Page 78 - K9 News - Issue 14 - December 2020

SO YOU
THINK
YOU WANT A
NEWFOUNDLAND?
S o you think you want a Newfoundland
dog in your life? Have you researched
the breed to find out what they are really
like and whether it will be suited to your
lifestyle? Are you aware that a Newfoundland’s
coat requires regular grooming and that means
several times a week? Newfs shed their coats
constantly, all year round and that means
piles of fur everywhere, they drool and do
not discriminate as to where that drool goes
which means on your clothes, furniture walls
and ceiling. A Newfoundland grows to be very
big - that cute teddy bear at 8 weeks grows
into a 6 month often over enthusiastic 60 kilos
weight with limited coordination! Vets bills will
often be up to 4 times that of an average dog,
even for routine treatment such as worming.
The Newfoundland is a working breed with an
active mind that needs to be occupied, which
involves a commitment to training - starting from
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the very first day. Newfoundlands are “people”
dogs, they thrive on human company and are
not suited to being left alone or kept outside all
the time, away from their family. A bored Newf,
even a puppy can make short work of a table
leg or even a door frame. This breed is meant
to live and be part of a family in the house. So,
are you willing to accept the hair, drool, and mud
that comes inside with this breed? Their love of
water means they are quite happy to slosh the
contents of their water bowl all over the floor and
then sleep in it!
Good with children, were you thinking of Nana
in Peter Pan? Remember that was fiction! A
fully grown Newfoundland with the right training
and socialisation can make a good family
pet but as a giant working breed they can be
boisterous and easily knock small children over
so make sure you are aware or the practicalities