Newfoundlands are a gentle giant breed that makes wonderful family pets. Whether you are adopting a puppy or rescuing an adult dog, it is important to know what you are getting into before bringing them home. Here are 12 things to consider before bringing home a new Newfoundland.
1. They are Big Dogs
Newfoundlands are one of the largest dog breeds, with adult males weighing up to 150 pounds and standing 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller but still weigh between 100 and 120 pounds. Make sure you have enough space in your home and yard for a dog of this size.
2. They Need to Exercise
Newfoundlands may be big, but they still need exercise just like any other dog. They enjoy walks, hikes, and swimming, which is one of their favorite activities. Be sure to provide your Newfoundland with plenty of opportunities to exercise and play.
3. They are Gentle and Loving
Newfoundlands are known for their gentle and loving nature. They are great with children and make excellent family pets. They are also very loyal and protective of their family, making them great guard dogs.
4. They Shed a Lot
Newfoundlands have a thick, double coat that sheds a lot, especially during shedding season. Be prepared to brush your Newfoundland regularly to keep its coat healthy and shiny.
5. They Need Grooming
In addition to regular brushing, Newfoundlands need grooming to keep their coat looking its best. They should be bathed every three to four months, and their nails should be trimmed regularly.
6. They Can Be Expensive
As with any large breed, Newfoundlands can be expensive to care for. They require more food and larger doses of medication than smaller dogs. Additionally, they may be more prone to certain health issues, which can lead to expensive vet bills.
7. Look Into Pet Insurance
Considering the potential expenses of owning a Newfoundland, it is important to look into pet insurance. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills, which can be very expensive with a large breed like Newfoundland. It is important to research different pet insurance policies to find one that works for you.
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8. They Can Be Stubborn
Newfoundlands are generally easygoing and obedient, but they can be stubborn at times. They are intelligent dogs that may try to push the boundaries and get their own way. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help overcome this stubbornness.
9. They are Good Swimmers
Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers and are known for their ability to rescue people from the water. They have webbed feet that make them great swimmers, and they are built to withstand cold water temperatures. If you have a pool or live near the water, be sure to supervise your Newfoundland when they are swimming.
10. They Need Socialization
Newfoundlands are social dogs that enjoy being around people and other animals. It is important to socialize your Newfoundland from a young age to ensure they are comfortable and well-behaved around other dogs and people.
11. Look Into Dog Training
Training is essential for any dog, but it is especially important for large breeds like Newfoundlands. They are strong dogs and can easily overpower their owners if they are not well-trained. It is important to enroll your Newfoundland in obedience training classes to teach them basic commands and manners. This will not only help keep them safe but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Check out the Best 7 Online Dog Training Programs here.
12. They Have a Short Lifespan
Newfoundlands have a relatively short lifespan compared to other breeds, typically living between 8-10 years. While this is heartbreaking for any pet owner, it is important to be aware of this before bringing a Newfoundland into your home.
13. Make Sure These Products Are On Your Shopping List!
Bringing home a new Newfoundland can be overwhelming, so we compiled a comprehensive list of every product you’ll need for your new Newfoundland here.
FAQ for First-Time Newfoundland Owners
1. Are Newfoundlands good with children?
Yes, Newfoundlands are excellent with children and make great family pets. They are gentle, patient, and protective of their family, which makes them perfect for households with children.
2. Do Newfoundlands need a lot of exercises?
Yes, Newfoundlands need a moderate amount of exercise. They enjoy walks, hikes, and swimming, but also enjoy lounging around the house. It is important to provide them with enough exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
3. Do Newfoundlands shed a lot?
Yes, Newfoundlands have a thick, double coat that sheds a lot, especially during shedding season. It is important to brush them regularly to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
4. Do Newfoundlands have any health problems to watch out for?
Yes, Newfoundlands can be prone to certain health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat. It is important to take your Newfoundland for regular check-ups with a veterinarian and to keep up with their vaccinations and preventative care.
5. How much food should I give my Newfoundland?
Newfoundlands are a large breed and require a significant amount of food. It is important to feed them high-quality dog food that is formulated for large breeds and to follow the feeding guidelines on the bag. Your veterinarian can also provide guidance on how much to feed your Newfoundland based on their age, weight, and activity level.
6. Do I need to groom my Newfoundland?
Yes, Newfoundlands require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. They should be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling. Additionally, they need to be bathed every three to four months and have their nails trimmed regularly.
7. Are Newfoundlands easy to train?
Newfoundlands are generally easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times. It is important to use positive reinforcement and consistent training to teach them basic commands and manners. Enrolling them in obedience training classes can also be helpful.
8. Do Newfoundlands make good guard dogs?
Yes, Newfoundlands make excellent guard dogs. They are protective of their family and their size and strength can be intimidating to potential intruders.
9. Are Newfoundland’s good swimmers?
Yes, Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers. They have webbed feet that make them great swimmers, and they are built to withstand cold water temperatures. However, it is important to supervise your Newfoundland when they are swimming to ensure their safety.
10. How can I socialize my Newfoundland?
It is important to socialize your Newfoundland from a young age by exposing them to different people, animals, and environments. Enrolling them in puppy socialization classes and taking them on regular outings can also help them become comfortable and well-behaved around other dogs and people.
11. Should I get pet insurance for my Newfoundland?
Yes, it is a good idea to consider pet insurance for your Newfoundland. They can be prone to certain health issues and may require expensive vet care. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills and give you peace of mind.
12. How long do Newfoundlands typically live?
Newfoundlands typically live between 8-10 years, which is relatively short compared to other breeds. It is important to be aware of this before bringing a Newfoundland into your home.
Conclusion
Newfoundlands are wonderful dogs that make great family pets. However, they are a large breed and require a lot of care and attention. It is important to consider these factors before bringing a Newfoundland into your home. By doing your research and providing them with proper care, you can enjoy many happy years with your furry companion.
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