Does anyone own a Newfie?

[neener130]

Hello,
I just put in papers to adopt a Newfie from my local Newfoundland Rescue. We are dog people, I've had dogs all my life. I've just never owned a Newfie. The size doesn't bother me neither does the all the hair and drool! I was just wondering if anyone here owns one and can give me some first hand info. When ever I see a picture of one I just want to hug it!!

TIA

[Merczilla]

No, but that's one breed I've always had an interest in. We have Saint Bernards. Have always had at least one at all times since about 1980 or so. Have two females right now.

I think they're just adorable and would love to have one myself. Now if friggin' dog food wasn't so expensive. lol

[neener130]

Originally Posted by Merczilla Now if friggin' dog food wasn't so expensive. lol

I know!!!!!!
St Bernard's are so cute too!!!! I love big dogs!!!

[jessica117]

my sister had one she was a great dog .very good with kids(my nephew would sleep with her jump on her shed sit there and lick him) ,protective of her familyie dislikes strangers.liked other dogs.

we a have a mix that has newfoundland in her and shes the same way but mine dont like other inside dogs.

[mommy3x]

I grew up with Newfies! Awesome dogs, but I hope you don't mind puddles of drool EVERYWHERE in the house, and furball bunnies. And that drool dries into fiberglass or something. Newfies have some specific health concerns, such as elbow and hip displasia, and bloat. My dog Molly died of bloat at age 5, and her mother also died of bloat. They DO NOT LIKE to live outside--this is an indoor dog, and a people-loving dog. Molly, however, liked to go outside when it was snowing. (We lived in Illinois.) She would bark to go out at 2 a.m. (you read that correctly!) when she somehow knew it was snowing. She would lie under the snow until she was completely covered. It was so funny!
They are outrageously intelligent dogs, but this can be a drawback because they can sometimes dcide to pit your inteligence/will against theirs.
Obedience IS A MUST. This is a large dog (Molly weighed 168) and walking a dog this size who is not completely under control and reliable is frankly dangerous to you and the dog. If he/she decides to take off and chase a squirrel, you're going for a ride. Pay for good obedience lessons!
You can PM me or e-mail me at msteen76@yahoo.com for more!
Good luck!!

[neener130]

Thanks mommy3x. I just sent you an email too. Thank you for answering me. I know what it's like to own a pet. I guess I just wanted Newfie owners to tell me how much they love the breed!!! Do you have one now?

[Liz]

I own a roughcoat Saint. He's actually behind me blissfully snoring away as we speak.

Invest in training. I can walk my guy without too much issue, but that has taken a lot of work to get to that point (I'm about 100 lbs. He's 140.).

As well, a Furminator. It is a brush that will run about $60 at Petsmart for the large one, but it helps pull out the loose undercoat, and therefore you'll have a lot less fur attached to every surface in the house.

And don't feed crap food. Seriously, look at the recommended serving on the size of a bag of Beneful versus one on the size of EVO. Twice as much. Short version, more in equals more out. Lots of fun to pick up huge huge piles. Plus, corn is a bad filler that causes a lot of gas. Ever been in a room with a dog of that size who farts? Yeah, you'll be out of that room quickly. Further, the high protein not being for large dogs theory time and time again is being disproven, as it really had no scientific basis to begin with.

The spit will bother you at first. The first week, you'll be squicked out, trying to wipe it away... We were okay with the thought but in practice that first week, it drove us nuts. But it definitely grows on you and you won't mind the spit flung onto the walls. Promise ;)

[neener130]

Thanks Liz,
I feed my Golden EVO. I've seen that Furminator. I should get it for Chopper. I wonder if I can use it on the cat too? She sheds more then the dog does!!!!

[Merczilla]

You only get slime on the walls? Lucky you. *looks up at the ceiling*

Seems like the majority of dog foods have corn in them. I've been using Nutro lamb and rice formulas. I've been kinda looking for a cheaper food, but all the ones I've looked at have corn. pffft. And the bags have gotten smaller. Can't find a 50lb bag anymore. They're either 30 or 40lb. They run almost $50 a bag here. $43.99 or something like that. Add in the horse grain (we have Percherons) and I can drop $150 in one trip easy.

Did I say we like big animals? lol

[purplefdu]

nothing wrong with big animals, lol.

Never owned a newf, but the woman who worked with me on my pet therapy certificate bred and raised them so I had to deal with my fair share. Hers weren't too terribly brilliant, but neither was she.

I do think they are great dogs though, and have met plenty of loveable ones. A neighbor at our old place spent the better part of a summer helping me get my oldest over his aggression towards them as a result of said therapy certificate (I passed, he failed since her puppy whined and then stepped on his tail and he snarled at him). The hair and fur can be a big downer, but the cuddle factor can't be ignored. They make great foot warmers as well.

I'm sure the breed rescue can put you in touch with local breeders if you ask, and hopefully even if you don't, lol.