Animal Planet :: Dog Breed Profile :: Newfoundland

Animal Planet :: Dog Breed Profile :: Newfoundland: "

Upkeep This easygoing dog needs daily exercise to stay fit, either in the form of a moderate walk or short romp. It loves to swim and pull, especially in cold weather. Some breeders contend that Landseers tend to be more active and need more exercise than solids. It does not
do well in hot weather and should be kept outside only in temperate to cold weather. It is best when allowed access to both house and yard, but it needs lots of room inside to stretch out. Its coat needs combing twice weekly — more frequently when shedding. Newfs do drool and also tend to be messy drinkers."

Okay the Cold Weather bit is a dig at the Newf group I'm on where they got on my case for telling them that Addy lays in the snow...please.
Yes they do need lots of room to stretch out--you will no longer be the boss of your couch, it is probably best to get one for the dog alone if you have room for it. Lets see what's the best way to describe a Newfoundland in your home? Oh I know....

They are a walking coffee table, and about as graceful. If their hips and head don't knock stuff over the tail will (they have no control of the tip)

But imagine a coffee table moving around the room (usually about 2 steps behind you and wanting your attention)....with a mouth at table height--yep no need to jump up at the table, everything is just right there for them.
(you may wish to watch 'Beethoven' to familiarize yourself with this technique). And well, you can't really blame them...its all a matter of instinct.

The mess they make while drinking is due mostly to those lips....and the mess isn't just at the water bowl. The lips act like watering cans holding onto the water yet sprinkling it all the way until they empty or the dog shakes its head--and it will shake its head.

It is -15F right now, with a windchill of -3o right now but she is fussing because I will not let her stay outside.
Don't tell me Newfs don't like the cold.

If you are looking at this breed make sure you look at ALL the pros & cons before deciding on it.
But they are great dogs.

Maybe not as great as a husky....but then I'm biased.