Newfoundland

Before giving a Newfoundland a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for Newfoundlands, speak to your local vet. Some practices offer ‘pre-purchase consultations.’ These tell you about potential health conditions, management options and an idea of financial costs.

If you’re considering buying a puppy, they can advise you on finding a responsible breeder and testing for genetic diseases.

Any breed of dog needs basic preventative healthcare like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. Pet insurance is also important to help cover your vet bills. 

Different Newfoundlands need different amounts of food depending on their:

• age
• size
• activity levels
• fitness
• weight.

Dog food packets can serve as a useful guide, but you need to take your dog’s individual needs into account.

Knowing your dog’s body condition also helps you decide how much food to give them. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA) can provide more information on body condition scoring.  

Speak to your vet if there’s anything you’re unsure of, or for more expert advice. 

Newfoundlands are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy. 

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment. 

If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you. 

Newfoundlands require training like all dogs and benefit from daily enrichment. 

When exercising your pooch, consider their: 

• age 
• health 
• personality. 

These factors will impact your dog’s needs. Puppies, for example, might need a few short walks. Older, ill, or injured dogs on the other hand may need a personalised plan based on advice from your vet. Some dogs might like quiet walks while others prefer something more sociable or energetic. 

Your vet can provide more advice on exercising your four-legged friend. 

Newfoundlands shed heavily. Introduce handling and grooming slowly and in a positive way. This helps your pooch feel more comfortable with it. Grooming is more enjoyable for everyone if your dog feels relaxed and confident. 

In their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

• sit and stand at their full height
• turn around without touching the edges
• lie down at full stretch
• wag their tail.  

One step at a time, build up the time your dog spends in their crate, so they feel confident with it. The aim is to help them see it as a fun and safe space. 

Each dog has their own personality and individual experiences of the world. So, each dog has their own temperament.

Two Newfoundlands, for example, may have very different ways of reacting to certain situations. They also have different likes and dislikes.

Some dogs might love socialising with other puppy pals while others may not. One might crave excitement while another finds a more relaxing atmosphere enjoyable. 

Any breed of dog can be taught new tricks. The important thing is that the learning is positive. Find out your doggo’s favourite snacks, toys or treats. These work well as rewards for training and they find it much more enjoyable.

Your dog also needs to learn useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling. This will help you spend quality time together without worry, both at home and outside. 

Each dog’s personality is shaped by their experiences of the world and they respond differently to certain situations.  

But there are some universal ways to treat any dog, including Newfoundlands, respectfully and behave safely around them. This is an essential skill for the whole family; adults and children.  

Our family workshops on living safely together are suitable for children aged 7 to 11. Booking one of these sessions could help your situation.