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The Newfoundland Dog and Newf-L FAQ

The Newfoundland Dog and Newf-L F.A.Q.

First Version 0.60 (April 21, 1998)
This Version 1.02 (December 3, 2009)

Created and hosted by Gary A. Donahue, E-Mail: gad@gad.net

DISCLAIMER: This document is meant as a starting point on your quest for Newfoundland knowledge. It is in no way to be used in place of a vets advice, or a breeders recommendation. These people are professionals, and this document will defer to them whenever possible. If you think your dog is sick or in need of veterinary care, stop reading this and call your vet now. The best thing you can do for a sick or injured Newf is to get in contact with a vet as soon as possible.

6. Newfoundlands

6.1 Where can I go to learn more about Newfoundlands?

A great place to start is Newf-L. In this case, you're in the right place!

Another great place to start is the NCA (see "What is the NCA" in this section)

Why not try your local library or bookstore? There are many great books on Newfoundlands on the shelves, most of which are filled with excellent information and great pictures. Check out "What good books are there on Newfoundlands?" in this section.

(Shameless plug here) You may also wish to check out

http://www.Newf.net

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6.2 What is the NCA?

The Newfoundland Club of America (NCA) is the AKC recognized parent club of the Newfoundland.

For the NCA Web site, go to

http://www.ncanewfs.org/

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6.3 What is Newf-Tide? Where do I get a copy?

Newf Tide is the quarterly newsletter of the Newfoundland Club of America. A subscription does not constitute NCA membership.

For more information about Newf Tide, please see the NCA NewfTide website at

http://www.ncanewfs.org/newftide.shtml

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6.4 What good books are there on Newfoundlands?

There are numerous books on the subject of Newfoundlands. Some of the better ones out there include:

Newfoundlands Today
Hedd & Del Richards
Copyright ©1997 by Ringpress Books
Howel Book House
A Simon & Shuster / Macmillan Company
1633 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
ISBN: 0-87605-248-4

http://www.amazon.com/Newfoundland-Today-Book-Breed-S/dp/1860540031

The Newfoundland Puppy: Early Care, Early Training

Judi Adler

http://www.sweetbay.com/

The Newfoundland: Companion Dog, Water Dog

Joan C. Bendure

http://www.amazon.com/Newfoundland-Companion-Dog-Water-Breed-Books/dp/0876052421

The Newfoundland

Emmy Bruno

http://www.amazon.com/Newfoundland-Pure-Bred-Emmy-Bruno/dp/0944875475/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259985261&sr=1-1

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6.5 How do you pronounce the word "Newfoundland"?

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6.6 What color Newfoundlands are there?

Newfoundlands come in black, brown, gray, bronze, and landseer (black and white). Discussions often crop up on this subject on Newf-L, because different countries have differing standards for the Newfoundland. Not all countries standards accept gray as a color for example.

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6.7 What is a Landseer?

The AKC standard lists a Landseer as: "White base coat with black markings. Typically the head is solid black, or black with white on the muzzle, with or without a blaze. There is a separate black saddle and black on the rump extending onto a white tail."

Landseers get their name from Sir Edwin Landseer, a famous English painter who was quite fond of using these beautiful dogs as subjects.

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6.8 What is an ECT?

ECT stands for "European Continental Type". ECT's or Landseer ECT's as they are sometimes called, resemble Landseers, but are different in type and temperament. An ECT is a little taller, a little less broad, and to the person familiar with Newfs, just looks "different" than a Newf. ECT's tend to have a more "active" personality, and require an owner ready to live with a large dog which is more assertive than a typical Newf.

As of 1998, Every country except the U.S. and Canada recognize the ECT as a separate breed from the Newfoundland. These remaining countries are looking into the issue.

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6.9 Are Newfoundlands just black St. Bernards?

No, not at all. Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands are completely separate, distinct breeds. A great many years ago, Newfs were bred into the St. Bernard line, thus creating the long haired St. Bernard (previously, all Saints were short haired). Apart from this, Newf's and Saints have different ancestry.

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6.10 What is the Newf standard, and where can I get a copy?

The Newfoundland Standard, is the description of what a Newfoundland should look like. Personality is also covered.

When dogs are shown in the conformation ring, they are judged not so much against each other, but against the standard. The dog that resembles the standard the closest is the winner. Imagine the ring judges knowing, to the letter, each standard for each breed and being able to compare all those dogs to all those standards. It's no small task.

