Advertisement


 

How to Care for the Newfoundland Breed

Newfoundland dogs have a double coat that makes caring for them more complex than small short-haired breeds. They shed with the seasons and the fact that they drool excessively makes caring for these gentle giants very time consuming.

About Shedding and Drooling

Newfoundland dogs are massive dogs that drool, then drool some more!

It is common knowledge that Newfoundland dogs drool and shed, but many people don’t realize the extent of the drooling and shedding. If you like a clean, tidy house, you don’t want a Newfoundland as a pet. They shed excessively in the spring and fall. In fact, this process is more than just shedding. Newfoundlands “blow” their coats as new fur growth occurs. Hair and drool will be everywhere; on ceilings, walls, in food and in almost every nook and cranny. The drool is a sticky glue-like substance that’s very hard to remove and yes, your Newfoundland will drool in your lap and the lap of your guests.

Training the Newfoundland

Before you bring your Newfoundland puppy home, enroll him in obedience school. Start the training as soon as possible for best results. Newfoundland puppies have very short attention spans and you must teach yours to pay attention when you speak. He needs to be socialized so he knows how to act around humans and other animals. Newfoundland dogs grow rapidly and are extremely strong, so you need to be in control from the very beginning of the dog/human relationship.

Feeding your Newfoundland

Be prepared to buy lots of high quality puppy chow for your Newfoundland. He will need an excellent source of nourishment because of his rapid growth rate and will eat very large portions. However, when he is full grown, his metabolism will be slower than most large canine breeds, so you will have to be careful that he doesn’t become overweight.

Newfoundland dogs' thick coats will benefit greatly from regular grooming

Grooming

Your Newfoundland needs to be groomed thoroughly at least three times a week in order to control shedding and matting of his double coat. Grooming cleans the coat and skin and keeps odor under control. A long-toothed steel comb is a must, as is a wire slicker brush. Comb the fur back to front, then front to back. Be certain that the dog’s fur is brushed all the way down to his skin, but use caution so the dog’s skin isn’t harmed. Look for fur mats on the inside of the legs and behind the ears.

Keep a close watch on your dog’s skin for parasites and other problems. Grooming your Newfoundland regularly will keep his coat and skin healthy and cut down on baths. If you bathe your dog at home, rinse well to be sure all the shampoo is removed from his coat. If soap is left in the fur, skin problems will occur. Toenails should be clipped weekly because of the dog’s size, but have to be done properly. Many times it’s far easier to drop your Newfoundland off at a reputable groomer’s to ensure he is properly groomed.

Health

Newfoundland dogs are usually healthy. They do have tendencies to have problems related to their size, which includes bloat, genetic heart problems and hip dysphasia. If the dog’s breeding ancestry is not of a high quality, other health problems may occur.

A Newfoundland makes a joyful, loving companion that is fiercely loyal and protective

Veterinary Care

Seek out a local veterinarian that specializes in large breed dogs. Take your puppy to the vet as soon as possible after you bring him home. The same day is perfect. Avoid allowing your puppy to come into contact with other dogs until all shots have been given and he is immune to disease. Have him examined every three months for hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms. When he is grown, he should be checked every six months. Be sure he has a heartworm test and purchase heartworm medication to be administered once a month from June to December.

In order to protect your Newfoundland from worms, be sure to pick up his stools after he goes. Also, protect him from flea and tick infestations, as they can cause skin problems and infections. Be sure to treat your dog’s bed and your house for fleas and parasites all in the same day or a re-infestation will occur.

Exercise

Newfoundlands are very docile indoors but very energetic outdoors. They love to play, swim, run and work. If you want your dog to remain physically fit and healthy, you must be sure he has a daily regime of exercise. Exercise also alleviates a wide range of behavioral problems.

Newfoundlands can weigh up to 170 pounds, but they are sweet, gentle giants

Growth

Female Newfoundlands grow to a height between 25 and 28 inches and when fully grown weigh between 100 and 125 pounds. Males grow to a height between 27 and 30 inches and weigh 150 to 170 pounds.

If you can put up with the drooling and shedding of a Newfoundland, this dog is fiercely protective and will bring joy, love, companionship and undying loyalty into your life.



Advertisement
 
Twitter- The Dog Den

Doggies Den: Latest Articles


Homemade Thanksgiving Treats for Your Dog Homemade Thanksgiving Treats for Your Dog

NUTRITION We all want to include our dogs in our holiday celebrations, but hopefully, you're aware that sharing table scraps with your dog isn't always the best idea.


Keeping Your Dog Safe during the Summer Months Keeping Your Dog Safe during the Summer Months

HEALTH Summer is coming on fast, so it’s time to plan how you will keep your dog safe and healthy through the lazy, carefree, warm days.


Vaccination Time Again-Keeping Your Puppy Healthy Vaccination Time Again-Keeping Your Puppy Healthy

DOG HEALTH So you have your new puppy picked out. There are quite a few shots, treatments and examinations that will keep the newest member of your family healthy.


Canine Thanksgiving Feast Canine Thanksgiving Feast

NUTRITION With the wide variety of food at Thanksgiving dinner, chances are you'll want to give your dog something special, too. If you're contemplating what to feed your dog for the holiday, here is a guide to a great Canine Thanksgiving Feast.


Dog Walking Tips Every Owner Should Know Dog Walking Tips Every Owner Should Know

DOG FUN Walking your dog is not only crucial to keeping him healthy and happy, it strengthens the bond between your canine friend and his caregiver. There are a lot of obstacles out there. Don’t forget these simple tips to keep your walk fun and safe in the outside world.


The Benefits of Physiotherapy for your Dog The Benefits of Physiotherapy for your Dog

HEALTH The same techniques that physiotherapists use to treat a variety of injuries and conditions in humans have been adapted to suit animals with great success. Family pets, show dogs, and working dogs can all benefit greatly from physiotherapy.  Dogs whose activities involve a lot of agility are especially susceptible to the types of problems that physiotherapy can address.


The Decision- Adding a Dog to Your Family The Decision- Adding a Dog to Your Family

FIRST TIME OWNERSBringing a dog into your family is a decision where many people don’t realize it’s magnitude until after they have the dog. There are a number of things that you need to research before you decide to purchase a dog, and it starts right in your own home.


Bringing Your Dog Into Your New Baby's Life Bringing Your Dog Into Your New Baby's Life

HEALTH Many believe that a dog and a new baby cannot happily coexist, so therefore the dog has to go.  This is not necessarily the case.  A new baby does not mean you have to abandon your dog.


Advertisement
Doggies den logo

Doggies Den:
Most Popular Articles