Finding the Right Pet: Preparing Your Home and Family

For many families, a pet can be an invaluable addition. In lots of homes across America, pets are considered another member of the household, beloved by all and revered as stress relievers and comfort givers. It’s important, however, to make sure you choose the right pet for you and your loved ones, and to make … Read more

Is a Newfoundland Dog Right For Me?

If you are thinking about having a dog, of course, one of the first questions is what kind of dog is right for me? A lot of dog lovers now have a particular dog breed in mind. If you are considering Newfoundland dog breeds, here you will find basic information about the dog breeds. The dog was originally bred as a water dog, and they are big fans of swimming and enjoying taking the advantage of the family pool or the local beach.

Newfoundlands are usually black, or black and white (known as Landseer) they also come in grey or brown. One of the characteristics of Newfoundland that makes it more attractive as a family dog is its wonderful relationship with children. In fact, a Newfoundland will usually name himself as the guardian of any young person in the family, obedient, intelligent and eager to please. Viggo our 4 year old uses her like a pillow!

A new study found that average dog owners walk 22 minutes more per day compared to people who do not have dogs. The benefits of walking include a lower risk of heart disease and premature death. Consider it an opportunity to exercise if you are a proud owner of a Newfoundland because any reluctance in going for a walk often comes from the owner and not this breed. You will need to be ready to buy thick winter jackets suitable for cold frost days and water resistant clothing for wet and rainy days.

Having any type of dog will have great health and social benefits by having a walk with your dog many times a week. The benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles, and bones (built up by walking regularly), lower blood pressure and decreased stress, so what’s not to love!

A regular walk is vitally important for your dog’s health as well. Obesity in a dog is associated with a number of health complaints including osteoarthritis, liver disease, cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance.

Newfoundlands have an outstanding temperament in the sense that they are good, generous, courageous intelligent and loyal. They are also very patient and good with the guests. Newfoundland’s are protective, although they show it by standing between the intruder and its owner instead of barking or growling. Several years ago, in Newfoundland, this bread of dog swam lifelines to save shipwreck victims, pulled carts, and pulled out kids from the water and helping the fishermen pull in their heavy nets. Even though the dog is not usually quite that much of a workaholic nowadays, he still tends to enjoy swimming and hiking.

Newfoundland’s are stubborn dogs, but fortunately, they are very simple to train, but of course when they want to! It is important to understand the mind of the dog and be patient and logical from the beginning. Having a good sense of humour and good analytical skills are the personality that will be most useful to you. A Newfoundland dog is a very good working dog and is very simple to train when you get the correct motivation tools for your dog: whether a treat or toy, although they grow big and fast and Merrie has already cleared the stairgate with ease and every time we make the stairgate taller she jumps over it! If you are extremely house proud, this breed of dog is not for you. If you have a limited budget, maybe consider something smaller as these dogs eat LOTS, and with their size comes bigger bills and inflated costs.

I am extremely biased as I have never considered another breed, but they really are the most wonderful, family friendly giant. Merrie comes on the afternoon school run with us every day, and there is always a huge queue of children waiting to give her a hug or a tummy rub, the only problem we find is that she now takes up the entire pavement!