Newf Fans - The Newfoundland Dog

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There are many great qualities about the Newfoundland.    So much so that people like myself, take the time to build a special place for them just like this. Can’t wait to bring your new treasure home with you? Great! I don’t blame you, but take just a few moments to read the information contained in this page.

First, you may believe that a Newf is right for you, but have you asked yourself if you are right for a Newfoundland? This may sound like an odd question, but it’s not.

Wait, let’s start at the beginning. Is the Newfoundland right for you? Please read some primary reasons they are not for everyone.

A Newfoundland is not right for you if you like your house to be clean. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t like a clean house, but with a Newfoundland, even just one, you can count on always having little hair bunnies floating on the floor. And more dramatic for some, you can always count on wiping big slobber marks off of everything from furniture, walls and artwork to the lampshades not to mention the ceiling from time to time. Along with this, newfs have an oily type coat and the walls need a regular cleaning to get the grime off.

A Newfoundland is not right for you if you want a protection dog. If this is the case, you really need to get a protection breed and it is not the Newfoundland.   Not even a teeny tiny bit. Now, my girl was somewhat protective of family members (if I can call it that, she was never really put to the test, thank goodness), but the day our house was broken into and our Newfs were enjoying themselves outside in the yard when we got home to the mess, I knew for sure that they just don’t have the capacity for protecting property in any way. Of course you need to also understand that they were in the house when we left; it was the robbers who let them out! To expand on this, my male and I out on a walk once ran into a nasty dog. As he charged at us, it was I who put Bubba behind me and protected him. It was not the other way around.   Though, I must admit he looked at me in a whole new light after that.

… now, you are not right for the Newfoundland if:

You are not right for the Newfoundland if you do not like to groom or are not willing/able to have your Newf groomed. The Newfoundland has a very thick double coat that requires regular grooming.   If you do this on a regular basis it is not bad, but if you let it go, it can soon become overwhelming. It’s okay not to like grooming, but please consider a non-coated breed like perhaps a boxer.   A wonderful dog, many times compared to the Newfoundland in temperament, but it does not have the same grooming requirements.

You are not right for the Newfoundland if you are looking for an outside dog. The Newfoundland may be big and he may take up a good amount of space, but that does not mean they want to live their lives outside in a pen or heaven forbid, tied to a dog house. They need the interaction that comes from being inside around the family. And not just that, but really being considered a member of the family. They want to interact, go on trips, or wherever their humans go.   They provide an amazing unconditional love that is an inspiration to experience. This they should not be deprived of.

You are not right for the Newfoundland (or most likely any dog) if you cannot or will not provide the basic necessary care and consideration for the life of your pet. This includes vet checks and shots. And depending on your area, heart worm medication and such. This also includes feeding a good quality food. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive products on the market, but at least a good quality premium brand. And please remember, with a Newfoundland everything is more expensive. Yes medication, food, grooming, all cost more because of the size. And as they grow older, you can count on spending even more. Oh, and don’t forget training. Just because they are known as gentle giants, doesn’t mean that they do not require lessons in good behavior;

And remember...

Are you thinking

about getting a

Newfoundland?

Good for you!

If you are unsure of any of these primary areas, you should probably consider another breed. However, if after reading this far you think that you and the Newfoundland were made for each other, great! Please read on.

We first suggest that you consider a rescue. It is unfortunate that not everyone who buys a Newfoundland looks for or takes these kinds of warnings seriously. And inevitably, many
Newfoundlands find themselves homeless. Beautiful loving dogs, just waiting for a home like yours. For more information about a rescue, please contact your local Newfoundland Club.

If however, you not only have your heart set on a puppy, but have the time and energy to train your new family member, please do your breeder research. It is very important for you to go to a responsible breeder. There are many good sites that will tell you what a good breeder is and why not to buy from a pet store, so I will only briefly tell you here what I would look for and do look for. Not entirely comprehensive, but a good start when looking at websites.

A good breeder will only use sound healthy dogs in their breeding programs (please refer to the Health page for more information). This should be your primary consideration. Getting a dog from someone who doesn't do health checks may be cheaper to purchase, but in the long run it will most likely cost much more in health bills, not to mention heartbreak.

A good breeder probably belongs to at least one if not many dog organizations

A good breeder is involved in activities such as conformation, obedience or water rescue with their Newf. Perhaps all of these and more.

A good breeder will in some way be involved in rescue.

A good breeder will want, some insist, on you visiting their kennel.

A good breeder will want to know that their puppies are going to a good home, but will not harass you (there is a difference between just knowing the lingo and living it). Note: You should expect some questions. If all they want to know is cash or charge, move on.

A good breeder will have a good guarantee and help you with your newf throughout his entire life. You will find them friendly, patient and open; willing to answer your questions.

A good breeder will want you to return your Newf to them if for any reason you cannot keep it.

A good breeder is more concerned about the health and life of a dog than their pocket book.

It is unlikely that all good breeders will match this entire list, but they will meet a lot of these qualities. Use your best judgment and trust your instinct. If something doesn’t quite seem right, Keep looking. Don’t sacrifice quality for lack of patience. The right dog is worth it!