Puppy picking advice

[Jentarin]

Hey all,

I know its been a while since I've been on, and we've had a few changes since then.

1) I am now a full time stay at home dad for my just-turned-one year old daughter, and we are looking at maybe starting on #2.
2) We have moved from the Metro Detroit area to rural Virginia, and gone from a small fenced in yard to 15 acres fully fence in.

The downside to moving is that we no longer have a dog park close for Bessa to socialize in, and even though I am home with her all the time, I can tell that she misses the playtime with 4 legged friends, so we are looking at getting newfie #2 to help out with that.

My question is this: since we are going to (hopefully) have two little ones running around, does it make a difference if we get a male or female? My instinct is no, but my wife has some concerns about it and would prefer another female thinking that there will be more of a maternal instinct. We have the choice of two breeders, both come off the of the AKC reference website, but only one seems to engage in shows but does not have females available soon, while the other has a high rating the the AKC, does not show but has girls.

I am more comfortable getting a male from the breeder that shows (I've read the sticky in the breeders forum more than once), but my wife is more set on the other for the gender issues. Any input or experience will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

Honestly I don't believe that male or female matters when it comes to children as long as you choose the right dog and they are socialized. Your current female may also get along better with a male dog. Your biggest challenge with a boy is the hormones until he's neutered I think.

We've had my son (now 2) around several male and female newfs and all have been equally wonderful.

I would be vary wary of a breeder that does now show. I would ask around to the local newf club for recommendations rather than looking at the AKC stuff. You'll get a much more reputable answer I believe.

 

[Angela]

With all due respect for AKC go with a breeder who is a member of NCA. AKC and CKC, Canadian, are registering organizations.
NCA like its Canadian counterpart NDCC are the organizations that set the standards for the breed.

 

[R Taft]

Our male dog loves kids... he is the one who will spend hours with them. Only one of our girls is actually the same. the other girls are no issue, but prefer not thank you to be near the little ones....But Harry will go the extra mile just to be near kids, our tobias was the same as was Josh. I don't think bitches are more likely to like kids, i truly think it is a bit of luck. And how the pups were raised.... If you find a breeder that raises their puppies among a family of little ones, it will give you a greater chance of puppy being comfortable with kids. My Urshie seeks kids... She was raised in the house with four little boys. she loves them, any little ones and she wants to be near them and is very soft. Not sure how harry was raised, he just loves people any size.

 

[Senea]

Please go with a breeder listed by the NCA. And don't confine your self to Virginia, the perfect puppy could be just over the border.

 

[Darwinsnewfie@1855]

When I decided to get my first Newf I was dead set on getting a male. However, after the breeder got to know my family, she recommended a female because she was so tolerant of my 5 year olds hyperactivity. In my situation it ended up being more important to match personalities than genders. It really ended up being a match made in heaven. Ella and Darwin are the best of friends. Ella looks out the mud room window all day for the bus to bring back her boy. Maybe the breeder you decide to go with can help you pick out the best fit for your particular family. It sounds like you have really done your homework and are really trying to work with reputable breeders who show and breed quality Newfs.

 

[wrknnwf]

With all due respect for AKC go with a breeder who is a member of NCA. AKC and CKC, Canadian, are registering organizations.
NCA like its Canadian counterpart NDCC are the organizations that set the standards for the breed.

Angela is correct. AKC will list anyone, even poor breeders. They do not have the standards or criteria that NCA or CKC has when it comes to their breeder listing site. A lot of people are fooled by that. I know how anxious people are to get a dog, but it's far better to wait until a good breeder has a pup for you, than to rush into getting a dog from someone else.

Take your time. Really research those breeders thoroughly. Get on a couple of waiting lists. Go see the breeders and their dogs. Even if this is dog #2, I hope you will put plenty of effort into finding the right breeder.

 

[2newfs4now]

My Max raised four puppies (Charlie, Koda and my daughters two Chessies). He was obsessed with kids and would growl at any dog that got too rambunctious around a toddler and then steer the dog away (never aggressive). I have had all males for the last 14 years and love them. The temperament is what's important and that knows no gender. JMHO

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

You want to buy from the right breeder who will pick the best pup for your family. Go with the NCA show breeder.

 

[NewfDad]

Use NCA breeders but don't trust that means a lot. It is a start. Real references from folks that really know Newfs are indispensable. I know I will get heat on this but our first newf Kimber was from an NCA registered breeder, and there were real problems there.

 

[NinaA]

I don't think gender makes any difference. I have had all girls - my personal preference - but the boys can be big lovers, too. I have also had as many as seven girls at a time with no problems, so I would argue that that business of girls not getting along is totally bogus. Use an NCA breeder and go for personality. A good breeder will match you with a pup regardless of gender.

 

[R Taft]

I don't think gender makes any difference. I have had all girls - my personal preference - but the boys can be big lovers, too. I have also had as many as seven girls at a time with no problems, so I would argue that that business of girls not getting along is totally bogus. Use an NCA breeder and go for personality. A good breeder will match you with a pup regardless of gender.

I agree with this........I often have a pile of girls, have four now.

I think sometimes particular dogs or bitches even bitch and dog do not like each other. Harry is not too keen of other male dogs that are too forward.

I think each dog is a totally individual character.

That is why if you are really worried getting a dog from a Rescue with a good foster program might be best as the Foster carers often know the exact dog they are finding a good home for.

And with puppies..... early socialisation by good Breeders and continuing socializing and training by the new owners makes for those awesome newfies. The best newfies are trained newfies....