Owning a Newfoundland dog comes with its challenges, and in this article, we will explore the 10 worst aspects of having this breed as a pet. We’ll also provide many helpful tips on how to manage and address these issues.
They Need Room to Move Around
The Newfoundland dog breed has been popular for centuries because they are one of the friendliest dogs in the world. However, when you adopt a Newfoundland, you should be prepared for your new pet’s size!
“These are large animals that can grow up to 100 pounds or more. They’re also known as gentle giants – but they need space to roam!“
If you have any plans for long-distance adventures this is not the type of animal who will enjoy them with you. This means if you love traveling long distances in your car, this pup will only slow down your journey with its size and energy levels.
For that reason, Newfoundland dogs are better suited to country living as opposed to city living, though there are exceptions where a Newfoundland can feel comfortable in the city.
For example, someone living in an apartment should not adopt this kind of dog as the space available to the pet will be limited.
All in all, before you jump at the opportunity to add a new Newfoundland puppy to your family, we certainly encourage you to properly consider how much room your new four-legged friend will have to run and play as this is vital to the dog’s well-being.
They Shed a Whole Lot
Since Newfoundland dogs are known for having a double coat, they are prone to shedding. If you’re not prepared for this, it can be very messy.
There are products that will help, but you will have to do some research on them before purchasing or using other methods to keep your home clean.
All in all, your home will be a mess, and let’s not forget the constant vacuuming. If you absolutely hate vacuuming, we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t tell you that this dog breed may not be suited for you.
Newfoundland dogs love to swim and play in the water. They were bred for this purpose and take to cold water like a fish does.
But if you don’t want hair around your pool or other bodies of water, especially those with drains that can get clogged up, don’t get one! Or else you’ll spend more time cleaning your pool than enjoying it.
And even when they’re indoors, their slimy coats leave behind stains everywhere they go making the house look dirty even if you just cleaned it up.
When it comes to shedding, you best be prepared for it if you decide to adopt a Newfoundland dog. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Beware of the Drool!
People don’t usually think of drool as a pet’s worst feature, but it can be. Especially for Newfoundland dogs.
The breed doesn’t just slobber like any other dog; the saliva is thick and sticky – almost like syrup!
This makes cleaning up after them difficult, to say the least, especially if they’ve eaten or drunk anything beforehand (which they love to do).
Sometimes you’ll need two towels at once: one to wipe off their face and neck while another dries off their paws. And that’s not even mentioning what happens when they shake themselves dry!
They’re large enough that all of this moisture goes flying in every direction.
Then there are those moments when your precious pup tries to lick your face… It can get really messy!
They Need Lots of Attention
It’s important to give your Newfoundland dog lots of attention. If you don’t, they can become destructive and even aggressive which is something that no one wants.
They’re known for their friendly demeanor but without the proper amount of love and patience, it could change in an instant!
So before adopting a Newfoundland dog, make sure you can provide them with enough time and space so that they feel comfortable at all times. All in all, Newfoundlands just love playing and if you won’t play with them, they will find something to play with!
In fact, they love it so much that they will play with anything and everything. They’ll even get into a tug-of-war contest with you over the clothes in your laundry basket or your shoe if you leave them on the floor. And of course, there’s more to playing than just chasing things around.
The Newfoundland can be very gentle when it wants to be. Rolling on its back for a tummy rub is one of its favorite games!
The good thing to take away from this is that they are easy to entertain. This, of course, is if you are ready to play with them. They don’t care what the game is!
Shorter Lifespan
While Newfoundland dogs are known for their loyalty, they also have a shorter lifespan than other breeds. They can live anywhere from six to eight years of age. This is considerably less time compared to the twelve to fourteen years of other breeds.
Because of their shorter lifespan, owners must be prepared to spend extra time with their pets as they age.
The risk of life-threatening health conditions like cancer and heart disease is greater with this breed. Owners must be prepared to put time and money into keeping their Newfoundland dogs healthy.
As with any dog, it will be heartbreaking when your Newfoundland passes away. With this kind of breed, you must mentally prepare yourself to say goodbye to your hairy friend sooner than you would like to.
Not a Good Match for Kids
The Newfoundland dog is a lovable, gentle giant that will follow you everywhere and keep you company.
