to do when they
out weigh you.
Also,
not all Newfs immediately “take”
to water. This is something
that should be introduced slowly
at about 4 to 5 months of age.
Some love the water as pups
and some do not. My girls just
go boating for the snacks.
Feeding
a high quality dog food is also
paramount. Puppies should be
feed Large breed Puppy for 18-24
months Newfoundlands average
between 3 to 6 cups a day, provided
the kibble you feed is superior.
Adding wholesome food is the
key to a healthy dog, and less
trips to the vet. My dogs eat
better than my kids do:-) Supplements
are also important, I give puppies
and my adults Milk Kefir and
pre and probiotics daily, yogurt,
table scraps, fruits and cooked
veggies, cheese, eggs. I make
my own wholesome treats which
they Love and I know the ingredients
are safe.
Jogging:
I am also asked this question
by people who are runners and
wonder whether a Newfoundland
would be good to take along
with them. Unless you want to
stop numerous times during your
run because your Newfoundland
decides he is tired and does
not wish to continue, the answer
is no. Stairs are another bad
thing for a growing newf puppy,
their bones are soft as they
grow to their large size and
can't pull their weight up and
down stairs. A few stairs are
fine but several is just too
much.
Guard
dogs no, protective yes
Obtaining
a puppy is a huge responsibility
and they should never be purchased
because your children want one,
trust me I have children, and
the novelty wears off and it's
usually the Mom looking after
the dog. They are not high maintenance
dogs but still require a lot
of attention. Newfoundland's
do not do well being alone in
a shop or living outside. They
do best on the couch or Very
large dog bed in your room.
Both
Breeds are so enjoyable. I spend
most of my days laughing at
the dogs for they are always
doing stupid things and goofing
off. They have brought so much
joy to my life, couldn't imagine
my life with out them...
You
can always call me if you have
more questions I love to talk
about our dogs.
    
    
|