Where did you get your newfoundland?

[Ms.Medellin]

Hello all! I'm looking into buying a newfoundland in the next few years (Though I am considering other similar breeds, so please feel free to tell me if you think I'm not suitable for the newfoundland, I won't be offended!) I'm a SAHW, so the newfoundland puppy should really only be home alone for three hours or so, given I'm even running errands that day. Me and my husband have no children, but do plan on having children in the nearish future, probably when the newf is a young adult. My husband is over the moon (He actually brought it up and left me in charge since I know how to spot a reputable and an otherwise not so reputable breeder.) My husband is in the navy so as you can imagine, we'll always be pretty close to the water, and we're both young and active. I plan on getting other dogs as well, such as a German Shepherd (I'm terrified of being home alone for when he's on deployments so I need a dog I feel confident will guard me, plus a running buddy and someone who's as high energy as I am. I'm aware a Newfoundland will be a VERY big change of pace.) Both dogs will be indoor dogs absolutely, though there will be access to the outdoors and proper exercise for their various mental and physical needs.

Now that you've assessed my general state, please feel free to tell me which newfoundland breeder you got your newfie from if you think we're a good match for a newfie, and if you think otherwise, please let us know why so we can look for another breed, or even suggest a different breed for us! Thanks you in advanced.

 

[Angela]

Hi and welcome to NN.
Here we are unable to name breeders, it's against the rules.
You don't say where you live but probably your best bet is to look up Newfoundland cLub of America, NCA, breeder list.
There are several Sticky topics in General forum on how to find a reputable breeder which I think may be of interest to you.
Newfoundlands can have many health issues so you want to look for breeders who do the health testing on the dam and sire before they breed.

 

[lmfoltyn]

Newfoundlands are wonderful dogs but you have to WANT a newfie to really be a good newfie parent. They are very attached to their human and NEED to be near them. It isn't a want to be close they NEED to be close...when I say close I mean in your space, in your face close. They follow you whenever you move...if just to go to the bathroom they will be there with you...if you change positions in bed they will wake up and be by your side...it is crazy and amazing. I will never be without a newfie as I love them so much...some are overly excitable, some are couch potatoes...it just depends on their distinct personalities. We have 2 newfs and 1 lab...our lab gets left out as the newfs are such attention getters. Our little girl needs to be loved and rubbed before going to bed...if you don't, she won't go to sleep until you do...We have had 3 newfs now and they all are different but they all have been wonderful...would not want another breed...good luck on your quest for a newf!

 

[BLCOLE]

Newfoundlands are wonderful dogs but you have to WANT a newfie to really be a good newfie parent. They are very attached to their human and NEED to be near them. It isn't a want to be close they NEED to be close...when I say close I mean in your space, in your face close. They follow you whenever you move...if just to go to the bathroom they will be there with you...if you change positions in bed they will wake up and be by your side...it is crazy and amazing. I will never be without a newfie as I love them so much...some are overly excitable, some are couch potatoes...it just depends on their distinct personalities. We have 2 newfs and 1 lab...our lab gets left out as the newfs are such attention getters. Our little girl needs to be loved and rubbed before going to bed...if you don't, she won't go to sleep until you do...We have had 3 newfs now and they all are different but they all have been wonderful...would not want another breed...good luck on your quest for a newf!

Ain't it the truth? Where is the like button?

 

[CathyC.]

Newfs dont make the best running companions. They can overheat. They will also accidentally knock over smallchildrenand slight adults by lovingly rubbing against them. You will always have a heard of dust bunnies to chase you down the hall and if your water runs low and you need a shower have no fear when a newf is near. Or 20 feet away. Mewfs need to be near you but they decide what constitutes near. the deck off our bedroom which you can see through the glass door is much closer than the tiled bathroom. Obi does not liketo be on that deck alone! You live near water? Fabulous. Dont get dragged in when your newf sees it, especially n the winter. Oh, the newf will be fine in the ice water but people, not so much! A beach in summer, you say? Have fun explaining to the parents of that child that your newf just doesnt think he should be that far into the water and really, they should get more swimming lessons in... A newf will likely be protective of you and your family. I would love to see a "visitor" try, just try, to get past obi. Newfs have a way of cornering a person and using their body as a shield. It is very effective. Newfs need training. They just happen to disagree. They will sit if they feel like it thank you very much and in their own time, too. Newfs are great with children. They really enjoy sharing their stuffed animals, too. Some kids mind soggy, chewed up toys but i cant think why... Newfs, big dogs, big vet bills, big food bills, big well you get the idea.

Newfs are the best dogs in the world.

