Picking out a puppy (physical traits to look for)

[Jksess]

OK assuming after finding breeders, who are good breeders and do the proper tests and all of the things along that line, how do you know what pup to pick. As in what should a good newfoundland pup look like. There are a lot of different looks to the newfoundland puppies the more I research so what should the newfoundland pup look like.

Pictures would be great if you have them.

(I know personality is huge but I'm talking just what physical features to look for)

Incase I'm confusing anyone they are all cute bUT there are just some online that are complete fluff balls the ewok kind as my husband calls them with the completely round face of fluff, the the skinnier faced ones that have more of a lab look to me. Some that you can barely see the eyes of the pup and some that are all eyes........ect....

These are just images I found online.....if I'm not allowed to use them please let me know

 

[cjr3bryant]

As far as physical appearance, in my opinion, the puppies from the same litter all look very similar (other than coloring). You would be better off looking at the parents to see the features that the puppies will grow into. If you're asking for breed standard, you can look at the NCA's web site to see what Newfoundlands should look like.

Also, most good breeders will pick the puppy for you based on your lifestyle and the puppy's personality. With my breeder, I was able to choose my top 3 that I loved after visiting twice and she chose the puppy that I received, but she did not guarantee that it would be one of my top 3 (he was). I was able to choose the sex and the color when I put my deposit down (she had landseers and Irish spotted - aka black with white markings). I know they want to give you the puppy that fits you the best which is not always your first choice. Good luck!

 

[victoria1140]

Look at parents and there is a database you can look at which shows past generations of newfs.

Also if you could get to a show or water exhibition it will give you a lot of insight into what you like.

Sometimes its the weirdest of things that catch your eye.
We thought Beau was a grey newf when we rescued him until we cleaned him up.it was his eyes that got us.
He was a hellraiser.

Max we chose and he was a stunner as he ggrew.

Luna and Raven were an accidental litter and we were allowed to watch their personalities grow before choosing though l always knew l liked Luna, raven we chose because we decided to have two instead and she has the greatest personality.

You also need to figure out what size you are comfy with especially as you have young children

 

[BlackLightning]

A Newfoundland puppy should look like the breed standard. If you haven't taken a look at the illustrated Newfoundland breed standard it can be found at the following link.

http://www.ncanewfs.org/publications/illustratedguide/illusguidecontents.html

All puppies are cute and Newf puppies are SUPER cute! A lot of breeders will evaluate their litters at 8 weeks of age to determine which they consider to have show potential and which are destined for pet homes. The vast majority of breeders are going to be choosing the puppy for you - you will likely not be the one doing the choosing. This can be hard to wrap your head around, but the breeder has spent many weeks with the little ones and has the best idea of who should go to which home based on a number of factors.

The things to avoid is certainly off-standard colours. So no beige, no brown and whites, no grey and whites, etc. Reputable breeders are simply NOT breeding these colours. If the colour isn't in the breed standard then that breeder isn't following the breed standard and I would strongly be questioning their motives (usually it's money, or a story about how they "just love the colour" - not a good reason).

As for looks - there is a huge variety. What you see as a puppy may not turn out as an adult either. Your best chances of getting a Newf that looks like a Newf (which is referred to as "type") is to purchase from a reputable breeder. Take a look at the parents (and grandparents) to get an idea of what your puppy could look like. Do not expect two mediocre parents to produce a spectacular specimen. It isn't going to happen. Mediocre dogs are likely to produce more mediocre dogs.

And my comments on the photos you've posted are the following:

Pic #1 - Pup looks beige (could be grey, but that's pretty light for grey) - Beige is not in the breed standard - not a puppy I'd be interested in because reputable breeders are not producing this colour

Pic #2 - Pup is a brown and white - again, not in the breed standard - same reason as above, I wouldn't be interested in the breeder of that puppy

Pic #3 - #5 - these puppies have quite different "looks" to them - it does NOT necessarily mean one is from a bad breeder and another from a good one - there can be variations within a litter... that is why some are destined to be pets and others to become show dogs. You cannot automatically make any assumptions about any of these puppies... you very likely prefer a certain "look" and when you find a breeder with the type you like that is when you need to do all of your homework to determine if that breeder has all of the other qualities they need to have.

