Is A Newf For You
Brief History Of The Breed
The origin of the Newfoundland will always remain a matter of speculation. There are several theories to explain the appearance of the large, black dog on their native island of Newfoundland. It is interesting to note, however, that they are one of the few breeds indigenous to Canada. No matter what the origin, English settlers on the island of Newfoundland were impressed with the native dogs’ great size and strength, their natural swimming ability and their gentle dispositions. Traders brought the dogs back to England where they were bred with the large estate dogs. The breed was first given its name about 1775. At first the breed evolved by natural selection and later by selective breeding. In the mid 19th century, the white and black Newfoundland became very popular as a result of a painting by Sir Edwin Landseer and these white and black newfs took their name from him. Newfs were used for draft purposes and as ship dogs. Few ships in the 18th and 19th centuries set sail without a Newf on board. Their reputation for heroic water rescues was unparalleled. Legends abound of Newfoundlands saving drowning victims by carrying lifelines to sinking ships. The dogs were kept in the “dog walk’ on early sailing ships. If the sea was too choppy when land was sighted, the dog carried a line to land. In 1919, a Newf was credited with saving the entire crew of the “Ethie” which was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia. The ship’s dog carried a line through the treacherous sea and rocks to shore and the line, secured by those on shore, enabled the crew to make its way to safety. This is but one of countless stories of heroism performed by the Newfoundland Dog.
In the late 1800’s, breeding kennels were active in England but the breed was near extinction in its native land due to a law passed in 1780 in Newfoundland forbidding the ownership of more than one dog. Due largely to the efforts of the Honourable Harold MacPherson (Westerland Kennels), the breed survived in Newfoundland.
The hallmark of the breed is his sweet and gentle temperament. This combined with his devotion and eagerness to please his owner make the Newfoundland the best of the giant breeds.
Is This the Breed For You?
There are few things more appealing than a litter of cuddly Newf puppies. But a Newf is not a dog for all people. Before you jump in, are you prepared physically, mentally and financially for such a giant breed? That cute bundle of fluff you see for the first time at approximately 8 weeks of age and 20 pounds, will grow at a rate of approximately 10 pounds a month until, by 12 months of age, he weighs 120 pounds. And he is far from finished growing! Be honest with yourself. Reading some books and loving the breed is not reason enough to own one. Your lifestyle will have to accommodate a Newf’s needs as it grows and matures. Are you able to spend the time and money required to care for a Newf? Newfs are very special creatures, craving human companionship and though they are a hardy breed, preferring the outdoors, they must spend time interacting with your family. Newfs are heavily coated and require daily and most certainly weekly grooming. It doesn’t cost more to feed a Newf than any other large dog but good quality food is an absolute must. Regular exercise is paramount to the well being of your Newf.
Obedience training is an absolute must for a Newf. Due to his size and strength, a Newf must be under control at all times. Do not wait until your Newf is grown to begin training. Even a 6 month old (potentially 75 pound) puppy can outrun you, pull you down, knock you flat, jump up and give you a bloody nose! Newfs respond very well to training as they like to please and enjoy the companionship that comes with training.
Above all, a Newf needs love or he will not thrive. Love is not just mush but the most important single element in raising a Newfoundland. Love helps glands perform well, love and security build a stable nervous system. Training and discipline are an important part of love – they add to security. It is up to the new owner to continue with these important elements of puppy raising.
If all of this is still appealing to you, welcome to the wonderful world of Newfoundlands! Newfs are loveable, sensitive companions. Though they are not known as guard dogs, they are guardians, defending when necessary. They are not incessant barkers but when they do bark, they let those know of the power there.
Training
An untrained dog, no matter what size, is a liability in today’s society. For their own safety, all dogs require some form of obedience training. Most Newfs are readily trained. The ideal time to begin training is when you bring your new puppy home. Puppies should be taught to walk on a loose lead, come when called and stay. Always use praise and encouragement when training your puppy. By starting training early you avoid developing any bad habits. Newfoundlands should definitely receive early obedience training. Obedience training is the prerequisite to water, draft work and carting. If you intend to water train, it is advisable to introduce the puppy to water by the age of four months but do so with care and consideration.
