Hi,
My name is Melissa. Im interested in perhaps adding a Newfoundland to my family. I have a few other breeds Im looking into also. But I do have some questions about Newfoundland I was wondering if you Newfie owners could answer for me?
1~How are they with children? I have a 4 year old son. I will never leave them unsupervised,andnever let Shane (My son) tease the dog in any way, but I would like a dog that will get along with him and play with him.
2~How are they with other critters?
3~How much exersize a day do they need as adults?
4~What aresome health problems Newfies can have? How do you prevent them,and/or how they are treated
5~What are some pros and cons?
6~What sort of grooming and how often do they need?
Feel free to add anything else you think I should know that I didnt add. Feel free to brag or vent lol
Thank you
~Melissa~
Hi Melissa! Welcome to BPO! You couldn't have chosen a better breed to consider first. But then again, I am a bit biased...LOL! I am having my first experience with a Newf and I honestly can't imagine ever owning another breed of dog. EVER. My girl is Sierra, 7 1/2 months old and she is the most amazing animal I have ever experienced.
I can offer my opinions so far, but there are others here who can give you more info than I can...
Sierra has the sweetest temperment. She truly thinks everyone she meets is her best friend. We don't have small children in the house, our youngest is 11 yrs old but she can do anything she wants to Sierra and the dog just doesn't care. She is just happy to be getting the attention. Kelsey puts socks on her, puts her ears in pigtails and up like a sumo wrestler. Sierra just follows her around looking for more. We were at a picnic yesterday, and my 1 and 1/2 yr old nephew was crawling all over her, literally. She just looked at him every now and then and kissed him whenever he got within "tongue shot".
She has started getting protective of the house and of Kelsey especially. She's still a baby but some people have given her a second look already before walking up to us.
As for Newfoundland cons? THE DROOL. We have drool towels placed strategically around the house so we can grab one and wipe her mouth before she wipes it on someone's pant leg. I guess their size can be considered a con...Sierra still barrels around the house like she's a smaller dog. Another con, is the hair. If you don't keep up with it, it will be everywhere!
Hope this helps a little and let us know what you decide!
~ Stephanie