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Newfoundlands => Newfoundland Discussions => : alorasmommy May 02, 2005, 10:21:04 AM
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Hi-I stumbled onto this site and it seems like the perfect place to ask advice-we want to get a large dog and my husband has his heart set on a newfoundland but I would like a saint bernard and we need help from people who own these breeds to give us some feedback-we have a 7 month daughter so our dog must be excellent around children. We also have 5 small birds so the dog must tolerate birds. We also need a dog that is good around other dogs since we take frequent walks and go camping and our dog will be doing these activities with us. My hubby wants a newf because we've read how sweet tempered they are and he thinks they're really pretty. I'm hesitant because of the huge price tag attatched to them :-\. I like saint bernards because I've read that their great with children and have a very patient manner. They're also cheaper. My hubby thinks they're too big (even though I don't think there's much of a difference is weight between the two.)-any help would be appreciated! Sara
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Sara,
Newfs are excellent dogs and are natural babay sitters. They have the best temperment in the world. They love to please, be cuddled, and to be part of the family in every way. Our Bear is hardly ever out of our sight and when he is, he checks in frequently just to make sure that we are still nearby. We take him every where we can and he loves to fish, camp, hike, swim in the ocean, lake or swimming pool, as well as play with others- dogs, cats, and humans. My mother-in-law has several birds and he enjoys watching them. I'll post a picture of him tonight kissing a bird. Its too cute. As for the size, I think Newfs are generally a bit smaller than the Saints in weight and height. Though they are expensive, they are worth every penny and the life that they live with you becomes priceless!
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Ditto what Jaime said, our Newf Drake is truly a gift from Nature. Newfies are so smart, so sweet, so gentle, and SO FLIPPING CUTE!!!!!!!!!! For more info on the breed, go to:
http://www.ncnc.org/NewfWorld/newfworld.htm
I don't know much about St. Bernards, but I am sure they are very similar. They have Newfie genetics because they were overbred in the early 1900's and Newfies were introduced to restrengthen their gene pool, so there will be similarities. And as for cost, you are probably talking about a few hundred dollars and if you are up to that point, is it that big of a deal to spend a few hundred more if it is a dog you want? Do your homework on breeders, expensive dogs don't necessarily mean quality dogs. There's also rescue societies where you can get a quality dog for practically nothing. More more info on this, go to:
http://www.ncnc.org/Rescue/rescue.htm
Good luck on your decision! You will be happy either way.
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Thanks for the input-newf lover has a good point about money-a couple hundred more dollars is worth having such a good dog-i wish i could just get one of each ;D My hubby is so in love with newfoundlands that I think we'll probably get one of them. We've done a little looking for puppies for sale but there doesn't seem to be a lot available-we live in Michigan and I've only found a couple of breeders and they're not having puppies availabe till late summer-I don't think I can wait that long! :(. Thanks again for the great input! Sara
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:DH :DHello there,I am a Saint Lover,and MyMaggie is 4mo,old know she is a female she has a temp,of a you know when you go to the zoo you see a monkee,that is Maggie she is so funny,and we have a Grandson tommy he is Two he love's her i will send you there pick tonight,Female don't get as big as male also 140,she has big feet but a heart of Gold!! We she goes in the car where ever you go,so good,you don't know she is there,it is somthing,It is the Best Dog in the World you need to call Becky conway she is in S,D,she has the Best Saint Bernard pups theree years heath gant and ship to you 160,& Pup 500 shots,some something like that i have her no,she might have pups left? ;) ??? ??? ???let me know are do want one we want onother,we love maggie easy dogs!!let know!
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Hi Sara. We have a St. He is absolutely the best with my kids. He loves to go with us werever we go and LOVES the lake. He is BIG though. My parents had a Newfoundland dog who was very big as well. He was great with kids too.I think that whichever breed you and your hubby pick will be well worth it. Just dont forget how big they get. You kinda overlook that though because of there great temperment and they are so loyal. Very smart as well. Our St. doesnt bark that much eather. Not like some of the smaller dogs. He only barks when he needs to.
