The Newfoundland Breed Standard, and what owning a Newfie is really like.
The first mistake new owners make is thinking that their new Newfoundland puppy should act “like an adult” when they are in fact, still a puppy, and just like any other breed, raising a puppy takes training, love, and patience. Yes, Newfoundlands are generally easily trained, but crate training is a must. Crates are not meant for a means of punishment. They are intended for keeping your puppy safe when you cannot watch them, in addition to expedience in potty training.
Newfoundland dogs should not weigh 180 to 200 pounds. The AKC breed standard is as follows:
Males: 125 to 150 pounds, average height at the withers 28 inches; Females: 100 to 120 pounds, average height at the withers 26 inches.
It amazes me when I come across ads stating a male weighs 200 pounds! This is not correct, and certainly not the standard.
When I started my search for a Newfoundland (the Internet wasn’t popular back then) I made several calls to breeders and read everything I could get my hands on about the breed in general. Communicating was more personalized back then. In some ways, the Internet has made searching for a puppy even more difficult. I would much rather talk to a potential new owner on the phone.
So, what is it really like to have a Newfoundland? I could not imagine life without my Newfs. They are extremely loyal, seem to have a sixth sense about people, both good and bad, are very laid back (as soon as you get beyond the puppy training stage), in tune with their family, and the most loving breed I have ever encountered. They are very emotional, dislike discord, are creatures of habit, and do not need a ton of room like most people think. Are they for everyone? Of course not. If you require a spotless house, this is not the breed for you.
I highly recommend Judi Adler’s puppy training book, specifically geared toward the Newfoundland breed.
Newfoundlands do drool. Males more so than females. They tend to drool more if they are nervous, or the obvious, too hot. They also “blow their coat” a few times per year. They are not perpetual shedders, like my Norwegian elkhound is. Newfs do not need to go to the groomer every month. However, they do require brushing; the “slicker” brush is the best for this breed.
Also, not all Newfs immediately “take” to water. This is something that should be introduced slowly at about 4 to 5 months of age. I couldn’t get Doc in the water if my life depended on it! Thank goodness I’m not a fan of the water.
Feeding a high quality dog food is also paramount. Newfoundlands average between 4 to 6 cups a day, provided the kibble you feed is superior. Better food, healthier dog, and less trips to the vet.
Jogging: I am also asked this question by people who are runners and wonder whether a Newfoundland would be good to take along with them. Unless you want to stop numerous times during your run because your Newfoundland decides he is tired and does not wish to continue, the answer is no.
