lula Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Any thoughts on actually adding one to the family? I am worried because we have a Border Terrier who LOVES other dogs but who acts like a crazed lunatic when seeing them, barking and running around them in circles. (until he gets to play with them and then he is happy for hours. Would this drive the poor Newfoundland mad?) We can handle dirt, slobber and fur. We have a full acre yard that is fenced in and easy regular access to lakes or the ocean. (though not on our property) Overall we are pretty active and the dog would get to run around the yard daily with very physical children but may not get taken on daily walks. (though would get included in park visits etc.) I have two children who love animals, my daughter already has a dog (the Border Terrier) who she cares for obsessively so I am not worried that my children will not "help" with the dog. I am looking for a dog that would be my son's "officially" but obviously would be part of the family. He really wants a big dog and I had German Shepherds/Labs growing up so I have had some experience with larger dogs. Thought on Newfoundlands? How much training should I prepare for? Is it three years of insanity before they grow up? Would they be ok with just yard playtime and house time or would we really have to make a huge effort to provide rigorous directed exercise daily? I know a reputable breeder and family friends have three who I have had positive experiences with but I have not spent long amounts of time with the breed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Any thoughts on actually adding one to the family? Thought on Newfoundlands? How much training should I prepare for? Is it three years of insanity before they grow up? Would they be ok with just yard playtime and house time or would we really have to make a huge effort to provide rigorous directed exercise daily? Temperament-wise, there's always a lot of variation within a breed. How a dog was raised probably has more to do with their temperament than the breed itself. That said, newfies I've known have been some of the sweetest, best-with-kids dogs I've ever met. I don't know where you live, but big furry dogs like newfies don't like extreme heat. Keep in mind that large breeds tend not to live long, which could be traumatic if the dog doesn't live past six or seven years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitilin Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 We have one. She is placid, calm, and the most willful dog I have EVER met. I will never have another Newfie. It drives me bananas to have a dog just not give a hang. I have 3 other dogs, and while they are all annoying sometimes, the newf is going to send me round the bend.:tongue_smilie: I don't recommend them unless you like that type of temperament. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annlaura Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Newfies are the greatest. As far as the other dog annoying the newf - not much annoys a newf. When my newf/saint mix was in puppy class, a sheltie was trying to annoy her. My dog finally just dropped a paw on the sheltie, which dropped, and stopped, the sheltie. Mostly when a dog annoyed her, she just turned her head or walked away. They are so big that when they do normal puppy behaviors, it causes much more damage. A normal puppy might chew a cushion. A newfie might destroy the couch. At an early age, a newfie is tall enough to get dishes out from the bottom of the sink. And if a 6mo newfie decides to chase a squirrel while on a walk, you will chase a squirrel too. The water rescue instinct is strong, so if you dunk your head in the bath, you may get pulled out by the arm. They are the greatest dog ever, but their size makes early obedience training a must. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annlaura Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 We have one. She is placid, calm, and the most willful dog I have EVER met. I will never have another Newfie. It drives me bananas to have a dog just not give a hang. I have 3 other dogs, and while they are all annoying sometimes, the newf is going to send me round the bend.:tongue_smilie: I don't recommend them unless you like that type of temperament. Send her to me! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WishboneDawn Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 We have one. She is placid, calm, and the most willful dog I have EVER met. I will never have another Newfie. It drives me bananas to have a dog just not give a hang. I have 3 other dogs, and while they are all annoying sometimes, the newf is going to send me round the bend.:tongue_smilie: I don't recommend them unless you like that type of temperament. Your Newfie and my rottie mix/mutt would make a great pair. I ADORE rotties but will never own one or another mix again. :) Willful is right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Bigger dogs take more care and planning. We had friends that weren't diligent enough in training and exercising their Neufy and it became a serious problem. Also people are afraid of big dogs and you can't let them run off leash like a smaller dog. Other friends did well with their's but took long walks, every day! And used the crate when they had visitors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 We have a full acre yard that is fenced in and easy regular access to lakes or the ocean. (though not on our property) . The one thing I remember reading years ago about newf's was "they will live in their water dish". so that you have access to water should make it happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3peasinWa Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 we had a newfie/lab mix. He was the best dog we ever had. When you say you can handle the fur, are you really sure? :tongue_smilie: I didn't know what we were getting into- I thought we could deal with it...and we did, but it was insane the amount of hair constantly on my floors & how it would make it's way onto dishes & food is beyond me! The other thing, are vet costs are a lot more b/c of their size & you really need to budget that in. But I've never seen a more gentle dog with kids & other dogs, then our newfie/lab. Obviously, he wasn't pure newfie, so I never experienced a purebred. But I really liked the mix combination - lab/newfie - it can't get better then that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hana Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I love Newfies, but do keep in mind that their life span is shorter than some other dogs; with children, you might want to consider the impact of having this huge, loving being in their lives, then suddenly not being there--this was an issue for friends of mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I've heard that their fur can have an oily texture/odd smell. If I'm remembering correctly, its a water