They are one of the most popular dogs in North America because they are so friendly, loyal, and devoted. While they make great family pets, they are not for everyone!
Also, be mindful if you have small children at home. This includes if you plan on traveling often as a family with your new friend.
Newfoundlands typically don’t do well with smaller children who need close supervision. They tend to knock over toddlers when trying to play or simply get too excited around them.
And if your kids love exploring outside then these dogs just won’t cut it either – even though they’re quite good swimmers! It’s not uncommon for them to sink and drown in ponds or lakes unless they’re accompanied by an adult.
Therefore, all things considered, if you live with smaller children, this may not be the ideal dog breed because they can pose a threat, not intentionally, but accidentally.
Of course, these dogs usually do not intend to cause harm but when excited they may injure a smaller child.
Risk of Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Unfortunately, Newfoundland dogs are at risk of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can cause severe pain and even arthritis.
There is no known cure for this condition and the best thing you can do is to take good care of the dog and see a veterinarian if he seems in pain.
However, if you are looking to avoid these kinds of problems, there are other dog breeds that are less at risk. Labrador retrievers, for instance, are also known to be loyal and friendly dogs without the same medical conditions.
If you had your heart set on a Newfoundland dog, it’s obviously not the end of the world. However, you should consider all this information before making up your mind about adopting one!
It’s also important to note that even though your dog may seem healthy all through its life, once it ages, hip and elbow problems are likely.
The AKC recommends frequent checkups with a veterinarian to determine if this breed has hip or elbow dysplasia. This, of course, is a great idea for any kind of large dog breed.
They are Hard to Train
Newfoundland dogs are hard to train because they’re stubborn and want to do things on their own terms. A lot of people think that they’re easy dogs to train, but they’re not.
They don’t like being pushed around and won’t obey commands when told.
This aspect goes hand in hand with something we mentioned previously in this article. You need to have plenty of time to invest in a Newfoundland dog. This includes not only playing with them but also training them as this process takes time and effort.
Of course, if you do not have time to train your new puppy, you can always hire a dog trainer. However, it is recommended to train your dog yourself as your dog should learn your commands.
In addition, you’ll have to stay patient during the whole process because it won’t happen overnight.
Your Newfoundland dog will be smarter than you so don’t expect them to obey your commands right from the get-go!
It takes time to build trust and a position of authority over your Newfoundland before they obey your orders. This includes training and issuing discipline.
Their Nose Can Cause Them Trouble
The Newfoundland dog has an excellent sense of smell.
It uses its powerful nose to find people, animals, and objects that are lost or hidden. So, what’s wrong with that, you ask? This superpower is not always used to your advantage.
The moment you welcome Newfoundland to your family, you should be prepared to hide all dog and human food. Otherwise, these hairy teddy bears will be able to find that food in a matter of seconds!
Failing to properly hide food from your Newfoundland dog can leave you a big mess if they get into something they shouldn’t have.
Have a plan for exactly where you will store their dog food and ensure that it is out of their reach. This is especially the case when they are left alone. You wouldn’t want to come home to any surprises!
On top of that, avoid keeping food on your kitchen table or counter as these dogs are strong and agile. It’s easy for them to jump up on tables and furniture if they want to for any reason.
Not Made for Apartments!
One of the worst aspects of owning a Newfoundland dog is that they are not a good option for apartment living. They cannot be left indoors all day and need to be walked consistently.
They also have a tendency to drool which can create stains on your couch or carpet. If you are someone who spends most of their time indoors, these dogs are not ideal because they require regular exercise.
With apartments, it is not as easy as opening the back door to let your dog out into the backyard. This is naturally something that is conveniently possible with houses.
Because of this, taking your dog out for some activity can seem like more of a hassle when you live in an apartment or a building like one.
If you live in an apartment, it might pay to continue looking elsewhere in terms of potential dog breed matches. A smaller dog could be a more viable option for you!
Final thoughts
Newfoundlands are one of the most popular breeds for a pet. They’re also some of the best dogs to have as they show loyalty and love, but there’s always going to be something that you won’t like about them.
It might seem obvious at first sight, but we want our readers to know what it feels like from experience. This way they can really make an informed decision on whether this is the breed for them!
