Some good Newfie educational material:
This is from the Newfoundland Club of America's Website located at
http://www.newfdogclub.org/Main_Sub_Pages/ws02_puppybuyer_main.htm#Puppy%20QualityIt’s so easy to fall in love with an adorable puppy. Stop and think before you buy a puppy. Consider the source.
The Newfoundland Club of America recommends that you take your time
when searching for a puppy and urges you to purchase a puppy from a
reputable breeder. We offer the following brochures to aid you in your search:
The Newfoundland and You, Introducing the Newfoundland, and The Most
Commonly Asked Questions (please see page 4 for the address).
As with all dogs, Newfoundlands may have health problems. The most
common are subvalvular aortic stenosis, hip and/or elbow dysplasia, cystinuria,
skin problems and ear infections. To increase your chances of getting
a healthy, happy puppy, buy from a reputable breeder who:
- breeds to the AKC Breed Standard. The Standard is a written guideline
for the ideal dog. A reputable breeder strives to produce this ideal dog.
The standard is what keeps Newfoundlands looking like Newfoundlands.
- breeds only healthy specimens. Breedings are not done until necessary
health checks have been performed. A reputable breeder will have proof
available.
- uses contracts and limited registration when selling puppies. Use of these
items protect the puppy and the buyer.
- is a member of his/her national and regional breed club and/or local all
breed club. These memberships help to keep the breeder up-to-date on
all issues concerning the breed.
- does not produce puppies simply to make money. A reputable breeder
breeds in an attempt to improve the breed.
- will demand that you follow exacting instructions for feeding, grooming
and raising a puppy and will provide you with written instructions.
- will provide you with references.
- will demand that the puppy be returned to them should you no longer be
able to care for the puppy at any time during its life.
- requires interviews and visits before selling you a puppy.
- has spotless kennels.
- will introduce you to their dogs and allow you to interact with them.
- will help you pick a puppy that will best suit your family.
- will return your phone calls and be willing to help you for the lifetime of
your Newf.
Contrary to popular belief
Please let us dispel several myths about Newfoundlands:
Champagne (cream), white and brown, white and gray and black and tan
are not desirable colors. They are a matter of genetics. They are NOT
approved Newfoundland colors. They do not meet the AKC Breed Standard.
"Bigger is better." The Newfoundland standard states that while a large size
is desirable it is never to be at the expense of structure and soundness.
"I breed for Newfs that don’t drool." Newfoundlands have a deep muzzle
which can make them prone to drooling. A reputable breeder cannot guarantee
that a Newfoundland will not drool.
"We don’t x-ray because the dogs run around the yard just fine." It is impossible
to determine the health of a dog unless you look inside!
"If the hips are fine the elbows are too." NOT TRUE!!! A dog's front end
carries most of the weight. It’s the first thing that hits the ground when a dog
jumps.
"The dog has been shown and has first place ribbons to prove it." This does
not guarantee good quality. Dogs may get first place ribbons at practice
sessions or at a dog show where there is only one dog entered. A breeder
needs to participate in dog shows on a regular basis. This is how they prove
their dogs are of excellent conformation (structural) quality.
"The mother was bred young because it was an accidental breeding." Reputable
breeders DO NOT allow this to happen.
"I can have puppies and make my money back." Making money breeding
dogs is a contradiction in terms. A routine cesarean section can cost
$2000.00. Routine puppy shots, food and laundry costs will eat up any potential
profit. Most breeders work to support their dogs.
"I’m going to breed her because I want another one just like her." Genetics
doesn’t work this way. If it did children would all look the same. Your chances
of getting a dog identical to your first are impossible.
"Championship lines." Several champions out of 30 dogs in 4 generations
does not constitute championship lines. Championship lines means that
nearly all the 30 dogs in the 4 generations are champions. This demonstrates
a commitment to breeding dogs of excellent quality and health.
