Largest Newfs

Oxbridge

New member
Which breeding/pedigree lines or breeders have tended toward producing more of the largest Newfs (in height/weight)?
 

Jeannie

Super Moderator
The badly bred ones
Well said. Bigger is NOT better. Bigger means more joint and other health problems from poor breeding. If you are looking for a newf just because of the size, and the bigger the better, then a newf is not for you. Why would you want a bigger newf? A newf is not a guard dog. Maybe you need to continue your research on the correct breed for you.
 

Murphy

New member
I have said it before and I'll say it again. My Murphy was a giant and suffered for it. And while he was the most gentle soul and a true Newf.. Still.. came from a back yard breeder... I didn`t know better at the time and though my life was enriched beyond words for having him in my life and heart. It just wasn`t long enough.
 
Where is the LIKE button? Ronnie is so right. Responsible breeders will put their emphasis on health, not size.
:) to both. Snuffles old owner was looking for a massive dog, and was disappointed Snuffles never develop like that. He did fill ot to what I think he was looking for, but didn't get there till well after 5.
 

BLCOLE

Active member
Which breeding/pedigree lines or breeders have tended toward producing more of the largest Newfs (in height/weight)?
I don't mean this to sound snarky, but if you want a large, 170 pound plus dog maybe you should be looking at Saint Bernards...
 

Oxbridge

New member
From the responses above, apparently things are being assumed regarding my post that are other than what is actually stated in the words. I didn't say I was looking to acquire a large newf, or a guard dog(!), nor did I say that I am new to owning the breed, which I am not. I just innocently asked for opinions from those who are interested, what breeding lines they thought had produced the largest newfies.
 

Murphy

New member
From the responses above, apparently things are being assumed regarding my post that are other than what is actually stated in the words. I didn't say I was looking to acquire a large newf, or a guard dog(!), nor did I say that I am new to owning the breed, which I am not. I just innocently asked for opinions from those who are interested, what breeding lines they thought had produced the largest newfies.
And my answer was in no way judgmental... Just sharing from my own experience and from my heart.. If you stick around you will find that people here are very caring and compassionate..
 

Jager's Mom

New member
From the responses above, apparently things are being assumed regarding my post that are other than what is actually stated in the words. I didn't say I was looking to acquire a large newf, or a guard dog(!), nor did I say that I am new to owning the breed, which I am not. I just innocently asked for opinions from those who are interested, what breeding lines they thought had produced the largest newfies.
May we ask "why" you are asking? Maybe that would help others to understand your question better...and maybe you can find the answer you are looking for. :)
 

R Taft

Active member
Well I still feel those breeders should not be made public.......... :( Sorry I have dealt with enough rescues to have that particular opinion. I have a boy now, Harry, who will most likely be one of the HUGE ones. I have his registration papers (and I know which irresponsible Breeder he comes from), even though rescued... I trial my dogs and I do a lot of work withthem publicly, But he will not go under his Breeders name. He will just be registered Harry Taft as an unpapered dog, so if he does well, his Kennel name will not be attached to him......i am very much into promoting the healthy newf and will do anything to help the ones who were badly bred, left or unloved......But I will not ever support the irresponsible Breeders, in whatever manner...........I just feel very strongly about this :) Ronnie
 

Keira25

Member
It's hard not to react negatively if you've experienced an extra large Newfie with extra large problems. I don't think my breeder tried to breed to get a very large Newf, but did breed a "normal" size Newf with an extra large wonderful dog. Unfortunately, between her genetics and my spaying her early, I got a very large girl who had bad arthritis from the get go. Fabulous dog, and I loved her to bits, but I am extremely happy with my mini 95 pound Newf! She is healthy and I couldn't be happier. This is a very warm group, and maybe your question was misinterpreted, but you have to forgive those who have gone through the heartache of a large Newf with all the problems that sometimes comes with.
 

Emmy985837

New member
I can understand how the question could be misconstrued.
However this question can be asked for so many different reasons. Maybe they are looking for a Newfie on the smaller side to have the chance of having less health issues. I have know idea which breeders are breeding for size. I would look at pictures of different breeders dogs and decide what "newf look" you like or don't like, and eliminate breeders that way. JMO.
I wish you luck in finding the answer to your question.
 

Ginny

New member
You'd be surprised the number of people looking for a Newf, who have large size as a primary trait requirement. I always cringe when I hear owners bragging about how much their pup/adult weighs. It's worn as a badge of honor and is a dangerous stance. I have, however, seen a lot of large Newfs without health or orthopedic issues; as well as average/small Newfs with issues.

I don't think anyone was directing negative comments to you or making assumptions as to what you're looking for in a Newf. Education and the opinions of others come along with being a forum member...
 
