Watercubs & Kivisilmän

working show-quality newfoundlands

FAQ:   (click to send your own question)

(frequently asked questions)

1. Are newfs good with other dogs?
2. Are newfs good with cats?
3. Are newfs good with young children?
4. How often do I have to brush a newf?
5. How much do they drool?
6. How much/often do they shed?
7. How much space do they need?
8. How much training do they need?
9. Can I do agility with my newf?
10. What kind of things can I do with my newf?
11. Can newfs climb stairs?
12. How much do newfs eat?
13. How much do newfs cost?
14. How expensive is it to have a newf?
15. Should I dry my newf after swimming?
16. How often should I give my newf deworming medicine?
17. How often do I have to go to the vet?
18 How often do I have to vaccinate my newf?
19. How big does my car need to be?
20. Can I shave my newf?
21. It is hot outside. What should I do?
22. How often should I walk my newf?
23. How long do the walks need to be?

Answers:

1. Are newfs good with other dogs?

Newfs are usually calm and friendly dogs. Some dogs can be scared of their size or appearance (big dark dog), so always be careful when approaching another dog. Some newfs tend to stomp with their front paws. Never let them do this to other smaller dogs, since the other dog might get hurt, because newfs are big dogs. The best thing to do would be to teach your dog to behave with small dogs when she/he is still a puppy.
The best playmates for newfs are other newfs, or larger breeds.

2. Are newfs good with cats?

If properly introduced then yes. However, the cat must still have an escape place where it can be alone if the newf starts to scare them. Be careful, the cat might also claw the newf if cornered.

3. Are newfs good with young children?

Newfs are large dogs, so accidents may happen due to their size, an adult must always be close by. Newfs are usually good with smaller children, however the children must also be taught how to behave near dogs (newfs are not ponys!). As teenagers the newfs are usually dominant dogs and so children must be taught how to command them. As puppies they bite. When they get older they calm down.   


4. How often do I have to brush a newf?

A weekly thorough combing is enough for most of the year (however this may vary on individual), however, when shedding (twice a year) a daily thorough combing is required.

5. How much do they drool?

Usually males drool more than females. The more mouth they have, the more they drool. Especially after drinking, at the table, or on a hot day. You'll be surprised how little they drool.

6. How much/often do they shed?

Newfs shed twice a year when they go a period of changing from summer to winter to summer coat. During this period of time (usually 1 month) a daily brushing&combing is required to keep the coat untagled and skin breathing. During the month usually a bag is the saldo of one grooming session. The coat however can be kept to make yarn.
 

7. How much space do they need?

Inside newf are not active, they activate outside, so not much room inside is required.

8. How much training do they need?

Newfs need good (at least) basic obedience training, because they are heavy large dogs. It is impossible to control a newf just by force.

9. Can I do agility with my newf?

Yes, but only after they are grown up and over 2 years old, with hip and elbows cleared of dysplasia (X-rays taken) 

10. What kind of things can I do with my newf?

Newfs are working dogs. Some examples of hobbies are: water work, shows, obedience, carting, freestyle to music, therapy work, etc..

11. Can newfs climb stairs?

It is better not let your dog climb stairs. Especially as puppies. Carry them for as long as you can. Newfs are clumsy dogs and may stumble in stairs. Usually dogs are afraid of open-floor staircases.

12. How much do newfs eat?

Newfs only eat like horses when they are growing up. As puppies they may eat up to 1.5l of kibble a day (and gain 1,5kg a week, not more than that!) at their maximum growth age. As adults they eat only around 5dl of kibble per day (this may vary), or 1kg of raw food.

13. How much do newfs cost?

The average price right now is around €1500.

14. How expensive is it to have a newf?

The expence will contain vet bills (usually only yearly vaccinations) and the food bills. Raw food costs around 40€ per month per newf, depending on where we get our food. Or, newfs eat around 15kg per month with the price of 45-60€/15kg depending on the brand. Vet bills are around 50€ per year.

15. Should I dry my newf after swimming?

No, never. Only after a wash when the undercoat has got wet. If you attempt to dry your newf with a towel you will only end up wettening the underwool and you have to blowdry your dog. As newfs swim the air between the under- and uppercoat keep the undercoat dry.

16. How often should I give my newf deworming medicine?

As puppies, once a month, but after one year twice a year is enough, unless travelling. It should be given once the ground starts to freeze in the autumn and when the ground unfreezes in the spring.

17. How often do I have to go to the vet?

Usually only when the vaccinations are needed.

18 How often do I have to vaccinate my newf?

Once every two years unless travelling or showing. Always check the regulations before you travel.

19. How big does my car need to be?

The newfs are big dogs so they should never travel on the back seat. Seatbelt -harnesses are not suitable for newfs. You need a cage for safety.

20. Can I shave my newf?

No, because the coat protects the skin from sunburns/cold/hot. The coat acts as an insulator.

21. It is hot outside. What should I do?

Walk you dog only during the early mornings and late evenings. Go swimming with your dog. Cool the feet and stomach. Give their food frozen.

22. How often should I walk my newf?

Every day at least three times a day: morning, day, evening.

23. How long do the walks need to be?

One or two longer walks with one or two smaller walks is good. The longer walks should be at least 1h (4km) and the shorter 15 minutes. Puppies should be gradually taught to walk longer distances. The first months up to 5 months should only be exploring new things and environments. From 6-7 months they can be introduced to 1km walks. At 1.5 years around 3km, not longer. The puppy should always want to go out him/herself, and walks should me made fun. The longer walk should always be made on soft ground (forest) and where your dog can be safely let free to run around.


 

(c) Salmelin