Hi group... I have a question for anyone who might know...

I am a college student and plan to be living in a house my senior year.
I really would like to have a dog and I have ALWAYS wanted a
newfoundland. My house is fairly large and the backyard is pretty big
as well. I will be gone partially during the day and my roommates will
be in and out as well, so the dog would have to be alone at times. I
know that these dogs are huge! Do you think this type of dog is a
possibility for me? Thanks so much!

Sincerely,
Jenna

On Tue, 11 Nov 2003 16:07:48 -0800, Jenna Ratto
wrote:

I am a college student and plan to be living in a house my senior year.
I really would like to have a dog and I have ALWAYS wanted a
newfoundland. My house is fairly large and the backyard is pretty big
as well. I will be gone partially during the day and my roommates will
be in and out as well, so the dog would have to be alone at times. I
know that these dogs are huge! Do you think this type of dog is a
possibility for me? Thanks so much!

Newfs are huge hairy dogs that will drool on everything you own and
anyone you come in contact with. Disposable income? Hand it to the
Newfs. Want to get to know your vet? Buy a Newf. Have a big house?
Doesn't matter as most Newfs are underfoot 24/7. Resistance is
futile; just try to say no to that sweet expression. They do have
their redeeming qualities though, which is why I own 3.

I bought my first Newf when I was 20 and a college student. It can be
done, however, there are a lot of things to consider. Cost is a big
one. Purchase price for a puppy is $1200-1500, rescue adoption fees
are $250 and up, and necessities (crate, bowls, grooming equipment,
toys, training classes, initial vet visits, etc.) will easily be
several hundred dollars to start out. If health problems arise costs
can quickly skyrocket, even routine things like spay/neuter or a
course of antibiotics can add up as anesthesia and medication is
usually determined by weight.

Newfs are undoubtedly high maintenance dogs. I comb out problem areas
daily (ears, tail, chest [all that drool], and feathering) with a full
comb out weekly. Professional grooming on a well-maintained dog is
usually $80+. If you don't want every bit of dirt and mud tracked in,
or want to keep healthy ears, or want a Newf that looks reasonably
tidy ears and feet must be trimmed every couple of weeks. There are
exceptions, but most Newfs *love* water. What does that mean day to
day? My Newfs enjoying blowing bubbles in their 9 or 15 qt. water
buckets and an occasional whole head dunk is not unheard of. There
has never been a puddle they didn't like. I have yet to raise a pup
without the requisite swim in the water bucket. Got towels? Newfs
tend to enjoy wiping their faces off on whoever is available. It's a
way to start a conversation, but not always a way to make (or keep)
friends.

I'd encourage you to contact the Newf Club of Seattle and meet some of
the breeders and owners. If the breed is right for you think about if
now is the best time, things change so much after college. Also
consider what type of Newf may be best: a pup from a responsible
breeder, a slightly older dog from a responsible breeder, or a Newf
from rescue. All have their own advantages and disadvantages. Be
sure you are familiar with the health issues in the breed (heart,
ortho, cystinuria, and more). Links below to help you on your way.


Newfoundland Club of Seattle
http://www.marylouz.com/ncs.html

Newf Club of Northern California Puppy Buyer's Guide
http://www.ncnc.org/parentframe.htm

Newfoundland Club of America
http://www.newfdogclub.org/
http://www.newfdogclub.org/a_ftp_mai...or_a_puppy.pdf
http://www.newfdogclub.org/a_ftp_mai...o_brochure.pdf

Dog-Play - Info on Responsible Breeding
http://www.dog-play.com/Admin/breedingframe.html

If I can answer any additional questions, feel free to ask here or
email me privately. Good luck on your search!

Best regards,

Becky
"If people tell you their dogs have never produced a defect, their
dogs have probably produced only one litter, they don't follow up on
their puppies or what is most likely the case, they are being less than truthful."
George A. Padgett, DVM

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