Dont know if this helps any but good luck and keep us posted.\
Karen
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Can you fit a st. bernard/newfoundland in the back seat of a car comfortably-we will also have a car seat in the back but our car has a large back seat......Sara
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We just got a saint at xmas.Hes my baby.Good luck deciding Sara .How can you resist this face?
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Hi, I have to agree with the other Newf owners. We had a Golden and a Jack Russell in the past. Actually, our Golden had behavioral issues due to over breeding we think. He was a biter and we had to put him down. Consequently, we did extensive research on breeds. We found the Newf to be a perfect fit for what we were looking for, excellent temperment, loving and gentle and good with kids and other animals. Last fall we got a female brown Newf. Bella Rose is 10 months and she is the absolute best dog I have ever had. She surpasses everything we had hoped for and wanted in a dog. In fact we have decided to get another Newf.
We live in Michigan (Howell which is between Detroit, Ann Arbor and Lansing), and know how hard it is to find a breeder. We found a breeder in Galien, near South Bend Indiana. The litter whelped on 3-6-05. and there are a few puppies left. Mom is a Landseer and dad is Black. The mother had 4 Landseers, 1 gray and white female, and 3 black (2 male and 1 female) We are getting a black male this time, and know the other black male is sold too. We are picking up our puppy next weekend, but you can contact them via their website: www.wheatgermo ilforpets.com
Also, both parents have all their health clearances and have are guarnateed. She's been a Newf breeder for about 10-12 years I believe. Good luck and go with the Newf ;D
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Hi Sara
I too HAD a car but with 3 kids it became to small quite quickly. Our St. would never fit in the back of a car with the kids. If you have 1 car seat it would be quite hard to fit a big dog in there as well. Untill he is around 1 year anyway. We have a truck now and Judge really likes the ride in the back. He gets way too hot in the front with us anyhow. Hope this helps. A mini van would work well too.
Karen
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Thanks for info Jules-we've only found one newf breeder in Michigan that sounded reputable but I'd like to have something to compare it with-i just sent an email to the breeder you bought your newfs from-hopefully I'll hear from them soon. We're looking at getting a puppy this summer, after we get back from an out of state vacation in mid-June. My hubby and I discussed it some more last night and we've decided on a newfounldand right now, with the option of getting a saint bernard next ;D I am a little concerned about all of the health problems that newfoundlands seem to have; i've been looking at various websites and they seem to have problems that I can't even pronounce, but they sound expensive! Has anyone had lots of health problems with your dog? Also-how old was your puppy when you got him/her and how soon did you take him/her to obedience classes? And lastly, I've read that newfs drool after eating/drinking but do they drool a lot during other times? I know our new dog will probably end up sleeping in our room and I don't want to step in a "lake" when I wake up in the morning :P Thanks again for all your help! Sara
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Well Sara we are the ones that have the saint not the newf.If you decide on a saint I know a wonderful Breeder here in ohio.Spotakiss is the grandson of american/canadian grand champion Gentle Ben.He also has long line of champions.Get ready for the snorring if you have him in your room.
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Sara, (that's my wife's name except with an "h") the drooling is just something that comes with Newfies and Saints. There no getting around it, but some dogs definitely drool more than others. Our breeder tries to breed lower volume droolers, but that is pretty hard to eliminate completely. I believe a lot of it has to do with the length of their lips. Drake has a longer nose and shorter lips than the average Newf and he really only drools when he is begging for food and after he has been playing or gets excited. Some breeders don't like this look, preferring the short nose and long lips, but others don't care. It's all a roll of the genetic dice, one isn't necessarily better than the other. You'll see what I mean about his lips in this picture Jaime posted from this weekend, you can see the difference between him and Bear.
http://bigpawsonly.com/index.php/topic,479.0.html
Regardless, they are all beautiful, sweet dogs whether they drool a lot or not. You'll just have to get in the habit of carrying a rag with you, we bought bibs at the Newf show last weekend which are pretty cute and work well too. Like I said before, if you have a problem with hair or drool, Newfies are the wrong dog for you. Look forward to seeing pics of your pup.
