Think you want a Newfoundland dog in your life? Have you really researched the breed and it’s suitability for your lifestyle? Do you know that this dog’s coat requires daily grooming, Newfs shed year round constantly (and we mean LOTS of fur everywhere), they drool (again LOTS) and do not discriminate as to where that drool goes! Newfoundlands get big. Do you know that one of the most common reasons why Newfoundlands are surrendered to rescue groups is that they "got too big?" And those veterinary bills will often be 2-4 times that of an average dog, even for the "normal stuff”. This is a working breed and these dogs require a job, which involves a commitment to training - starting at day one. Newfoundlands are "people" dogs and can NOT be kept outside all the time, away from their people. This breed is meant to live with their family in the house. And speaking of house, are you willing to accept the hair, drool, mud that come inside with this breed?
Are you willing to commit the time to research a responsible breeder? That puppy at the pet store is just the cutest thing. And they are offering a big discount. Or you saw the ad on Craigslist and they are selling puppies for half of what you heard “Breeders” were asking. That cute puppy almost certainly came from a puppy mill or backyard breeder. It’s parents were not screened for the genetic health issues of this breed, the puppy had limited socialization before it got to the market and that discount could be because the puppy is getting too big and will lose his ‘cuteness’ in a few weeks. Also be aware that some so called rescue organizations are not rescue at all. Sadly, there are businesses (aka retail rescues) that purchase pups from mills or brokers to offer for resale under the guise of rescue.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) “Responsible breeders are individuals who have focused their efforts on one or a select few breeds and through breeding, historical research and ongoing study, mentoring relationships, club memberships, showing, raising and training of these breeds have become experts in their health, heritable defects, temperament and behavior. Responsible breeders are well suited to educate and screen potential buyers/adopters and provide follow-up support after purchase or adoption. Responsible breeders take lifetime responsibility for the animals they have bred.”
A responsible breeder will welcome your questions regarding the health, temperament, and quality of their dogs. The discussion should include information about feeding, grooming, training, socialization and veterinary requirements. The breeder may even help you decide that a Newfoundland is not for you. Open communication is the single most important factor in the breeder/owner relationship.
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Our club members would love to help you with your search!
We invite you to contact us, come to a club event
Meet working dogs and their humans
We would love to talk to you about Newfies
Let GRNC help you decide if this is the breed for you
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