 

[Jksess]

OK was just hoping there were certain features to look for as a pup trust me personality is what will win me over I get that and yeah I know the breeder will have a way better idea since lazy pups might be playful when you arrive or hyper ones sleepy, I completely understand why it best to ask the breeder to help match.
I plan on looking at mom and dad but a show groomed dog that's the ideal is much different than a not show ready newf .....and having only been with a few adult newfs in my life pictures aren't the same. But I guess I will just study more about the breeds standards again.
You were suppose to have the perfect easy answer to help me out

 

[Jksess]

And my comments on the photos you've posted are the following:

Pic #1 - Pup looks beige (could be grey, but that's pretty light for grey) - Beige is not in the breed standard - not a puppy I'd be interested in because reputable breeders are not producing this colour

Pic #2 - Pup is a brown and white - again, not in the breed standard - same reason as above, I wouldn't be interested in the breeder of that puppy

Pic #3 - #5 - these puppies have quite different "looks" to them - it does NOT necessarily mean one is from a bad breeder and another from a good one - there can be variations within a litter... that is why some are destined to be pets and others to become show dogs. You cannot automatically make any assumptions about any of these puppies... you very likely prefer a certain "look" and when you find a breeder with the type you like that is when you need to do all of your homework to determine if that breeder has all of the other qualities they need to have.

Those photos were only picked because of the different faces the pups had....nothing to do with color....I know beige isn't one of the standard colors........do I understand why....no.....as gray is recessive as well.....I happen to love the grays and..... gasp.... also really like the look of the beige... to me it doesn't change the standards of the dog as long as the build is what it should be.....and I have a feeling eventually all colors will be accepted.....don't kill me for my opinion just what I think.
Isn't brown not acceptable in canada? Heck in Europe the Landseer is considered a different breed......if I'm not remembering what I read correctly I'm sorry.....

Not trying to start more drama just a person who " just happens to like the color"....really I do.

 

[victoria1140]

I have always found the pup picked us. Yes l have seen gorgeous news but if one stood out to us that was the one we went for.if it didn't talk to us then we knew there wasn't one there for us.

 

[Jksess]

I have always found the pup picked us. Yes l have seen gorgeous news but if one stood out to us that was the one we went for.if it didn't talk to us then we knew there wasn't one there for us.

Yep completely understand and agree 100% it's actually pretty amazing how it works out like that.

 

[Jksess]

Now as to the pictures I posted earlier I was kind of hoping you people who are lucky enough to see newf pups all the time would be able to show me the ones your prefer....or how you prefer your pups to look.

I happen to think these pups, I'm assuming are from the same litter, are adorable but if you were to critic them what would you say......

Just to see if I'm somewhat on the same page as people who judge and see newfs and their litters often....
And again just images I found....if they are someone's pups on here.....I didn't know and i am sorry and will remove them if I need to.

 

[victoria1140]

As one point to consider newfs don't stay pups for very long,even at 6 months they are big.

would it be worth considering a newf of perhaps 2 years , that way you will know what you will get and if there are any issues. Plus it might be better around your children .

l know you have your heart set on a pup but take a step back and would an older dog be better as a fit for you and your family.

l have been lucky to always find a newf when we lost ours but next time l want an older fur kid who needs us.

 

[BlackLightning]

Now as to the pictures I posted earlier I was kind of hoping you people who are lucky enough to see newf pups all the time would be able to show me the ones your prefer....or how you prefer your pups to look.

I happen to think these pups, I'm assuming are from the same litter, are adorable but if you were to critic them what would you say......

Just to see if I'm somewhat on the same page as people who judge and see newfs and their litters often....
And again just images I found....if they are someone's pups on here.....I didn't know and i am sorry and will remove them if I need to.

You hit the nail on the head with your last comment... these pups could belong to someone on the forum... or a friend of someone, etc. Makes it more difficult for us to give you opinions.

Maybe I can find some pics for you of my two when they were puppies and I can critique them for you... both are pets.

 

[Jksess]

As one point to consider newfs don't stay pups for very long,even at 6 months they are big.

would it be worth considering a newf of perhaps 2 years , that way you will know what you will get and if there are any issues. Plus it might be better around your children .

l know you have your heart set on a pup but take a step back and would an older dog be better as a fit for you and your family.

l have been lucky to always find a newf when we lost ours but next time l want an older fur kid who needs us.

Oh I'm not opposed to getting an older dog at all.....they really just are so uncommon around my area that I never see them but i have looked into rescue. My last dog was an adult when we adopted him as his family experienced tragedy and couldn't keep him. He was a great old boy. I've looked online almost everyday for an adult and contacted some somewhat close by rescues. Found one year old female but the people were weird and wouldnt answer when I asked about the females parents, their health and testing and where they got her....which made me nervous. They had 4 newfoundlands and I'm guessing were planning on having and selling pups soon, but got in trouble for owning to many dogs, so I would have loved to save her but they were asking a lot more than the pups online..so I couldn't make it happen.
So yep thought of an older dog, they are just rare around here so started looking at pups and will likely have to get them shipped to me or make a long weekend trip somewhere.

