Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Hopefully everything will work out and get stronger as he grows up!

I couldn't agree with more about falling' in love with a Newf! IMO they are the best dogs ever! (Of course my 2 1/2 year old boy made me say that  )

First, the dogs are very expensive and run between $1700-$2000 on average. Regardless of what you are planning to do with the puppy, you must make sure that you find a good, reputable breeder. It should be someone who is very knowledgable about the breed and does it because they love the breed & not just for the money. A good place to find one is through your local Newf Club or the Newf Club of America. Make sure that you check out the breeder's home and find out how the other dogs live. Your breeder should have the dog's parents heart, hips and elbows certified. The puppy can be hip/elbow certified at a very young age through new technologies, though it's best to wait until they are 2 so that their bones stop shifting and become more solid.  Also, make sure you understand what type of contract you are signing from your local breeder. Some require you to show, some require that you never spay/neuter, some require joint ownership, some want to retain a breeding & some just let you have the baby with no strings attached. Finally, you need to know if they will cover the cost of any problems in the first year of life, or in a case of death will they let you have a new baby, etc. 

In general, here is list of some very positive qualities from my expereince as a Newf mom:
1. They learn very quickly and love to please!
2. They like to learn new things- especially the things that they are naturally born to do (ie. water rescue, protecting kids)
3. They don't like to be away from the family and are protective, even though you'd never guess so. I found that out by accident. If Bear & I are home
    alone and he feels their is something odd outside, no matter how slight, he will posture, pace back & forth, then come site by me until he is sure
    that I am safe. He also postures when we are walking and he is not sure of the person approaching us. When heis sure they are no threat he
     returns  to his normal position and is a happy-go-lucky dog with thei tail wagging and all.
4.  They have very strong emotions- almost human like. They will talk for hours with you and if sad will give you the guiltiest face ever!
5. They will love you like no other. They'll give you hugs & kisses  all the time.
6. They will share everything wil other dogs like toys, food, etc.
6. They are so loyal to their parents & family that they miss you terribly when you are gone.

Here are some negative qualities:
1. Lots of shedding, drool and messiness in the house.
2. Some aren't protective until they have to be.
3. Intact males take a little more effort to train than neutered males. (Ours in intact and needs to be reminded of things, though he has NEVER tried to
     get out to be with a female in heat- EVER!)
4. They do need a reasonable amount of exercise to keep fit.
5. If allowed to stay on the bed/couch the springs can be weakened significantly due to the weight. 

I hope this helps! Good luck with finding a puppy. I think that it will a great addition to your family.


       

Here are some pics of one of the most dog friendly places in Ca. In Carmel, dogs are welcome anywhere (stores, restaurants, etc). The first pic is at Bear's favorite eatery where he gets giant hamburbers and the second is of a water fountain where dogs can drink. It's called the Fountain of Woof!

Bear's best friend Kobe does it and has done since he came home. He'll even sleep with his mouth open on his baby. Bear however, doesn't nurse with his babies but he does love each and everyone of them to death!  Guess this is as close to your pic as we have...

Looks like he is going to be an extremely gentle large giant at full growth!

Congratulation s! I totally know what you mean about champion breeders. Ours is an awesome woman but due to her very busy show schedule, it is hard to get a hold of her when you want a puppy. Guess we'll wait til next litter to get a baby.

Ok...I finally got through to a live person at the Saint rescue and I have to say that this was the most difficult page to navigate ever! I spent like 20 min. just trying to find a person to contact.  Anyhow, I got ahold of someone who is now getting the ball in motion to remove the babies. Hopefully, they will be removed soon and will be placed with a great foster family!

Poor baby! I don't have any experience with that and hope someone can give you some encouraging news. My prayers go out to you and Seamus.