Newfoundland Owners

[simplymisty]

I hoping that some of you own a Newfoundland and you can tell me personally about them. I’m a single mom and my son is 11. We currently have a German Shepherd who is almost 6 and a Golden Retriever who will be 4 on Christmas.

I haven’t been thrilled with what I’ve been able to find out about them online. Each internet site says something different and don’t agree with each other. If you own or have owned a Newfoundland, can you please tell me about your dog? Did you prefer male or female? How are they with other dogs? With kids? With living in a house (most are working dogs)? Temperament? Shedding?

Anything would be helpful!!!

[bennevis]

Simplymisty,
I have owned two newfies and will have a third next year. Very large breed, mine were 165lbs roughly. Very devoted family dogs, mine was at ease with all animals from cattle to chickens/ducks and other dogs. Very laid back, just want to be part of the family. Very good with children (still needs supervision, very big dog). Truly a Gentle Giant. They LOVE water, puppies will play in water bowl or any water they can find. Lots of hair, shed twice a year, oily outer coat with dense soft inner coat. Love cold weather. Do not cope well in heat, shaved ours in the summer and he would grow back coat for winter. Tend to lean against you alot, very intelligent and eager to play and please you. Hip displasia is an issue, parents should be checked if good breeder, also heart problems but same as above with breeder. First large breed we have owned and will always have one as long as I can care for them. Giant breeds also mean more expenses for kennel, vet... My Newf ate about the same as my Lab. Hope this helps, let me know if you have anymore question. Best in my opinion.

[duncan15]

you shaved your newfie?

to me that is abuse

[Fran27]

You should never shave a newfie... their coat protects from cold AND heat.

No dog should be shaved. Period.

Actually never shaving any dog is a not right. There is definately a time and place for shaving a dog. I shave my pomeranian in the summer and he is much happier than when he has a ton of hair.

[simplymisty]

I've shaved my GSD. I think it's up to the owners as long as they take care of them in the heat and cold.

[Brattina88]

I would never shave a GSD...

[LuvsDogs]

Originally Posted by Fran27

You should never shave a newfie... their coat protects from cold AND heat.

Also protects from sunburn.
I've never had a newfie but friends did. They always carried around a towel to wipe her mouth. When they came to visit the dog would put her head on your lap & leave a wet spot.

[Sweet72947]

Originally Posted by Fran27

No dog should be shaved. Period.

What about poodles, whose hair just keeps growing? If you never shaved the poodle would look like a sheep!

[duncan15]

no dog that has undercoat should be shaved, newfies being one. others are goldens, labs, huskies, grt pyrs. it can ruin the coat, b/c it the undercoat will grow back in faster than the guard hairs. it looks very ugly and takes a long time to get back to normal. ive seen dogs like this with the worst coat and sure enough they had been shaved all their lives. if a dog with undercoat is brushed out correctly and regularly, there should be no need for shaving. even a pomeranian, they are hotter with no hair than with it.

as far as dogs with no undercoat, well shaving does not effect the coat growth. shave a poodle and the hair will come back the same. same with shih tzuz and cockers and schnauzers, etc.

to answer the question of the poster, newfies are generally great dogs. i have yet to meet one i havent liked. however training is a must. they need lots of excercise. and they need a lot of grooming. they shed a lo0t and need to be brushed daily.