So You Think You Want a Newfoundland

This article and the phrase “So you think you want a Newf” was originally published on Bydand Newfoundlands and has been adapted for this site with permission.

So you think you want a Newf, that’s great! 

However, Newfoundlands aren’t the breed of dog for everyone. There are a lot of things families need to take into consideration before deciding to add a Newfoundland to their family. 

Newfoundlands drool

Newfoundlands drool. Plain and simple. Some Newfoundlands drool more than others, but they all drool at some point. 

Your clothes, car, and the walls in your house can be painted with slime if you bring a Newfounalnd into your home. It’s all a part of their charm. 

Sure, some Newfies drool less than others and some don’t constantly have drool dripping from their jowls, but anyone who says they breed for a dry mouth is full of nonsense.   

Newfoundlands shed

Newfoundlands shed a lot. There’s a reason Mom has a magnet on her fridge that says, “In our house, Newf hair is a condiment.” 

Newfies shed on the daily, but there are two times a year when they shed excessively. This is known as blowing their coat. 

Blowing their coat is when they either shed their winter coat in preparation for the warmer summer months or their cooler summer coat to prepare for winter growth. Females also blow their coats before coming into season. 

Did you know they shed so much that some people save their fur and spin it into yarn? 

Newfoundlands need their families

They are not solitary dogs happy to spend their days out in the backyard alone. They need to be with their family. 

Some love to be your shadow and follow you as you move from room to room in your house. Others are happy to just hang out in the living room and wait for you to come back if you get up and leave. 

Newfoundlands are not couch potatoes

It’s true Newfoundlands are lower-key than other breeds, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise. 

As a working breed, Newfies are not couch potatoes. They were bred to haul fishing nets in the icy waters of the North Atlantic and haul small loads as draft animals.  

Newfoundlands can have health issues

There are four well-known health issues associated with the Newfoundland breed; heart issues such as SAS, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cystinuria.

However, with proper testing and responsible breeding practices, these health issues can be minimized or eliminated overall.  

Newfoundlands need to be trained

You may not mind an unmannered dog, but others don’t like them.

If you leave them to wander and find their own entertainment, Newfs will be blamed for any neighborhood problems by default of their size alone. “The Newf must have done it.” 

Newfoundlands do require leadership from their humans, just like any dog does.

Newfoundlands are big and cost more

Due to their size, Newfoundlands cost more overall. 

Their vet fees are higher. Grooming costs more. Food costs more. Beds, crates, and other things just cost more when scaled up to Newfoundland’s size. 

Newfoundlands are devoted

A Newfoundland is a devoted companion to both child and adult. They have a sweet disposition and expressive soft face that reflect the characteristics of the breed – benevolence, intelligence, and dignity yet completely ready for fun. 

Newfoundlands are exceptionally gentle and docile. They are loyal, strong, and easy to train because they want to please their humans.

Newfoundlands love water

This could be good or bad depending on your point of view. 

When Mom got Jenny all those years ago, she wanted a water dog. We lived on a lake at the time and my sister and I were just starting elementary school. Having a dog with natural water rescue instincts was something she wanted in case either of us needed help. 

On the flip side, it could be bad if you don’t want a dog that submerges their face in the water bucket and then rests their head in your lap. 

Newfoundlands love to snuggle

There is a reason Olad’s registered name is Warm Hugs. He loves to give warm hugs, whether he’s jumping up on me to say hello or climbing into my lap.