How to Select a Newfoundland

The Newfoundland, named for its original home in Newfoundland, is noble in appearance, extremely agile and even-tempered. This breed, with its webbed feet and waterproof coat, is also known as a lifeguard dog because of its ability to rescue swimmers. Outside the water, the Newfoundland is watchful over children and an overall sweet and loyal companion.

Things You'll Need

  • Dental Kits (for Dogs)
  • Dog Beds
  • Dog Brushes
  • Dog Collars
  • Dog Dishes
  • Dog Food
  • Dog Leashes
  • Dog Tags
  • Dog Toys
  • Dry Shampoo For Dogs
  • Nail Clippers For Dogs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a Newfoundland if you are looking for an affectionate and attentive pet. Look elsewhere if you want a watchdog - although Newfoundlands may intimidate intruders through their sheer size, they don't have aggressive personalities.

    • 2

      Consider a Newfoundland if you have children or other pets in the house. They are very playful with children and are much more patient with them than are most breeds. They also do well with other animals of all kinds.

    • 3

      Think about a Newfoundland regardless of your climate. Newfoundlands are at home in cold weather, but they can also adapt to warm weather - they simply don't grow their usual undercoat.

    • 4

      Look at the dog's features when considering the purchase of a Newfoundland. Its head should be quite large and its eyes should be dark brown and small. Its outer and undercoats, which are water-repellent, should have a slick look and should not be wavy, although a slight wave over the rump is permissible.

    • 5

      Notice a Newfoundland's colors. They can be black with white on their tail tip, chest and feet; bronze; black; white; brown or gray.

    • 6

      Note that male Newfoundlands will to grow to between 27 and 29 inches in height and weigh up to 150 pounds. Females will grow 25 to 27 inches and will weigh between 100 and 120 pounds.

    • 7

      Learn about the health problems that are associated with Newfoundlands and talk to the breeder - or whomever you are considering purchasing yours from - to see if they have screened for these disorders. Newfoundlands are prone to hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint), elbow dysplasia, sub-aortic stenosis (a heart condition), and cystinuria (a hereditary defect that forms calculi stones in the bladder).

    • 8

      Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed, specialty or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure you aren't dealing with a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed).

    • 9

      Know that you will probably pay between $900 and $1,500 for a purebred Newfoundland.

    • 10

      Consider adopting a Newfoundland from a pet rescue organization.

    • 11

      Realize that the life expectancy of a Newfoundland is about 10 years.