Owning a Newfoundland : Breeder Recommendations

Last updated Sep 25, 2020 0

Do you want a gentle giant of a dog around your home? Would you love to have a friendly, protective pet that will attract attention because of its looks and demeanor?

If so, a Newfoundland might just be the pet you are looking to add to your family. Newfoundland owners consistently praise this large and beautiful breed for its calmness and loyalty. Getting a well-bred puppy from a good breeder could be the first step to many years of enjoyment with your Newfoundland.

Things to Know Before Getting Newfoundland

It is extremely important that you learn as much as you can about this breed before you begin your search. After you prepare yourself with information and you arm yourself with questions to ask, we recommend visiting at least three reputable breeders in order to give yourself a chance to compare. Take your time while choosing which breeders to visit. Take even more time as you look at their facility and their dogs.

Whether you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder or want to get your Newfoundland from a reputable rescue organization, it is important to ask questions, specifically about the health of the dog. A breeder should be very open to giving you information about both parents of the litter. In addition, he or she should be able to answer questions about possible genetic health problems, as well as provide you with proof that the puppy is certified as free from these conditions.

If you find a wonderful, older Newfoundland at a rescue site, make sure you learn as much as you can about the dogs background and breeding. Getting this information early will go a long way toward eliminating future problems. As you look for the perfect puppy, keep in mind that you may not want to choose the first little dog that seems to pick you. Sometimes the puppy that is not quite so forward makes the best pet. Instead, choose your new puppy on color, though this might be a secondary factor in your decision.

Remember, the Newfoundland can be black, brown, gray, or a beautiful bronze. The white Newfoundland with dark markings is also recognized as part of the breed in the United States, although not in some European countries where the white dog is considered a different breed. If thinking about breeding your dog later, you need to decide early whether to purchase a female or a male.

When making this decision, keep in mind that some male dogs of this breed do show aggression toward other males, upon reaching maturity. However, good breeding and early training can often eliminate much of this problem.

You may want to consider American Kennel Club (AKC) registration or some other formal documentation of pedigree. For breeding or showing, this would be a very valuable step. Of course, if buying a young Newfoundland that would be a family pet and home companion, this would not be necessary.

If you decide to show your Newfoundland, it is also very important to know the dog’s bloodlines very exactly. A top breeder should be able to give you all the information you need about this process.

One other item you should keep in mind as you search for your Newfoundland is the chance that your puppy or young dog may become seriously ill or die. This might be difficult to think about as you bring a puppy home, but having guarantees from the breeder for replacement will save headaches later.

Therefore, ask to have these guarantees in writing and make sure you will at least get your money returned if you lose your Newfoundland within a certain period. Taking these steps is the best way to begin life with your new pet.

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