The American Kennel Club Newfoundland Standard can be viewed at

http://www.akc.org/breeds/newfoundland/index.cfm

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/57

http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=99&BreedCode=NWO

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6.11 I want to breed Newfies. Where do I go?

If you want to breed Newfoundlands then you no doubt have Newfs that epitomize the standard, and should be bred to further their excellent type and personality. If you have such remarkable Newfoundland that are worthy of breeding, then you no doubt got them from a breeder of some merit.

Since you are acquainted with a breeder that produced such magnificent stock, I recommend you talk with this breeder at length and learn the benefits and many pitfalls of breeding Newfoundlands. Someone knowledgeable enough, and with the resources to produce such beautiful dogs should be respected and learned from. Consider yourself lucky to learn from such experience.

You say you don't know any breeders and you got your Newf at the pound? Your Newf is a wonderful, loving pet, and should be treated with all the love she deserves. Don't endanger her life by breeding her. Find a breeder and talk to them. You'll be amazed at what you don't know.

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6.12 Is there a Newf club in my area?

To find NCA affiliated clubs in your area, check out the

NCA's Regional Club Page

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6.13 I want to get a Newf puppy. Where do I start?

Well, your on the right track if you're reading this document. Read it from top to bottom and you'll have a good idea of what living with a Newfoundland might be like - on paper.

Go to your local library or bookstore and look for any books on Newfoundlands. There are a few references to some great books in this FAQ. Read all you can, then read some more.

Find someone that already owns a Newf or two. Newf-L is a great place to do this. Listen to what Newf owners have to say about life with Newfies. Remember to listen for the bad as well as the good. Newf life is not like real life: there's a lot more drool.

Find a reputable breeder and get in touch with them. If you can, visit the breeder more than once. Most breeder encourage visits, knowing it gives prospective owners a good idea of what Newf life is like. Breeders often have multiple Newfs strewn about their house and property. If you like being there, it's a good sign you'll like being with one of your own. Of course there more to it than that, but getting to a breeder is one of the best things you can do in your quest for the perfect puppy.

Read this FAQ again, then make sure you can live with the inconvenience, drool, hair, vet bills, drool, muddy floors, drool, missing underwear, crying puppy and drool. If you can, then make arrangements with your breeder to start your life anew: The Newfie way.

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6.14 I want to rescue a Newf. Where do I start?

Good for you! Rescuing a Newf is quite a noble undertaking. It is also one that should not be taken lightly. Rescue dogs are often just that: in need of rescuing. They often have psychological or behavioral problems, they often have medical problems, and they often end up costing even more than if you got one from a breeder.

If you fully understand all that, rescuing a Newf can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. These loving animals seem to understand that you have saved them from their often horrible plights, and return your love tenfold. While rescue is rewarding, it is not for the feint of heart.

For information on the Newfoundland Club of America's rescue program, check out the

NCA's Rescue Network

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6.15 I already have a Newf. Is it much more work having two (or more)?

Hmm. One drooling, shedding, demanding sensitive beast, or two, or three ... or madness? Having multiple Newfs is something that can be done. It is indeed more work that having one Newf. You say "There's already drool on the ceiling. How much worse could it get?" Let me give you some things to think about.

Ever try to walk two 130 pound dogs at once by yourself?
Ever see two Newfs start to play in the living room?
Ever try to stop two Newfs from romping in the living room?
Does your car fit two Newfies?
How long does it take you to groom one dog? Now multiply that time by three. Three? While one's getting brushed, the other one is rolling in the mud, or stealing the brush, or deeply involved in unnamed Newfie mischief. Hmm.. multiply that time by four instead.
Do you crate your dog at night? Do you have room for another crate?
Can you afford to feed another Newf?
Can you afford to vet another Newf?
Do you have enough room on your couch for you and two Newfies?
Do you have the time and commitment to socialize and train a new dog?
Do you sit around and think I wish there was more drool on my pants?

Bear in mind that there may also be problems introducing a male into a house with an established adult male. Remember that dogs live in a strictly hierarchical society. Introduction of a new male may lead to battles for the Alpha position in the pack.

