New Foundland Maintenance & Effort
Grooming
If you loved brushing Barbie’s hair as a kid, the Newfie and you may be made for each other. They have a flat and water resistant double coat, need to be groomed regularly to keep the matted coat at bay and they shed all year long, more so during spring and fall. If you don’t enjoy a fur-lined wardrobe, the Newfie may not be the dog for you. They will need to be groomed at least two or three times a week. You can choose to do this yourself, which will be time consuming but a great opportunity to bond with your pet, or you can hire a groomer, which means you’ll have to be prepared for the expenses. Newfies drool. A lot. Their flews and the shape of their jaw will ensure that you spend a good portion of your day wiping up after your dog. Keep thick rags of absorbent cloth handy around the house. It’s important to keep wiping the drool off especially on long walks, because once the muzzle and neck start gathering dirt, your Newfie is likely to pick up the first infection that’s available around the corner.
New Foundland Health & Care
Common Health Issues
Newfies are large dogs and have a tendency to gain weight. This and other breed specific peculiarities lead them to be prone to quite a few health issues. Addison’s Disease or hypoadrenocortism is a serious condition caused by insufficient production of adrenal hormones. Vomiting, poor appetite and lethargy are all symptoms of Addison’s, but because of their generic nature, the condition can often go unnoticed for long. More severe signs that occur in later stages could lead to severe shock and even death, so if Addison’s is suspected, it is best to get a vet’s opinion at the earliest. Newfies are also prone to various eye problems, including cataracts. This usually happens gradually during old age, but cataracts in a younger dog that can handle the stress can be surgically removed. Cherry eye is another common affliction that Newfies suffer. Cherry eye is the infection of the gland known as the third eyelid and can also be dealt with surgically.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are other common Newfie conditions, both genetically inherited and both treatable with surgery or pain management medication. Hypothyroidism is also a commonly occurring ailment amongst Newfies that is said to cause epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy and some skin problems. Again, this condition can be controlled with medication and dietary restrictions.
New Foundland Behavior
-
-
Snappy
Patient
-
-
Prefer Adults
Nanny
-
-
Aloof
Best Buddy
-
-
Poor
Excellent
-
-
Headstrong
Obedient
-
-
Moody
Always Ready
-
-
Intolerant
Best Buddies
-
-
Intolerant
Best Buddies
-
-
Carefree
Doting
-
-
Couch Potato
Energy Bundle
Temperament
Newfies are famous for their calm, docile nature. They are affectionate, patient, loyal, brave, and extremely good with young children. They are also physically very strong and their bodies are engineered to not just be able to swim great distances but also to survive very cold water and pull ashore people in distress, which is why they make excellent lifeguards. Newfies are also known for their rare intelligence and are counted amongst the easiest breeds to train.
Environment
As large and lumbering as Newfies are, they don’t need to be exercised quite as much as smaller, more active dogs like boxers and beagles. This means that they will be relatively happy in apartments. That said, their sheer bulk requires that they live in a spacious place; it is hardly advisable to be tripping over a 100 pound dog – however docile – in a tiny apartment. Newfies also tend to put on weight quite easily, and apartment living will only encourage their sedentary nature. A Newfie living in a small house will have to be walked regularly and allowed enough ambling time in the local park, to ensure that he or she can keep the extra pounds off. Further, because of their love for water, these dogs do very well in an environment that includes access to a water body. Newfies are long haired dogs and will fare well in colder places. They don’t do very well in hot places and will need an artificially cooled place during summers.
Training & Intelligence
Newfoundland is an intelligent breed and is one of the easiest breeds to train. They are the perfect guard dogs and love to please the family members, so this will be an easy breed to train just make the training sessions fun, Newfies have a lot of energy so this adorable dogs that will not get tired easily. This generally makes training a breeze. They are also a great companion for a run or a jog. Newfies are immensely intelligent dogs, believed to be second to none in their ability to learn. The best way to train them is to develop a training programme that integrates both mental and physical exercise. These highly trainable dogs can pick up new commands easily and love to please their human family, which makes training a breeze. They also respond best to water, so even if you don’t intend on making a lifeguard out of your Newfie, you’ll do well to teach him or her fun water-based sports and activities.
New Foundland Breeding
-
- 6 to 9 puppies (approximately)
-
- No
Procreation
Newfoundlands are generally a healthy breed and their breeding does not have many complications attached. As in the case of any other breed, it’s best to cross them only if you’re absolutely sure you have loving, responsible families to adopt these dogs. An average male or female Newfie attains sexual maturity anywhere between six to nine months of age, although they are still too young to procreate at this point. A dog takes around 18 months to reach his or her full height and structure. It is advisable to breed your dogs after they are at least two years old. If you are a first-timer at breeding, it is recommended that you take the advice of an experienced vet. The average Newfie litters five to eight puppies.
Puppies
Newfoundland puppies are large, clumsy and loads of fun! Newfies are very social do and, while this starts at a young age, remember that the training should also begin very young. Teach your Newfies how to meet and greet people and other animals alike, before they grow to their full size and you have a litter of massive “puppies” bearing down excitedly on your guests! Thankfully, their immense intelligence makes training both fun and easy. The Newfie puppies are big and clumsy, and can cause quite a mess in your home. Make sure you have a large demarcated area in which to raise your baby Newfies. Ensure that their outdoor time is supervised and conducted in short bursts, because they are prone to heat exhaustion.
New Foundland Appearance
-
- Relatively small
-
-
Atheletic
Stuff Toy
Body
The strong and silent Newfies have a deep and broad chest with a level back. They have water-resistant double coats: a coarse, straight outer one with flat hair and a dense undercoat. The forelegs are straight and well feathered and the hind legs are partially feathered. The tail is thick, well covered with hair and slightly curved. The eyes are small, deep-set, spaced wide apart and dark brown in colour. The head is broad and massive with a deep muzzle that is rounded at the top. The ears are small and set back, close to the head. The mouth is very soft and the jaw is slack, to aid with retrieving without damaging. Newfies fall under the giant canine category. Males weight 60-70kg (130-150lb) and females weigh 45-55kg (100-120lb). Some have been known to weigh over 90kg (200lb). The largest Newfie known to man weighed 120kg (260lb) and measured over 6 feet from nose to tail.