repellant secretion. Then again, I have no caffeine, and a head cold. I may be totally out to lunch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I've heard that their fur can have an oily texture/odd smell. If I'm remembering correctly, its a water repellant secretion. Then again, I have no caffeine, and a head cold. I may be totally out to lunch. Yes, they have an oily coat. I don't recall whether it has an odd smell. I've only been around one Newfie and I didn't smell him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I grew up with Newfies, lots of them, and I realize these are fighting words, but there is no better dog with children. Newfies are calm, as most everyone has agreed, but don't take that as a euphemism for disinterested. They have different personalities, and some are quite spunky. We never had one who was willful and obstinate, though. Yes, they have hair, lots and lots of hair, but if your dog will be outside for a good portion of the day, a lot of hair will stay out there. It has been 20 years since my family has had a Newf, and the Newfs I have seen since then, especially the females, are all bigger and fluffier than the ones we had. I have assumed that the breed standard has evolved to favor a heavier dog, and I wouldn't be surprised if that has not been good for their health and longevity. Most of my family's dogs lived to be 9 or 10, barring freak accidents (like the one who was struck by lightning), but I do not know if that is still the norm. The dogs do suffer from the heat, but if you have them clipped each spring, that will help tremendously. As far as early obedience training, we never did anything with our pups other than hang out with them at home and occasionally take them around other people. None was obnoxious or dangerous. A toddler could eat an ice cream cone right at eye level, and the Newf would look longingly but leave it alone (no promises, though, on the ice cream that ended up on the toddler's face). They learned easily to stay off of the furniture and not to chew it. In my adult life, I have lost several door jambs to golden retrievers and a border/springer mix, but I don't remember that ever happening with the Newfs. One more point: they eat much, much less than you would think to look at them. Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vettechmomof2 Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 2 of the other leaders in our 4-H Dog club has newfies. They are wonderful. 1 has 3 and the other has 8. Out of the 8 2 have serious health issues but are still sweet dogs. The other 6 are all obedience trained and do rally, most with titles and 2 so far are CGC titled and 1 is a Therapy dog as well. They are all able to be used by any of the children in our club(we have between 15-20 children). Fun dogs. Drool, hair but fun so totally worth it! I would recommend newfies to a family with children most often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lula Posted October 31, 2011 Author Share Posted October 31, 2011 (edited) Thanks for all of the input. I have to admit that I am starting to get very, very tempted to just go for it and get a Newfie! I really need a dog that can be taught not to chew on everything, I live important stuff around all of the time and frankly, I am not sure I can be taught to put it away. (this is one reason I love border terriers, they just can't be bothered with my boring shoes or furniture and only want their toys!) Most of the time we aren't in a hot climate and we always have a big yard/water nearby. I think I can attempt to handle the fur, we don't have carpet so cleaning may be tolerable even if it is a daily event. (my floors could probably use a bit more diligence anyway. ;)) I am a bit concerned about the level of wet fur in the vehicles... I am a little worried about the size, they just feel so much bigger to me than a Shepherd! I think we will have to stagger dog ages if we get one so that the kids are never completely dogless. (though I do know that any loss of a dog is hard, especially if it is "your" dog, I always found having a dog around was helpful.) Hmm...now to really see how much my husband loves me: Does he love me enough to get a puppy this year? :D Edited October 31, 2011 by lula Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy in Ky Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 Don't let the fur scare you. We have a Great Pyrenees in the house. We love him so much we just deal with the extra work of cleaning the fur up. He is our first indoor dog, too! :D He is huge and gentle and I love him! There is nothing like throwing my arms around him and giving him a big hug. It's like hugging a bear who keeps trying to kiss me!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingnlearning Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I worked for an orthopedic vet last year and many of our patients were Newfies. They are very prone to leg problems given that breeders are going for larger and larger dogs (they win ribbons!). High nutrition, early neutering, and lack of hard exercise all contribute to a big heavy dog on growing limbs that could have conformational faults as well. Same could be said of a Great Pyreness (or any of the large breeds) but I wouldn't let it stop you. Just be as picky as you can to get a pup from parents that have had the Penn Hip exam, NOT the OFA which is really arbitrary and outdated. Do your research on the Penn hip exam vs the OFA. There are procedures you can do with a growing pup that can offset later problems-xrays while they're still growing, usually around the time of neutering, can tell you if the hip sockets are shallow or likely for later problems. They can do an early surgery to fix those problems before they happen. No vet in his/her right mind will say this out loud, but neutering a large breed when they're young causes them to slow down and put on weight and stress their joints/bones. I saw in surgery notes from the specialist vet that it was best to wait until a large breed dog was a year old approximately before altering the dog but as I said, SO not PC. :D Keep puppy food to a short time frame, watch what you feed them. Research this as well. My GP is a year old now, not neutered, thin and athletic and gets a ton of exercise. He chews on tons of raw bones and eats a lot of eggs (both the ones I give him and the ones he finds from the chickens) and I've given him Vit E, glucosamine, and Calcium since he was a pup. Ortho-wise, he's in great shape according to the vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5knights3maidens Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 Our dog is part newfoundland/ and is wonderful. He has been the best dog we have ever had. :001_smile: I am constantly cleaning up the fur but it's worth it. He's our baby. ;) Oh, he is an indoor dog but loves to lay outside for hours at a time even in the ice cold weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.