As the Newfoundland breed is a rather large dog, you may be wondering if they are good for first time owners.
A Newfoundland has specific care and space needs and should only be bought by new owners who have done proper research and know exactly what to expect. They are large dogs who don’t do well in the heat and need a big yard to roam in. If you can guarantee this, a Newfoundland may be right for you!
If you are interested in owning a Newfoundland for your very first dog, congratulations! First, you should learn as much as possible about what to expect from this dog breed and how to properly care for them. Keep reading to figure out if a Newfoundland is the perfect first dog for you!
Become Familiar with Newfoundland Traits and Needs Before Choosing One
It is common to find yourself wanting a dog first and asking questions later! Newfoundlands specifically are very popular because of their size, gorgeous coat, and reputation.
However, this is not a dog breed that should be taken lightly; owning a Newfoundland when you have not done the proper research or prepared for their needs will be harmful to both of you!
While some dogs just have quirky personality traits, it is important to familiarize yourself with the general disposition and needs of a Newfoundland before becoming an owner. Conduct thorough research!
This could include using the library or the internet, speaking with reputable shelters or breeders, or spending time with a Newfoundland owned by family or a friend.
For example, Newfoundlands often drool. While drooling can vary between dogs, it is something you should expect before owning one! Let’s review the most important traits and needs to keep in mind for your Newfoundland.
Temperament
Newfoundlands are famous for being gentle giants! Their temperament is sweet and slow to anger, making them excellent family dogs or personal companions. They are also known to be very loyal to their owners, sometimes putting themselves between perceived danger and their owner.
While they are sweet and docile, it is essential that Newfoundlands receive obedience training like other dogs. They are also not big “barkers”, so consider this if you are looking for a guard dog who can be intimidating in size and bark.
Size and Strength
Remember when we said these dogs are gentle giants? The word giant should not be underestimated! Male Newfoundlands can weigh between 130-150 lbs, and females between 100-120 lbs.
They also usually measure up to two feet tall from the ground to their shoulders. That’s a big dog, and they have the strength to match!
Newfoundlands can be protective, so you should be prepared to hold them back if they make an attempt to lunge at any passerby while on a leash.
You should also be prepared for this dog breed to take up space in your home! They love their humans, but some owners struggle with getting affection from a dog that weighs as much as they do.
Energy Levels
You’ll be happy to hear that Newfoundlands typically have moderate to low energy levels. They are bred to be laid back and loving, so you don’t need to lead an incredibly active lifestyle.
With that being said, don’t be surprised if your Newfie whips themselves up into a frenzy when you get home from work! Like all dogs, they have their moments of uncontrollable excitement.
Newfoundlands are good dogs for people who can commit to daily exercise and space to explore but don’t have the time or energy to run a mile with their dog each day.
You may also like – The Worst Aspects of Owning a Newfoundland Dog
Is The Home Environment Appropriate?
While a Newfoundland might seem like the perfect choice for you, it is important to consider whether or not you are a good fit for them! Being able to guarantee a good quality of life is a big part of being a dog owner, and you should be honest about what you can or cannot provide.
One example of this is heat; Newfies have heavy coats and can struggle in an overly hot or humid environment without monitoring and access to consistent, cool temperatures.
The Newfoundland is a huge dog, so first time owners should be mindful of this. Be upfront with yourself about how much space your home has to offer them.
Finally, Newfoundlands are water dogs! They are renowned swimmers and even work in water rescue! As a result, regular access to a lake or swimming pool will be a huge asset in providing what your Newfie needs.
Is a Newfoundland Suitable for Children and Other Pets?
Before you bring a dog into a new environment, consider the members of your family and how they will react.
This includes young children and other pets! Luckily, Newfoundlands have great personalities and are very gentle, making them ideal dogs to be around other pets and children!
In fact, the sweet and protective dog Nana in Peter Pan was based on the author’s own Newfoundland!
Helpful Tips for First Time Newfoundland Owners
Now that we have covered the most important traits and needs that first time owners of the Newfoundland need to know, it’s time to learn some helpful tips! These tips and tricks will make it easier to keep your Newfoundland happy and start the beginning of a great relationship between you both!
Training Your Newfoundland
Like most other dog breeds, Newfoundlands should begin obedience training as puppies. This will make it easier for these already docile dogs to follow your commands and wishes.
Newfoundlands can take longer to physically and mentally mature. They will typically be free to come with you and begin training at around 12 weeks old.
Newfoundlands respond best to gentle guidance. Resorting to harsh punishments and yelling should never happen, or you risk damaging their trust in you.
Training should focus on socialization and routine. This should also include staying off furniture and learning how to go outside for potty.
Diet For Your Newfoundland
When Newfoundlands grow from puppies to mature dogs, their metabolism is going to skyrocket!
For their first year or so, Newfoundlands will need lots of food as they grow into their mature size. After this growth period, their appetite will slow down. It is common for this low-energy dog to become obese without exercise, so stay on top of this routine!
Newfoundlands will do well on a diet with plenty of meat-based protein.
They are more prone to joint issues or heart conditions. So it’s best to check in with your vet to get food and brand recommendations that can help with these potential problems.
Exercise for Your Newfoundland
Newfoundlands may not have as much energy as other dogs, but they still need their daily exercise!
Daily walks or letting them loose to swim in a lake or pool are ideal ways to help your Newfie meet their exercise needs. Experts recommend that this dog breed get between 20 and 40 minutes of exercise each day.
Playing fetch or wrestling with your Newfoundland are also good ways to get them to exercise! As mentioned above, these dogs can be prone to obesity if their food intake and exercise needs are not regulated. That is why exercise is so important.
Grooming of Your Newfoundland
This dog breed has a heavier and longer coat, so that means shedding is something you’ll need to be prepared for.
Brushing your Newfie at least once a week is a good way to collect excess hair before it ends up on your couch! In addition, regular brushing and grooming are great ways to build trust and bond with your dog.
In the spring and fall seasons, Newfoundlands begin to shed their undercoat. You will need to commit to daily brushing to prevent intense shedding. You can also utilize a groomer or vet services to trim your dog’s nails and fur when they get too long.
Spending Quality Time with Your Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is an incredibly loving dog who is intensely loyal to its family, including first time owners.
As a result, spending quality time with your Newfie is incredibly important to keeping them content and building up a good relationship.
Activities like grooming, exercise, and mealtime are great opportunities for quality time.
If you suspect you might be away from home often or for long stretches of time, a Newfoundland might not be for you. These dogs are family-oriented and could get lonely.
As long as you can commit to being there and spending plenty of quality time together, everything will work out!
Final thoughts
If you are a first time owner and are considering getting a Newfoundland, congratulations! These dogs are adorable, loving, and incredibly gentle.
Be sure to commit to giving them space, access to the outdoors, and plenty of water. They also need lots of love and attention, to ensure the two of you have a wonderful relationship.
Good luck with getting your first Newfie – it probably won’t be your last!
