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

12. Grooming

• 12.1 How often should I brush my Newf?

Every day. If you miss a day it's not the end of the world, but your Newf should be brushed every day. My dogs start to develop matts after only a couple days if I don't brush them.

Brushing your Newf should be a bonding time between you. Teach that puppy not to bite the brush, and he will soon look forward to being brushed every day. Not only does it feel great, but removing dead fur and undercoat helps keep them cool in the summer. Of course it also helps keeping them looking great.

If I brush one dog, the other one gets jealous and does everything she can to get me to brush her instead. They love it that much. Brushing your dog daily will get you firmly acquainted with your dogs body. In the event of an emergency, knowing what your dog's body normally feels like can save his life.

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• 12.2 I'm afraid to clip my Newf's claws. What do I do?

Get over it.

Get your dog used to having his foot handled. If you clip often, then you only have to clip a little bit each time. If you clip too much, the claw may bleed a little bit. This means you have nicked the "quick", the vein inside the claw. A stiptic pencil will usually stop this quickly.

Sure you can have a groomer clip your dog's claws, but why not save the money by doing it yourself. Newfs are people dogs. They want nothing more than to be with you. Grooming time is quality time for you and your Newf.

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• 12.3 What's a rake/slicker/comb?

• Slicker Brush

This is what most people refer to as a dog brush. It is very similar to a human hairbrush, though the bristles are usually metal and much finer. Running this tool through your Newfie's fur will slick it back and put it where you want it. A slicker brush will remove small things from your dog's fur, and remove dead fur from the guard coat and a little bit of the undercoat.



• Rake

A rake looks like, well, a rake. It is a single series of large metal tines, much like a fork, with a handle that allows you to rake your Newfs fur. A rake is essential for removing your Newf's dead undercoat. By keeping dead undercoat from building up, your Newf will not only look better, but he will be cooler in the summer. Rakes can be useful in getting out small matts, though when matts get to be to big, they usually need to be cut out.



• Comb

A comb is just that. A comb. For a Newf you need a medium toothed comb, or maybe a large toothed comb. It certainly couldn't hurt to have both. Combs are used for combing, and are great for fixing tangles before they become matts.



• Nail Clippers

I'm pretty sure you can figure out what nail clippers are. Get a big pair, as Newfies have big claws. Getting a good pair is also a good idea, because the better they work and the sharper they are, the easier it will be to clip your dogs claws.



• Thinning Sheers

Thinning sheers are scissors that have a normal blade on one side and a blade that looks like a comb on the other. These will quickly become your favorite tool. Thinning sheers are used to thin out the fur on your Newf's ears, feet, hocks, and anywhere else. Thinning sheers are great because they do not create hard lines when they cut. They are much more forgiving of mistakes in the hands of a novice.

When you buy your thinning sheers, get the best pair you can afford. While $90 seems a little steep for scissors, ask your barber or hair stylist how much their's cost. You'll be surprised. Good scissors, if properly cared for, can last for years. Remember, they will be in your hands for maybe an hour or more each time you trim your Newf. Imagine having more than one Newf! If you buy cheaper thinning sheers, you will no doubt be back to buy the good ones.



• Blunt Tipped Scissors

Sometimes you just need normal scissors. Shaping the ear on a Newfoundland requires normal scissors, as does trimming the fur between his toes. Don't use kitchen scissors or any sharp scissors please. Especially for puppies that don't like to sit still, sharp scissors can hurt or maim if they accidentally poke.

These scissors should be of good quality, though quality is not near as important here as it is for a good pair of thinning sheers. Just remember to get blunt tipped scissors, not pointed ones.


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• 12.4 How do I trim my Newf's feet/ears/hocks

In my opinion this needs to be shown to you. You can read all the books in the world, but when someone shows you how to do it, it just clicks. Call your breeder and have them give you a grooming lesson. If that is not possible, contact your local Newf club. There are always people willing to help.

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• 12.5 How often should I bathe my Newf?

Your Newf's fur and skin contain oils that help keep both soft and healthy. If you bathe your Newf too often, you will rob the skin of these essential oils and possibly cause problems of the skin and/or fur.

Usually twice a year is all that is needed to have a clean, healthy happy Newf. Of course sometimes they roll in something too disgusting to endure. When a bath is needed don't be afraid to do it. Just don't feel that you have to bathe your Newf every week or every month. Nature takes care of itself.

Hosing your Newf down in the summertime is a different matter. Soaking your Newf down in the heat is fun and helps keep them cool. This is different from bathing in that there is no soap applied.

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• 12.6 How should I bathe my Newf?

Get some puppy or dog shampoo (Your breeder is great for advice here!), get a hose and have at it! In the winter you can certainly use the tub, but beware; A pup fresh out of the tub is a wild, crazy, fun loving beast with LOTS of energy.

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• 12.7 What's a grooming table? Do I really need one?

A grooming table is a table on which you place your dog to be groomed. Do you need one? Sitting on the floor or bending over your Newf for hours at a time can quickly become tiresome if not down right painful. Having your Newf up on a table allows you to stand upright as you groom him, thus alleviating stress from your back etc. Of course getting your Newf up on the grooming table is another matter entirely.

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