How many?

[BigJimsmagik]

Hi all!

Well I think I'm just about ready to fill out a puppy application to get on a waiting list for my first Newf pup. :dance01:

What I am not sure about is how many? there are a couple of Breeders I am interested in talking with (1 is a referral)

How many Puppy applications did some of you fill out when you started looking for your Newfies? is it best to fill out their form and wait or can I add my own questions on another and send it in with it?

I am so nervous! lol I had such an awful experience once with breeders (cat) and it is just nerve wracking for me.

 

[Pipelineozzy]

I think you should talk to as many breeders as you can before you decide to get on a waiting list..and find one that you feel really comfortable with. This is a big decision, and you should feel VERY comfortable with the person you are buying a dog from, after all, they should be your number one resource once you have your pup. I'd also ask the BREEDER for references...so that you can talk to some of the people that actually have their dogs...and find out how they feel about the support etc. that they get from their breeder. Another good reference is their veterinarian. A good breeder will be more than willing to answer your questions in a way that you can actually understand...and will be happy to talk to you for as long as you need to make sure you are making an informed decision!! I don't think there should be any issues with putting your own questions on the form either... Better to be cautious than to regret the whole thing.

 

[M & M's Mom Linda]

Visit the breeders...even if they are a distance away. I think one on one contact helps to make a decision. Of course...follow the guidelines on this site and ask the right questions. Go to the regional club events as much as you can...that opens up the Newf world to you...even better volunteer to help...you learn so much!

 

[BigJimsmagik]

Thank you for the replies! they are very helpful.
I think there is a rally/obedience show in Feb here that I plan on going to. There should be some Newfs and their owners there.
There is an obedience trainer here that owns Newfies, I plan on going to talk to him and watching a class or 2. I would really like to go to the national in BC as well. If I can get the time off to go, I do plan on Volunteering. I have sent off my application for the Canadian Newfy club.

 

[Angela]

Definately go to the Canadian National in Vancouver. I will probably be there with the 3 doing Rally or something. Oh, yes, forgot, Nicholas needs to be in the Draft test:shuffle:
Have you checked out about joining the Alberta Newf club? I think they do a carting thing in the Christmas parade, maybe it's either gone or snowed in!!!
You are likely to see several breeders at the National, btw.

 

[R Taft]

With my first newf I followed the show circuit for a while and I talked to some breeders after they had finished showing. I also wen to some water days and with a combination of the two i found my breeder. I liked/loved her dogs and I put in my application form. This was for my first pure bred pup in 1989, And I had to wait for almost a year, because there are not many newfs in Australia. She put us through the "third degree". And at first I thought we had failed. Until we visited and played with her grown dogs. And she told us she liked the way we got on with her dogs. Anyway we always get our pups from her now, and we have become friends and she is our mentor in the newf world. She is always there for support and only a phone call away.
Good luck with your Quest, Ronnie

 

[ardeagold]

Keep one thing in mind...even if you have no intention of showing, don't eliminate show breeders. Most pups from a litter go to pet/working homes versus show homes. Few are "show quality", therefore, you can still get a quality dog from a quality breeder as a pet.

Many breeders compete with their dogs in conformation plus get working titles. That shows that not only do the dogs physically conform to the breed standard, but they also can do the jobs they were intended to do. (Can't do the job if the structure isn't right) A pretty dog is nice, but if they can't work in their intended areas, something's not quite right. Poor or incorrect structure can lead to major medical issues ... and be painful for the dog, as well as costly and heartbreaking for the owners.

People often eliminate show breeders because they feel that the pups produced are always show dogs. Not true.

Find the best breeder you can, go to shows, trials, club events, and then meet the breeders in person if at all possible. This is a person you want to have a lifelong relationship with, who also will have a lifetime commitment to his/her dogs...no matter what.

Learn what constitutes a quality breeder and a quality dog.

A healthy pup, from healthy lines, with a lineage that has a history of a true Newf temperament, from a responsible, quality breeder is what you're looking for. If it takes you a year or two of searching and research...don't get discouraged. The right breeder for you will come along at the right time. That person might be the first breeder you talk to...but don't make that decision until you know all there is to know about the good, the bad and the ugly (and the expensive).

 

[BigJimsmagik]

I will only go to a quality breeder that shows and is active in the Newf community. I prefer to have a pup from a breeder that does carting and those activities the dog was meant for. The couple of Breeders I have wanted to contact does these activities and I like the look of their breeding dogs. I also want a pup that has been raised in the home with the hustle and bustle not in a kennel.
If he/she has a "show quality" pup available I am more than happy to take that puppy provided His personality will be a good match for us.
I would like a dog that will be happy doing carting/rescue and therapy work as I am interested in doing these things with my dog and get my kids involved with it as well.
I would love to visit a breeder! all those newfs to romp with!! Oh and talk to someone who is as crazy about them as I am of course. :lol:
I have become very good friends with the breeder of one of my cats. Not only do I have lifelong support, I have a very good friend out of the deal and that is also important to me with a Newf breeder as well.

Most Important though above all else I want a big ol bear to love and snuggle on the floor with!

Angela - I have to have a sponsor to join the Alberta Newf club. I will wait until I get more involved in the Newf community. I am going to do my best to get out to the National it will be a lot of fun!

Thank you all for the advice and words of wisdom!