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ElvisTheNewf

Active member
I actually think this is kind of a hard question because there can be a few different factors into why a newf could be extra large. Was it spayed/neutered early? It is just fat? Was it really bred to be that big?

My Elvis is a rather tall guy, was neutered early (before one year and before we had any idea it wasn't a good idea), and used to be really, really fat. I can honestly say he weighed 185 pounds at one point and sadly I'm not exaggerating. Is he this tall because he was neutered early or was he bred from larger lines? I have no idea because he came from a backyard breeder. I do take responsibility for him being overweight though - that one is all on us but over time we've gotten him down to slim 132. He's still tall, but now he's nice and skinny.

He had a TPLO when he was 4. Was it because he was big and fat? Probably. Was it because he was neutered early? I don't know my feelings on that one.


I guess I'm just not sure how they can breed for "large" without considering outside factors like neutering and owner feeding preferences. Height is one thing but overall total size is another in my opinion.

*Although I will say that I don't think anyone should be breeding for larger dogs. Standards exist for a reason and any worthy breeder should be staying within those standards
 

Franksmum01

New member
I am sorry you feel your question was received badly, it's just people always worry when these questions are asked as there are so many irresponsible breeders advertising extra large Newfs or dry mouth Newfs and the like. I am sure your question may have been innocent it's just a very sensitive matter.....this forum is amazing and people so kind and thoughtful, there is so much experience here I hope you can understand why you got the response you did......after all we all love the breed and want them to be sound health wise so we can keep them with us for as long as possible.
 

Codes

Active member
Debated whether or not I should post but here goes.

I feel for all of you who have had large newfs from breeders who did not support you or the dogs in times of troubles. That's a horrible thing to go through.

As to the poster of this question, why are you asking? Bigger isn't always better. First find a breeder who you like and trust and one who will be with you and support you for the life of the dog. Find the right breeder, this will be a liftetime friendship even after the dog passes. Hopefully at a ripe old age.

I have two very large Newfs from Leilah's litter. They were a concern to me right once they landed with their new families. I kept hearing puppy weights from the owners and I grew more and more alarmed. I knew one owner for certain got what I was saying about growing her puppy nice and slow. But he still grew at an alarming rate. As did the other boy. From a breeder's standpoint, I was extremely worried and concerned. Worried about joint issues, health problems major orthopedic issues down the road.....etc.

Fast forward several months and 13 month old Atticus landed here to stay while he attained his CH. He was BIG. A little overweight at the time but not alarmingly so. He's changed and grown a ton since I've had him since last Dec. He's gone through a lot of changes and some of them is what his previous owner went through with him. When he was growing, he'd get horribly skinny. He'd shoot up in height but although his weight was substantial he appeared much too thin. Finally things started to balance out. He now weights 160# at 19 months.This is NOT a brag. He's fit, heatlhy and most importantly *and I'm knocking heavily on wood here* sound. His litter brother is a good 15# heavier. I've not had my hands on him since he left here. From the pix that I've seen (and it's SO hard to judge from a picture) he looks very healthy and not overweight. His owner also appears to "get it" and knows slow and easy is the way to grow out a Newf.

Don't paint all breeders with the same broad stroke. This litter turned out bigger weight wise than i ever could have imagined. Parents were normal size and I knew there was big behind them but all of us involved (sire owner, breeder of sire...etc.) were gobsmacked when the pups turned out as big as they have. I'm thankful everyone is sound and well. Fabulous temperments too!:kiss:
 

R Taft

Active member
I suppose we should never generalize..it is a reactionary fault i have.......Mary I would never blame breeders for ending up with large dogs or other different things, even colours...but it worries me when people go looking for particulars and maybe this person did not even have this in mind....but i do know there are people who do look for the extra different newfies and there are breeders who go into "making" these newfies. As we are now having a few issues with a particular breeder whose newfies end up in Rescue
 

Codes

Active member
Oh sure I can understand that. I had a puppy inquiry not too long ago and all the puppy person was concerned about was getting the largest puppy in the litter. All they wanted was size. Needless to say, they're not getting a puppy from me...
 

wrknnwf

Active member
Actually, I think this is a pretty good thread for general education purposes. One thing that the poster should understand is that when we reply, it's with the thought that many people may read the replies; not just the OP. And it could be days, weeks, months or years from now.

It's far better to give an honest reply that applies to all, than to just specifically address the question, as though we were having a private conversation, when the question leaves a lot of room for interpretation, as this one did.

After re-reading all the replies, I think that was accomplished quite well and no one owes any apologies for anything, including making assumptions, when the question was not clarified in the first place.
 
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