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According to my research while deciding to adopt a newfie, I came across information that suggests long haired St. Benards are in fact a version of the newfies. I forget where I found the article but it had something to do with Monks hiding dogs to protect them; a St. Benard with a Newf and that's when the long haired St. Bernard was introduced. Maybe someone out there knows where I read it. If I recall I was researching the Landseer at the time.
Jen
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Sara
I beleive both dogs drool. Judge drools after he eats and if he is excitted. Same as the Newf lovers beautiful Drake. Im sure that you will fall in love and as I say it ends up being the same as cleaning some of the stuff we MOMs cleanup after our human babys. You love them so much that the slobber is just part of them. LOL Well not once it hits the floor. HEHEHE
Good luck!! I really cant wait to see your new baby when you get him/her.
Karen
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I have been loved by four Newfies and being totally and completely prejudiced toward the breed, I can't imagine having anything else ever!! We've just picked up the fourth baby and this knowing all the bad things you've heard about drool (oh, not so bad) shedding (so does my husband ;)) and the health issues (really, really scary!!!). The most important thing is to do your homework and find a responible breeder. The initial cost ususally reflects the level of care that was taken in the breeding, whelping, vet bills etc. Our last Newf before this baby was a rescue so "free" and our first expense was monumental to diagnosis idiopathic epilepsy!) Find the VERY best breeder that you can! Contact your local Newf Club and ask them. Most people are really happy to share their opinions about their breeders. Then check with the Health and Longevity Committee through Newf. Club of America. They won't recommend a breeder, but they can tell you if the breeder you are considering has any known problems in their line. The emphasis is on "known". Things do pop up unexpectedly!
Also, get a bigger car!!! A full grown Newf (nor, I wouldn't think, St. Bernard) wouldn't be comfortable in the back seat with a car seat. Also consider the claws on the upholstery. I have a smallish station wagon and with the back seat down, my 140 rescue boy rides comfortably.
I'm sure which ever dog you get you'll adore! Good luck and post pictures when you pick him/her up! We're all cheering for you (both Newf and St. lovers, I'm sure!!)
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Beautiful!
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Beautiful!
Just wait 'til I'm big enough to wear "shades"!!! Hopefully I'll be as cool as you!
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That has to be one of the cutest Brown Newf puppies I have ever seen. There's no ignoring a Newf Pup.
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We didn't get a new car when our Pyr startedto grow up but we DID take the backseat out & our childrens' arms rests off of the bucket seats in back...Oh!...I forgot to mention that's in our Dodge Grand Caravan mini van...lol...It's a hound hauler for sure but if we get a Newfie or a St. we are gonna get my hubby's '79 Ford Bronco out & running again...I always knew we kept her for a reason..lol!
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A big vehicle is a must with Newfies, Pyrs or Saints. Our Suburban is a must when we go on trips with Drake. Although he is OK in the car, it ends up getting trashed. A pickup truck is a good idea, these dogs bring nature home with them in their fur.
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Please consider a GREAT PYR too. The don't drool as much as a newfie or St. Can't count how many times I've heard people say "LOOK A WHITE NEWFIE!" They are so great with children too. A natural gaurdian! ANd if your really lucky like me..our Pyr doesn't shed! here check out my "WHITE NEWFIE"
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WOW!! How cute is THAT picture!!! Both babies are SO adorable! :)
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You definitely need a large vehicle....We have a dodge Grand Caravan mini van & took the back seat out & the armrests off of the middle bucket seats 2 months ago & Samson is just 9 & 1/2 months old now...He is still having a bit of a hdr time getting around in there..He usually rides with his butt on the bucket seat & his feet on the floor...lol..I f the kids are both with us he often plops his big Pyr butt right on one of their laps like they aren't even there...lol... B.t.w., I heard I sad statistic today about the St.'s...3000 are registered with the A.K.C. every year & 1000 of them end up in rescue. :( :'(
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Hi Sara;
We have a 12 week old Saint Bernard named Guinness, along with our children - a three year old, 18 mth old and a three month old. We did a lot of research and made a list of our preferences and found Guinness to be a great match for our family. We chose a short-haird Saint because it's a lot less maintenance than a longer haired breed. Our previous dog was an Australian Shepherd and his beautiful coat was high maintenance - when it was wet or muddy out he had to be bathed weekly. Also, I find that the longer haired dogs tend to have more of a doggey odour when they come in from outside :-\. Because time is very precious with three little ones running underfoot, I had to factor in the grooming maintenance requirements in our decision on a dog and. Here's some pics of Guinness with our kids.