 

[wulfin]

Cathy, you just made me want one even more :heart:

 

[R Taft]

Well I have newfies, five..... mine are not stuck to me like glue, becuase I teach my dogs to be independent, mine do not drag me to the water as we do water training and lots of Obedience training. which in my world is a must. I can walk four of mine at the same time, which is all you are allowed her in Australia legally, most likely could walk all of them..

So to me number one...Find a good Breeder who will support and help you with your puppy or a reputable rescue who will pretty much do the same. Numer 2 start training from day one, start training early. Give your newfie plenty of confidence, so they are happy sleeping somewhere and confident nothing will happen to them. I agree they love being indoors when you are as they are very dedicated to their owners. Mine also love being outside and going for walks once old enough.

As for guard duty, dogs that are easy and friendly still make great protection dogs. I live rurally and my dogs are very friendly, but that said, they will let me know when they do not like someone, usually for good reason and are quite protective. And all my newfies have been like that past and present.

And as to the kids in the future. If you have trained your newfie from day one that will not be an issue. You can teach dogs to be polite and not bowl people over, just again start from they one. Do not allow things to be done by a puppy (such as jump up) that you cannot allow an adult to do. start from pup and you will have easy to get along with dogs. personally I think have more that one dogs is great for dogs. newfs are very addictive, you cannot stop at one .... if you want a great running dogs look for a dalmation or any of the pointers, they love to run. I think nowadays most German shephers are not much better at running than a newfie. Unless you have newfies from my Australian Breeder that love to run...My Yussie and Urshie surely love it and have the energy......Again there are the working type newfie that is full on energy and the much quieter ones. I have both and there is a huge difference. My Katy is the most laid back would never enjoy running newf...My Urshei and Annabelle (even at nine) are high energy newfs and very fit, love to run. Harry and Lukey are more in the middle, depends on the day.

Really put in the energy to find a good breeder.....that is the most important of all. And see if you can meet some of the grown pups, that is what I did with my Urshie Breeder. Met lots of her pups as adults..... Good luck

 

[CathyC.]

Please understand that obi has not pulled me into the water. My point was that newfs are strong (therefore need training) and that they love the water, even ice water. Obi would actually prefer that i stay out of the water. He also has not intentionally bowled anyone over. He loves to be outside too, just not alone for very long. Honestly, he is a great dog and well behaved but i agree it does take effort and without that commitment one could have a very large problem on their hands. This is what i was trying to convey to the op. Finding a good breeder of sound animals is paramount but that is just the beginning if a person is to be able to truly enjoy their newf, imo. Big dogs come with big responsibilities. You cant simply pick up a misbehaving newf and stick it in your purse as we all know.:lol:

 

[R Taft]

Please understand that obi has not pulled me into the water. My point was that newfs are strong (therefore need training) and that they love the water, even ice water. Obi would actually prefer that i stay out of the water. He also has not intentionally bowled anyone over. He loves to be outside too, just not alone for very long. Honestly, he is a great dog and well behaved but i agree it does take effort and without that commitment one could have a very large problem on their hands. This is what i was trying to convey to the op. Finding a good breeder of sound animals is paramount but that is just the beginning if a person is to be able to truly enjoy their newf, imo. Big dogs come with big responsibilities. You cant simply pick up a misbehaving newf and stick it in your purse as we all know.:lol:

I sort of get that, but so many people get turned off by the over the top newfies, when they are so easy to train and great reliable polite companions when we the owners take the time..... I might have sounded a bit "off", but i do fortnightly training for the Victorian Newfoundland Group in Melbourne Australia and so many come with their totally out of control 12-18 month old newfie out of control. Just becuase they did not start when they were the great adorable easy to train puppies.....And it turns onlookers off the breed. When it can happen to any breed, but the newf is just easy to recognise...As a Trainer I find it sad how so many lovely dogs are just not happily trained..they love training.

 

[Darwinsnewfie@1855]

So true R Taft. I work at a local dog rescue and there are so many great dogs that just needed owners who cared enough to train them. It happens to all breeds. People get these cute little puppies and then expect them to act exactly the way they want them to, with out putting the time in to train them.

 

[BLCOLE]

Newfoundlands are wonderful dogs but you have to WANT a newfie to really be a good newfie parent. They are very attached to their human and NEED to be near them. It isn't a want to be close they NEED to be close...

I'll never forget when I had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever about 3 years ago. I was very, VERY ill and had to board my Newf because I was not able to take care of it and recover.

Got a call after a few days and was asked to PLEASE come pick up my dog. Apparently, she missed me a little TOO much and was acting out...