Making an educated decision

I was fortunate enough to be raised with Newfies and now that I have a family and home of my own, I am ready to adopt our new family member. After months of researching breeders, I have finally narrowed it down to two breeders in my area. Both of these breeders are highly reputable. They do health checks on the parents, heart checks on the pups at 10 weeks and require proper fencing and puppy training classes. They both also provided me with generations of pedigrees for their dogs which are very impressive. I will even be able to spend time with their dogs at a local dog show next week. However, I am now left with an option that I did not think possible. One of these excellent breeders has a beautiful, well mannered 3 year old who will no longer be breeding and would be available for new ownership. I'm trying to make a well thought out decision between getting an adult verses a 10 week old puppy. The adult Newfie is excellent with children. I have an active 5 year old and the adult Newfie was so gentle with him. They even cuddled up together on the breeders kitchen floor and looked as though they had spent a life time together. However, my husband feels that we are missing out on that puppy bonding time and we should take that into account when making this decision. Could some of the more experienced Newfie owners shed some light on my situation and maybe even give me the +/- on owning an adult verses a puppy. I'm trying not to make an emotional decision, but I am really drawn to the older Newf. However, it has been decades since I spent time with a Newf puppy.
 

Jeannie

Super Moderator
I'd go with the older newf. You have a small active child and throwing in a puppy is going to more than double your workload. An older newf will be settled down. Some puppies can be a real handful. (read some of the posts) An older newf can bond just as well as a puppy. I've had 5 newfs, only 2 as puppies. I think the older ones bonded more than the puppy.
 

victoria1140

Active member
Pups dont stay small for long.also can be very hyper.

With a small child in the mix l would go for the older dog

I have had older rescues and newf pups and prefer next time to go for a more settled older animal.they still bond as well and are easier to integrate
 
No personal experience, but since I got my Newf at 2 and my first ever dog, I always said I got the broken in model, so less training/house breaking etc. And like others are leaning too, sounds like this fellow has a great temperament. You will never know how the puppy will do.
 

DAWNMERIE

Active member
What's wrong with the emotional choice? I tend to go with my gut and it usually works out best. Whatever your choice, I think you've done your homework and will be pleased.
 

lmfoltyn

New member
I have had two puppies, one 10 weeks and one 6 months and two older rescued newfs. I would take the older newfs anyday...I thought the 6 month old was crazy until I got the 10 weeks old puppy...she was insane...didn't think I would make it...the older newfs bond very quickly to you because that is just what newfs do...they become attached at your hip...so for you I would definitely go with the older newf...good luck...
 
Thanks for all the valuable feedback! I'm taking this decision very seriously and so far my gut tells me that the best decision for my family is the adult Newfie. I will be spending more time with him this month and already feel a connection with him. The last two times I saw him he just wanted to give me sweet, sloppy kisses and was excellent with my son, and that says a lot. My son was so excited when he met this Newf and was running around playing with all the dog toys, however, the dog didn't seem to be bothered by it and just wanted to give everyone kisses. I totally forgot just how wonderful Newfs really are. Thanks again for your insight.
 

wrknnwf

Active member
I would go with the older dog also. And...ta da...get a pup later on. It's a well known fact that you can't have just one. Having an older dog is very helpful in teaching a pup the ropes and teaching kids as well. I'd say a three year old dog is the perfect age for a youngster.
 

BLCOLE

Active member
I would go with the 3 year old dog. Think about it this way? Do you REALLY want to have a 100 pound plus puppy? Newf puppy stages tend to last a long time.
 

Ginny

New member
Newfs bond with their people regardless of when they are brought into the family.

The 3 year old should be a known entity in terms of health (I'm assuming clearances have been done and any past health issues have been divulged). Even with the best pedigrees, how the genes come together is a crap shoot and you could end up with a pup that has problems.

Pups tend to look upon kids as littermates which can present challenges. You've already seen the relationship between the adult and your child.

It's a bit unusual for a breeder to let a 3 year old breeding female go since she's still young enough to have pups. I'd be asking why she's being taken out of the breeding program...
 

Brandie&Maggie

New member
Congratulations!

All other things being equal, I'd go with the 3y/o as well. We've had 2 newfs. One was 3-4 when we got her (rescue) and the newest is 19 months, also a rescue. We have a 1 y/o son and it's way more difficult this time around with the younger teenage dog. I love her and wouldn't change it, but it's sooo much different than having a more calm dog.

An older dog who is already more settled and is great with kids sounds perfect to me!
 

Jentarin

New member
I'm on my first newf, and she's almost two, so my experience is not exactly extensive. That being said, I would go with the adult. A five year old is not going to remember or appreciate the puppy experience, but will always remember this dog, whom he already loves.

On the same note, a 12 or 13 year old would be a great time in my mind for your son to learn about the responsibilities and training of a puppy, and that will probably be about the time this dog is crossing the bridge (and yes, I feel like kind of a bastard for bringing that up).
 
Everyone's feedback has been very helpful. Ginny brought up an interesting point in regards to why the breeder wouldn't want to use the adult dog in their breeding program anymore at such a young age. I forgot to mention that the adult dog is a 3 year old ch. male who has all of his health clearances. He looked very happy and well taken care of. His coat and nails were well groomed and best of all his temperament was great. My first reaction was, this is too good to be true. After talking to the breeder about this male, they explained that they can't keep them all and they feel that he would be a good fit for our family. I don't know anything about breeding and was wondering if males stop breeding at an earlier age than females? Thanks again everyone for all your knowledge.
 

Angela

Super Moderator
Will he be neutered before coming to you if you decide to take him, or would the breeder want to use him again?
 

Ginny

New member
Unless there's a problem, males can be used in a breeding program a lot longer than females. Some/most reputable breeders only breed their females for 2 - 3 litters. The threat of pyometra (uterine infection) is always a concern with aging females as well as the risk of whelping a litter. Keeping several intact males around cycling females can present some real problems between the males...
 
I have only been on this forum for a couple of days and have learned so much! So, the adult male I'm interested in is in tact. It would be my responsibility to neuter him. I have no interest in breeding or showing him, we are just looking for a new family member to love. As long as I had the breeders permission, I would want to neuter him. This male currently lives in a loving home inside with the breeder and their family. They have a couple of other males living there, as well as a pregnant female who is absolutely beautiful. All of the dogs had that great Newf temperament, but I felt such a connection with this particular male. Love at first sight! If anyone has any insight on the pros and cons of neutering an older male please share it with me. Thanks so much for helping me make an educated decision.
 

victoria1140

Active member
He is the right age,always neuter mine at 2 years old +.

Check with the breeder they are ok with neutering but shouldnt be an issue.
 

Jeannie

Super Moderator
IF the breeder wants to use him later she can do a collection and freeze it. Go with the male.
 

lmfoltyn

New member
It is so exciting bringing in a new family member...you will not regret getting an older already mature dog...I visited 2 older dogs today and they were so delightful...still so loving and playful...best wishes for you!
 
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