Is it more work? You betcha. Is it worth it? In my opinion, absolutely. Just remember, if you thought your house was a mess with one, you're in for quite a surprise with two! Of course if you thought you were getting a lot of love from one Newfie, well, I'm sure you get the idea.

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6.16 Do Newfs really drool that much?

Most do, and some don't. If the thought of a drooling dog upsets you, don't get a Newfoundland. Newfies jowls do not seal like human lips. When they get a drink of water, a good deal of that water comes streaming out of their mouths when they're done. Remember that Newfies love people. They also love to share their drinks with people. Drool is a fact of life with Newfies. Some Newfs drool only when they're nervous or hot, other Newfies seem to drool just because they can.

Too many Newfs end up in rescue because the owner thought the dog wouldn't drool as much as it did. If drool upsets or disgusts you, please, Don't get a Newf. Do you like a house that is spotless? Let's just say that drool doesn't just drip, it gets thrown too. Sometimes I wonder how drool gets on my ceiling. Then I see my dogs shake their heads.

Besides, drool is good for you. Oh I'm sorry, you didn't know it would get in your food? It will, though not as much as Newfie fur. I'm not making this up.

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6.17 Are there really "Dry-Mouthed" Newfs?

Be wary of breeders that say they can guarantee a drool-free Newf. While drooling is partly a genetic trait (facial structures etc.), I can almost guarantee that even if you get a dog that rarely drools, at some unfortunate time, HE WILL DROOL! Where? On your new suit or dress. Count on it.

Please, if you are offended by drool, don't get a Newf. If you are interested in finding a Newf that doesn't drool, you should really consider a different breed.

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6.18 Do Newfs really shed that much?

Oh yeah. It has been said that Newfs only shed 12 months out of the year. In fact, they are always losing and replacing fur to some degree, but twice a year they shed like you wouldn't believe.

The term "blowing coat" is used to refer to a Newf when he's shedding. Live with a shedding Newf for any length of time, and you will quickly discover that this humorous term has its roots in reality.

Newf have a lot of fur to begin with. In fact, they have two coats, the one you can see (the guard coat), and one you generally cannot (the undercoat). When they shed, you know it. Do you like Newf fur in your mashed potatoes? On your clothes at work? In your sandwich? Up your nose at a meeting? No? Don't get a Newf.

Simply put, Newfs have A LOT of fur, and they shed twice a year. Imagine, Newf fur AND drool. Cool!

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6.19 Are there really "Short-Haired" Newfs?

The AKC Newf standard states: "... The outer coat is coarse, moderately long, and full, either straight or with a wave. ... Hair on the face and muzzle is short and fine. ... Excess hair may be trimmed for neatness."

Beware of "short haired" Newfs, as they are more than likely not purebred, but a Newf cross instead. Often a Newf bred with a Labrador Retriever will yield puppies with a Newfie "look" and short hair.

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6.20 Do Newfs make good watchdogs?

Sure, if you plan on tripping the burglar with your sleeping dog. ;-)

Newfs do not as a rule, make good watchdogs. They are people dogs, and love attention of any kind. If someone broke into my house, and my Newfs were asleep at the foot of my bed, the burglar could easily take everything out of the house whilst they blissfully snored on. Newf's will protect their owners from a perceived threat to be sure, but they should not be thought of as guard dogs in any sense of the term. God help them if they tried to hurt us though.

When I recently got some furniture delivered, I locked my Newfs in the bedroom so as not to scare the deliverymen. Did the dogs bark at all the noise? No, but they were quite upset that I wouldn't let them out to play with the strange new humans.

Most people unfamiliar with Newfs are naturally intimidated by a their size. A Newf's temperament is usually so gentle however, that using one as a watchdog is probably not your best choice.

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6.21 I want my Newf to be an "outside" dog. Is that OK?

Dogs are very social animals. Newfs in particular thrive on companionship of any kind. All most Newfs want is to be with you. It is practically a sin to leave any dog alone outside all day with nothing to do but wonder when you he will see you again. To a Newf, this isolation can be severely detrimental to his or her wonderful temperament.

Newfies are family dogs first and foremost, and they are truly happy if they are with their family as much as possible. If you are going to get a dog and tie it up outside alone all day, don't get a Newfie. In fact, please consider not getting a dog at all.