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Hello There,
I have a 2 year old Newfie and a 1 year old Saint Bernard. I adore them both.
There is tremoundous differences between the 2 breeds in my opinion.
After having both I prefer Newfs. Do not get me wrong, I adore my Saint but if I were to get another puppy it would be a Newf.
Saints are much bigger then Newfs and they do not realize how big they are. My Saint weighs 175 at 1 year old and he is as stong as a bull. He is however, extremely loving and wants to be with his family 24/7. He thinks he is a lap dog and he can be found on my husbands lap most of the time.
My Newf is the smartest dog that I have ever met. He was easy to train and understands so many words. He was a very hyper pup but has calmed down a lot and is very sweet. He requires more exercise then my Saint. They are both good with children. Newfs are cleaner then Saints and as far as health problems, my Saint has been to the vet more then my Newf. Big Dogs in general are expensive to maintain.
Remember that they are both are working dogs that need to be challenged.
Good luck with your quest. I hope you find what you are looking for. ;D
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. I'm hesitant because of the huge price tag attatched to them :-\. I like saint bernards because I've read that their great with children and have a very patient manner. They're also cheaper.
where i live saints and newfs are about the same price what is the diffrence there?
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Good question. I think it might have to do with the fact that until Josh and Westminster, Newfs weren't that common of a dog to see all across the world. Kind of like a supply & demand thing.
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I don't know if you have found a Newf puppy yet, but we got ours from a breeder who raises both St. Barnards, and Newf's. She has alot of adult dogs, and we are very pleased with our puppy who is now 13 months old.
If you look at TLC kennels on the internet that is her site.
ksullivan
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Hi Sara!
Well....if the drool factor concerns you...you can always look into Berners (Bernese Mountain Dogs)! Just kidding...my own personal bias, I know you have decided to go Newf!
We had to make a similar decision, Newf or Berner. Hubby fell in love with my aunt's newf and was set on that, but I have always wanted a Berner. I won (though now hubby is a Berner convert).
We waited over a year for our boy. The important thing is to find a reputable, responsible breeder you like and trust. The wait is worth it! It was so hard to wait, but with these large breeds, bad breeding can have very expensive, and heart breaking, consequences. The time will go fast and the anticipation makes bringing him/her home even sweeter.
Good Luck!!