Puppies can generally be housebroken within a few weeks of bringing them home. The key is being consistent and watchful. Remember though that for a few more months accidents can happen. This is not from disobedience but because young dogs do not have the muscles to wait. Take your puppy out to relieve himself when he wakes from a nap, finishes eating, after a play period and whenever you see him circling and sniffing the floor. Once an accident has occurred, do not scold your puppy. NEVER rub your puppy’s nose in the accident; swat the puppy with a rolled up newspaper, etc. Always reinforce good behaviour and ignore accidents. Consistency and patience is the key to all training.
Scout out puppy kindergarten and obedience classes offered in your area. Contact instructors recommended to you by fellow dog owners and sit in on some of their classes prior to bringing or enrolling your puppy. If at any time you feel uncomfortable with their training methods – leave! It is not in your best interest or your puppy’s, to continue with methods or instructors you do not have total confidence in.
Do keep in mind that even when your Newf is 10 months old, weighs over 100 pounds and can looks somewhat like an adult, he isn’t. He is still very much a puppy mentally. Teach him manners with kindness and consistency. Buying a Newfoundland
Things To Consider
Purchasing a Newf is not like making the decision, getting in your car for a ride to the store and picking one up. Realize that dedicated breeders have a waiting list of approved homes and it is very unlikely you will find a puppy available the first time you pick up the phone. Always buy from a reputable breeder. They have dedicated their lives to producing sound, healthy stock and are knowledgeable in all aspects of the breed. NEVER purchase a puppy from a pet store. “Breeders” who sell to pet stores are only in it for the sale, and are not concerned with the health and quality of dogs they produce. After all, they don’t have to deal directly with you the buyer do they? The cost of a Newf puppy is small in relation to the monies that will be spend on feed, care, etc.
Selecting Your Newfoundland
If at all possible, visit the breeder personally even if this means a long drive. A visit will enable you to meet the breeder and see the conditions of his kennel. Although an elaborate facility is not a necessity, the facilities can and should be spotlessly clean. A good breeder will question you during the visit about your plans and your own facilities for a Newfoundland. He will be rightfully concerned if you do not have a fenced yard. Also beware of the breeder who wants to sell you a puppy of less than eight weeks of age. Reputable breeders generally keep their puppies until at least 8 or 9 weeks of age when they will be examined by a veterinarian for inherited defects and conditions.
Many breeders have sales contracts or agreements. As with any contract or agreement, read it carefully and ensure you understand each clause fully. Discuss with the breeder any areas you are unsure of before signing. Most breeders offer a contract covering defects common to the Newfoundland breed. Any breeder should be interested in the progress of all the puppies he sells. If for some reason you find that you are unable to keep your Newf, the first person you should contact is your breeder.
Choosing A Breeder
Don’t be in a rush – the more homework you do the higher your chances of getting the right Newfoundland for you.
Please remember that registration papers for a purebred Newfoundland are not an added attraction. In Canada, they are the law! Dogs come under the jurisdiction of Agriculture Canada and are governed by the Livestock Pedigree Act. It states, in effect, that if a dog is sold as a purebred, registration papers must be provided at no extra cost. It is a federal offence to sell or advertise for sale a dog as a purebred if it is not eligible for registration with the Canadian Kennel Club. These laws are to protect you, the consumer. Otherwise, you have absolutely no assurance of the background of the dog except the seller’s say so.
The Newfoundland Dog Club of Canada sells an informational hand book titled "The Newfoundland And You". The cost is $7.50 plus shipping and it can be obtained from:
Beverley Baker
207 Seneca Av.
Hamilton, ON
L9B 1M1
Canada
