Article
Is The Newfoundland The Right Breed For You?
The Newfoundland is not a dog for all people, but then, not all people should have a dog of any breed. Dog ownership involves great responsibilities, and responsibilities do not end with inconvenience. A dog doesn't understand changes in circumstances which lead to neglect. A potential dog owner must consider whether he has the finances to provide proper care, including unexpected medical care, with hardship. Also a potential owner should realize that responsible ownership involves being a good neighbor, and includes good sanitation, proper fencing and an acute awareness of noise.
If you know that you want a dog and are already for the responsibilities that ownership entails, are you ready for a giant breed such as the NEWFOUNDLAND? The puppy you take home will not mature into the well mannered adult NEWFOUNDLAND you saw at the dog show or at the breeders home, unless YOU make an investment in time and care.
Strangers to the breed invariable ask "Doesn't it cost a fortune to feed a NEWFOUNDLAND"?" And then will assume " you must live in the country to keep dogs that large!" To answer briefly, it does not cost a fortune to feed a NEWFOUNDLAND. A mature NEWFOUNDLAND does not eat any more than a medium or large dog. A NEWFOUNDLAND does not need unlimited space to get proper exercise, but with a conscientious care can adjust satisfactorily to city living. Every pet needs proper diet, good health care, and a safe environment, grooming, exercise, training and LOVE.
There are however, some special requirements for NEWFOUNDLAND DOG OWNERSHIP.
A NEWFOUNDLAND'S diet is the same as any well balanced canine diet. During his/her rapid growth period up to eighteen months of age, he will need large quantities of nutritionally balanced food. At maturity his/her intake will be comparable to that of a German Shepherd or Golden Retriever. A good quality food, not really high in protein, with a natural supplement is adequate.
Health Care for a Newfoundland is similar to that of most breeds. Immunizations to protect against common canine diseases are necessary. Consult your breeder for more information.
Like any dog, a Newfoundland needs a safe environment. Safety includes a home or kennel where poisonous substances are not within reach. Safety also includes a secure fenced in area for the dog when not under direct supervision. A Newfoundland should Never be chained or staked outside, nor should he be left to run free, no matter how much acreage surrounds his home. The dogs fenced in area should include shade and shelter. With a healthy coat and a weather proof shelter, a Newfoundland does not need heated quarters.
All dogs require grooming, but this is a special need of the double coated Newf Weekly grooming is absolutely necessary. During periods when the dog sheds his thick undercoat, extra time must be allotted for grooming. An ungroomed Newf coat will mat quickly, especially when damp, an ungroomed Newf will shed his coat all over the house and on everyone's cloths. Not to mention, you are asking for skin problems.
A Newf Needs exercise to stay in good condition. He is not a hyperactive dog, but regular exercise, opportunities to swim, time spent running with another dog, playing ball, will help maintain muscle tone. One cannot expect a Newf to perform the tasks traditional to the breed at too young an age unless he is in top physical condition.
Obedience training is an absolute must for a Newfoundland. Because of his/her size and strength, a Newfoundland must be under control at all times. A mature Newfoundland can run faster than any human and can pull harder than is humanly possible to resist. He can jump up and knock down a man, or plow through an open door, flattening all the way. Fortunately, Newfs respond well to training, they like to please and they look for constant direction. As early as 12-16 weeks of age, starting with puppy classes is a good time to begin formal training.
A Newfoundland can be a house dog or outdoor dog. However, without human contact and love he/she will not thrive. A Newf loves to be with his/her family. Therefore, most Newfs will thrive with a mixture of indoor/outdoor life. A Newfounldand loves to ride in cars and boats, or be anywhere his/her family is. Yet if you allow him/her to become dirty and ungroomed, or have not trained him/her, he/she will not be the most pleasant companion, and this will be through no fault of his/her own.
Remember, you are the Responsible Dog Owner.
Some people are by nature too fastidious to own a Newfoundland. A Newf does not walk around puddles, he seeks them out! He does not usually want a cushioned bed, he prefers to dig holes in the cool earth for his/her nap. Some Newfs are DROOLERS. Others will dunk their whole heads in a water bucket, and splash with both front paws, then walk around dripping water. If you like polished floors, or if you wear silks and suede's that will soil when a big head rests in your lap, or if the thought of drool is sickening to you, a Newf is not the dog for you.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a lovable, sensitive, slow to alarm but capable of defending when necessary. If you are looking for a companion that usually gets along well with other animals, that is energetic but not hyperactive, a dog that will probably bark in a deep voice but not incessantly. A dog that will fit into most lifestyles, from the very outdoorsy, to the slow strollers, that will become another family member not just a pet. A dog that will play with the children, or stroll with grandpa...
...THE NEWFOUNDLAND IS PROBABLY FOR YOU