Consider your Newf to be a son or a daughter and you will get the idea of how they need to be treated. They are very sensitive creatures that need a lot of attention and love. As long as you can provide that to them, you will have a happy Newfoundland.

Remember also that Newfs have thick coats of dense, often black fur. Which would be better for him, sitting outside in the hot sun, or sitting inside with you in the air conditioning. If you are uncomfortable outside, your Newfoundland is doubly so.

Most breeders will ask if you intend your Newf to be an indoor or an outdoor pet, and many will not sell to you if you plan on leaving your Newf outside. This is their right and most Newf owners agree with them. If you want an "outside" dog, you will probably do better with another breed, or better yet, without a dog at all.

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6.22 Can I keep a Newf in my apartment?

This is a breeder decision. Some breeders allow apartment Newfs, others do not. There are many reasons, some of which I'll try to cover here.

More important than the apartment is the owner. If the owner is committed to talking a Newf for walks and other exersise every day, then an apartment might be OK. Some people are more conscious of this fact living in an apartment. I've even been told by one breeder that they are more concerned by people saying they have acres and acres, as this may indicate an owner likely to leave the dog outside to entertain itself in all that land. Remember, Newfs need to be near their people.

Another side to the argument concerning apartments has to do with stairs. Newf puppies grow fast. Sometimes too fast. A lot of people feel that climbing stairs is very bad for growing hips on a Newf pup. Many breeders will not even consider a Newf for an apartment if that apartment is on the second floor. Will you carry your Newf pup up the stairs for the first year of it's life? Remember: Newf's can weigh in excess of 100 pounds at 12 months of age.

Consider this: If you live in a house, and have a fenced in yard, you can let the dog out at night (supervised) and not worry about the dog running off. In an apartment, you have to get dressed and walk the dog on a leash at 2:00am when she needs to piddle.

Let's not forget that dogs bark. Some more than others to be sure, but the truth is: Dogs bark. Maybe not at night, maybe only when you get home. Maybe your neighbors don't like dogs, or barking, or whatever. You get the idea I'm sure.

We have two Newfoundlands, and we waited until we got a house to get them. It was the best decision - and the hardest wait we've ever done.

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6.23 How much land is enough for a Newf?

35 acres with your own lake would be just lovely, thank you.

½ acre with access to sidewalks or a park nearby is OK too.

You know what's important? You getting out with your Newf and getting exercise together. Walk on the sidewalk, or walk in the park, or learn to do water work, or draft work, or sit/stay/heal or WHATEVER! Just get out every day and do something with your Newf. You will both be healthier and happier for it.

Sure living on 35 acres with you own lake makes it easier and more fun, but you know what? Those kids at the park won't get smothered with Newfie kisses as they giggle and shriek with glee. Maybe the park's not so bad after all.

Having 35 acres does your Newf no good if you leave him outside to play on his own all day. He will quickly get bored, and pine for attention. We call this barking. If you've got the land, use it. Walk your dog daily and enjoy what nature offers you. Besides if you don't, those of us without all that land will be really mad and resent you forever.

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6.24 Are Newfs good with kids?

While Newfs as a rule do get along quite well with children, it is improper to generalize any breed into good and bad categories. Sure most Newfs are great with kids, but if you don't put effort into socializing them when they are young, and teaching them to respect children, you just might get a dog that snaps at a child.

Newfs are extremely tolerant of just about everything, but some scientists have found that dogs can differentiate between adult humans and other species and objects, but not always between children and animals! When your toddler sticks his hand into your dogs bowl, your dog may feel this is another animal trying to steal his food. A properly socialized and trained dog will handle this very well, whereas a dog having never seen a child before, will probably react instinctively (See "The Newfoundland Puppy: Early Care, Early Training" by Judi Adler)

Please don't think that I'm saying Newfs are not good with children, usually they are. In fact, usually they are amazing with children. My point is that you should not assume that every Newf you see is good with children. If you meet a strange Newf, how do you know he hasn't been abused by children in the past? You don't.

In summary, all dogs should be taught to respect and be gentle to children, and all children should be taught to respect and be gentle to dogs.

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6.25 What is a "velcro dog?"

A "velcro dog" is a dog that never leaves your side, as if he was "velcro'd" to you. This is a trait that is seen quite often in Newfies. If you like the thought of your 130 pound dog always being in your way and always underfoot, then a Newfoundland is definitely the dog for you.

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