 

[Jksess]

You hit the nail on the head with your last comment... these pups could belong to someone on the forum... or a friend of someone, etc. Makes it more difficult for us to give you opinions.

Maybe I can find some pics for you of my two when they were puppies and I can critique them for you... both are pets.

Thanks that's kind of what I was hoping for....I don't want to hurt feelings, and as I said I find them all adorable.

 

[Jksess]

Plus when I look at everyone's profile pics they all are gorgeous so trust me I know they can look different but I just love how all newfs look!

 

[victoria1140]

There are a lot of rescues who will help set up a delivery for a rescue if you meet their criteria. I know a lot of people who have driven stages across countries to help get a newf to their new home.

I think it took us 2 hours each way when we went to get our new rescue boy Bodies so a four hour drive.

also a lot of rescues would be happy to match you up or may know of newfs near you requiring homes.

They aren't that common where l am but l am happy to be smitten by them.

 

[Jksess]

I

There are a lot of rescues who will help set up a delivery for a rescue if you meet their criteria. I know a lot of people who have driven stages across countries to help get a newf to their new home.

I think it took us 2 hours each way when we went to get our new rescue boy Bodies so a four hour drive.

also a lot of rescues would be happy to match you up or may know of newfs near you requiring homes.

They aren't that common where l am but l am happy to be smitten by them.

Yeah I contacted the rescues so if something comes through great if not I'm happy just dreaming about a newf for now....it will happen someday......

2 hours isn't a bad drive, I think the closest breeder of grays by me I've found is 10 hrs each way and they don't have any pups or adults. One of the rescues I contacted is 12 hours away lol but they currently didn't have any either.
Seriously if you look up my area on the map with registered breeders I'm surrounded by the only states that don't have any breeder on the list! Lol funny how that works out sometimes

 

[victoria1140]

I know its hard but it took us 2 years of research and then nearly another year before we found our Beau.

It was so worth the wait for us as even though he was challenging in so many ways when he looked at us we always knew we had made the right choice.

Keep looking as sometimes one may be nearer than you think

 

[R Taft]

There are certain things that are very obvious in puppies..... but I would just make sure i was buying from a good Breeder that does health testing.... Good healthy lines is what is the most important and good breeding. i realise that is not always so in rescues, but that is a choice you make when you take a rescue. But if you buy a puppy it is of the utmost.

I have had two puppies that are full sister and looked totally different as puppies, but now that Urshie is six month she looks the same. her older sister was not one of the floof pups, but Urshie was.....It is quite a difficult question to answer

 

[Puppypeoplenj]

I know every breeder does things differently but I have found that most reputable breeders don't let you choose your puppy. They spend so much more time with them and know their personalities down the the finest detail so instead you tell your breeder exactly what kind of adult dog you'd like to have and you answer their millions of questions about your lifestyle, hobbies, home, family, dog experience, other pets, etc., and they are able to make the educated choice for you. If any choice comes into play I've usually found it to be the breeder saying "these three would all meet your needs, let me tell you pros and cons" and then you get to choose from there. I think thats one of the best things about a breeder, honestly. I felt comfortable knowing that the dog I was taking home would be a perfect fit for my family. Within any litter you can have wildly different personalities even if they all have the technical Newfie temperament.

But it's definitely a bad idea to choose your puppy based on which one came up and cuddled with you when you visited IMO. Could be that that's the perfect puppy for you...or could be that's the most social one and she snuggles up to every visitor.

 

[Jksess]

So I've cut out all info so if it happens to be someone pup on here there is no way of knowing it, but this is the newf in my area I talked about earlier that's for sell. she's fully papered full akc and I thinks she looks so sweet 5 months old and from what I gathered she's better off going to someone else they recently purchased a group of newfoundlands and are starting to plan on selling pups but got in trouble for having too many dogs and now have to find her a new home. I was considering getting her but the current owners would not tell me about her health testing or the parents health testing just that they were all healthy. They quit responding to me when I asked who the breeder was and where they got her this is hard I would love to give the poor thing a home, but am terrified to get a dog that was breed without any consideration as to health. I really don't want to get a dog fall in love and have health issue due to a bad irresponsible breeder. Plus they are asking quite a bit.