Lori
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I vote...one of both. ;D
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I have both a saint bernard and a newfoundland. They are now five and six. I love them both very much but they are very different. My saint is a great walker she heels when anyone walks her. My newfie gets excitied on walks and loves to chase squirls. My saint is a short hair and allthough dshe does not drool she sheds worse than the long hair newfies. She loves people that she knows and never leaves them alone always wanting attention. I call them needy and noisy. My saint does not like some people and barks especially when they are on the other side of a fence. I do NOT trust her around children. Each dog is very different so I am not saying all saint should not be around children nor all newfies should. Although I have never heard of a mean newfie. The main differents that I believe does have to do with their breed more than the dog, is their strengh. Both of my dogs weigh around 150 lbs. What concerns me most about having MY future children around my saint is she does not understand her strentgh. She paws at you to keep petting her and it can hurt or when she steps on your feet I have had badly bruised toes. My newfie falls under the catagory of gental giant. When he paws you it is much softer. The only reason why I would have to get rid of my dogs would be because they are to ruff. To be honest I am very concerned that we will need to find my saint a new home when we have children beacuse she is not aware that people have feet or when she paws or pushes at them with her head to be petted she pushes hard enough to knock a kid over. There are many times that my saint will sit on your feet and push into you with all of her might to the point were I ,at 150 lbs. myself have to push back to not fall over. My father had a stroke a few years ago and he has trouble walking and my newfie is much better about not walking into him or pushing on him. My saint gets so excitited for attention that she runs to him and trips him up when he is trying to get to a nearby chair. My newfie is always inspecting thinking and giving my saint kisses. He drolls like crazy and sheeds but I do allow children around him. I would recommend a saint to some one large enough to handle the dog. She is very sweet and has never bitten anyone. She is not describied as aggressive but her problem is that she is afraid and that is why I do not trust her. She has mood swings were she is happy and then gets angry. Newfies are great for people with kids and around other animals. (this is my second newfie) They are however in my case more destructive. My saint never broke or ate anything but my newfie is very smart and loves water so he has bite through several hoses in hopes of finding water. He digs not alot. My old newfie was a girl and she did not dig. He gets into garbage he loves to investigate everything. They both bring a different joys to my life and they have also brought me different struggles to overcome. My last bit of advice- is buying these dogs is the cheapest part of owning them and we easily spend thousands each year on doctor bills. Big breeds need to be watched for hip problems and other health issues. DO NOT BUY A CHEAP SAINT or NEWFIE. Investigate the breeder meet the dogs parents play with the puppy. Discount dogs can cost a lot more in the long run on vet bills and a sick dog takes away from the fun you and your family can have with them. Both of my live inside and have their own room. Good luck with your decision!
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I have a similar question...I am torn between getting a Cane Corso and a Tibetan Mastiff. I've been robbed and threatened since I moved to vancouver and I need something inately wary of strangers , especially those who might pose a threat.I don not want an attack dog. What do you folks suggest?
PS I would also like to use the dog in my future job.. ;D (dog trainer).
Rose
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Newfs are highly intelligent, thinking dogs, problem solvers, and know when to protect and not to, they are not "needy" depends on if you buy from a breeder who doesnt care and lets them go at six seven weeks or a breeder who is there training those pups from day one, imprinting training, and working them thru ten weeks.
much of a newfs personality is shaped by the owner and the dog in the household it comes home to.
some can be needy if the other dog is domineering, aggresive, or if it is not well adjusted.
much training must go into the young BOISTEROUS newfoundland pup
it is a WORKING DOG
and needs a lot of excersise, preferably walking in sand, or in water, swimming, walking against the current in a river or up hills.
building up muscle is key to healthy joints along with keeping them thin and trim, do not be set on a huge newf, they are not mean to be huge.
if you want that get a mastiff or great dane.
No matter the testing you never know if joint problems will arise,
the odds are out of a litter of six pups two or three wont pass ofa
doesnt mean they wont function normal healthy sound lives, they dont walk on their xrays, it doesnt matter, cross referencing or not, the odds are the same, we have it in humans, it still is a mystery, everyone is trying to find the magic formula, but it is not there, as it is so polygenic in nature, and there is more than a small genetic componant, i have always believed growth rates are what contribute hugely to the factors of bad joints, and lack of correct excersise at crucial ages.
diet plays a huge role, as well as the environment they live, slippery floors?
allowed to run amuck the house?
keeping those feet shaved out?
if not they slide all over and wahh lahh, not good for joints at all.
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I would go with a Cane Corso.. very obedient, good agility. MY CC will allow new people in only if I tell him it is ok. People that he know he lets in with a bark and a wagging "stub:)" I can have people come up to my car and unless they move in a threatning way he is fine. I can tell him to "watch the car" and if I leave, he will "protect" the car only if someone approachs. Most of all he looks intimadating, and that is the big key. And with people hw know he is the biggest mush. Out of all my dogs he is a total momma's boy ! He does drool in the summer though, and he is not that fond of new dogs that are over 6 months old, although he will tolerate them.
Hoep this is useful for you!