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THE SOUTHERN NEWFOUNDLAND CLUB |
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President: Mrs Pamela Cross-Stern |
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Do I really want a Newf |
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THINK BEFORE YOU BUY A PUPPY! A Newfoundland is not the right choice for everyone. One out of eight puppies are discarded by the owner at some time during its life |
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The ‘chocolate box puppy’ brought home at 7 weeks soon grows into a large dog:- |
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Owning a Newfoundland will have a significant impact on your life, think about some of the following:-
· No impromptu nights away, unless with other Newfoundland owners! · No last minute holidays abroad · You may need a larger vehicle · Vets Bills, boarding kennels higher for large breeds · Definitely not for the house proud, large wet, muddy dogs that shed their coats · The Newfoundland loves water and will often find it just when you don’t expect · Some Newfoundland’s slobber more than others but expect strings hanging from the dog’s jaw · Training is imperative for any large breed · If you’re a keen gardener be prepared for it to turn into a yard · Newfoundland’s love human company and should not be left alone on a regular basis for long periods of time. A bored Newfoundland will become a destructive Newfoundland.
If after reading the above you are still interested make sure you take the opportunity to visit Newfoundland dogs in their home environment or even request that someone brings their Newfoundland to visit you! This will allow you to see what it’s like having a fully grown Newfoundland in your home.
Please make sure you read books, visit websites and take advice before making your decision to purchase a Newfoundland but having made the decision:-
· Buy from a responsible breeder, contact breed clubs for list · Decide what sex, colour you would prefer · A responsible breeder should arrange a home check · Spend time with the breeder, view kennels, meet their adult dogs · View pedigree and registration documents · Check Health details including heart, hips, cystinuria etc. ask to see certificates
Hopefully to make buying your first Newfoundland a little less stressful here is a list of questions that you must ask yourself before even going to look at your first puppy.
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12 MONTHS!! |
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Information |
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If you have any queries or concerns please contact:-
The Southern Newfoundland Club Puppy Liaison Officer
Diana Vincent puppy@southernnewfoundlandclub.co.uk Tel. 01409 241276 |
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QUESTION Be frank & honest but if you can ‘tick all the boxes’ below then you are ready to be owned by your first Newfy, a faithful friend and companion for life |
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First of all, having read about the breed in general is a Newfoundland right for your family and home? |
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Have we done our homework by reading at least one book, looked at the website of at least one breed club? |
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Are we prepared for the breeder to do a thorough home check? |
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Can we really afford a puppy? Purchase Price? Insurance? Vet bills for uninsured costs e.g. Minor problems, vaccinations, worming etc.? Kennelling or dog sitters if you have to go away without your dog? Larger car? Dog Guard or Cage? Miscellaneous items such as basket, bowls, collar, leads, grooming tools, toys etc.? |
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Have we checked the reputation and experience of the breeder? |
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Have you received a copy of the heart certificate of both the sire and dam? Both must be colour flow echo Doppler clear. |
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Have you received the hip score certificates of both the sire and dam? Remember that the UK average for Newfoundlands is 26 total. The lower the better. |
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Have you received the cystinuria test certificate for the sire and dam? |
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Have you been supplied with a diet sheet? |
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Have you been supplied with an exercise regime? |
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Has the litter been registered with the Kennel Club? |
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Are you prepared for house training your puppy? Take it out first thing in the morning before that early cup of tea? Take it out last thing at night before you go to bed? Take it out before and after every meal? Seven days a week with no lie in on Sunday! Remember a clean puppy is a happy puppy and an even happier owner. |
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Will you be there to feed your very young puppy at regular times at least four times per day? Ideally there should be someone at home all day. |
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Are you prepared for at least one and a half hours of hard work every week grooming your dog? |
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Have you enough room in your house for a fully grown Newfoundland that will often be very wet and muddy? |
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Do you have a big enough garden for a fully grown Newfoundland to play safely? |
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Are you prepared to walk and exercise your dog at least twice a day even though it might be pouring with rain or freezing cold? |
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