The other day I was searching the internet for something about the Newfoundland breed.
While searching I kept coming across facts about the Newfoundland that I just believe aren’t true.
The thing that bothered me was that this information was top in the search engines.
Now we all know (at least I hope many of us do) that you can’t believe everything that you read on the internet, but when someone is searching for something on the internet because you’re trying to learn, it’s hard to determine fact from fiction, especially when the first 6 articles are written by someone who is just shooting out articles that they know nothing about.
Here are a few false statements about the Newfoundland breed that I found just in a small search:
A Newfoundland Dog is a Moderate-Maintenance Breed.
FALSE.
A Newfoundland is high maintenance and requires daily, if not weekly, grooming.
“Its grooming needs are not demanding and it fits well for owners who are not willing to spend time and money on upkeep.”
WHAT??????
Even if you decide to handle your Newfoundland’s grooming needs at home, you’re still going to need a lot of money for grooming tools and time.
You’re going to need a lot of time too.
A Newfoundland Dog is Easy to Train.
FALSE.
While a Newfoundland is very smart, sometimes too smart for their own good, they need to be trained well and early on in their puppy years.
Their training also needs to extend into their adult years.
A bored Newfoundland can be a destructive Newfoundland and since a Newfoundland is a working dog, many will need to be given a job to keep them out of trouble.
A Newfoundland Doesn’t Need Exercise
FALSE.
While a Newfoundland isn’t a dog that’s going to be running marathons, they still need daily exercise to stay in shape.
Many Newfoundlands could nap the day away on the couch if they were allowed but a non-active Newfoundland will become an overweight Newfoundland which will lead to many health problems and joint issues down the road.
They are also a massive working breed that needs to keep their muscle mass intact to keep moving into their senior years.
A Newfoundland is anything but lazy.
A Newfoundland Likes To Be Left Alone A lot.
FALSE.
A Newfoundland is a family dog.
They are most happy with their family, not locked in the house all day by themselves.
Many Newfoundlands will become depressed or destructive if they are left alone too often.
A Newfoundland Dog Is Good For First-Time Dog Owners
FALSE.
Not only do you have to know about dogs when you have a Newfoundland, but you should also have some knowledge of giant breed dogs.
A Newfoundland is not just a dog, it’s a lifestyle.
Your house and your life will never be the same.
Not All Newfoundlands Drool.
FALSE.
While some may drool less than others, they all drool at some point.
Taking a drink of water, panting or begging, a drop of spit is sure to fall at some point during the day, month or year.
Dry Mouth Newfoundlands are a breed made up by someone who has altered the breed for their or YOUR satisfaction.
*Bonus* Newfies Are Gentle Giants
Adult Newfies can be gentle giants but adolescent Newfies are a handful!
The adolescent stage is the most trying stage of a Newfie and it can last a few years.
Adolescent Newfies have a lot of energy and are constantly looking for ways to unload that energy.
They jump, they’re mouthy and they have no sense of coordination.
This article has recently been updated and carried over to 16 Flawed Narratives About Newfoundlands.
When I see articles that give false information about the Newfoundland breed as I stated it above, it’s no wonder that so many Newfoundlands find their way into rescue.
How can you help?
Get involved!
If you’re a Newfoundland owner you can start by educating people who you come in contact with that ask about the breed.
Bust the myths and present the facts about Newfies.
They are beautiful, loving dogs but not everyone should own one.
Denicia
Saturday 22nd of April 2023
I have owned a Newfie. Got him when he was 3 months old. First he was one of the sweetest, most beautiful boys we have ever owned. First, his groomer saw him consistently. When I brushed him it took approximately 3to 5 hours. But he loved it. He loved our horses and even became Mom to our rescue kitties. A gentle giant. We live in the county on acreage and he never left the property. No pens or fences. We left in the house or on our fencef porch while we went to work. I took him to obedience classes and was great at it. Yes, he slobbered, long strings, haha.. He was amazing with the grandkids and was loved by anybody whom he graced. He got his good citizenship award. But understand, he could get dirty and I do mean dirty. He loved to roll in the snow in winter and the water in the summer. I loved him so much and still miss him. I wanted to adopt snother but my hubby said no. Giggle
Michael Souther
Sunday 5th of February 2023
Right on. I am on my third Newfie and by far the smartest and busiest. Never stops, sleeps hard but right up and after it. My back yard is a disaster. Loves people, but slobs, wriggling around.
Jan
Monday 7th of November 2022
Obviously they have never been owned by a Newf. My husband and I have been owned by Newfs since 1980! And I was owned by a Newf as a child. But despite all the work, the mess, and their size, they are the best dogs.
Gigi Johnston
Tuesday 1st of November 2022
First time Newfie owner here, added to our pack of 3 other dogs last year. Your comments are spot on. They have a reputation of being totally docile and calm when indeed the young years are exactly the opposite, especially given their size. We have always had larger dogs, but nothing compares to a Newfie! And yes, your home will never be the same! All excellent points. To note, they can also be overwhelming to smaller animals in the home just due to their size, not bad behavior. But they like to play and they need boundaries among smaller dogs. I would never recommend a Newf to an older person, especially first time dog owners, no matter what the age of the dog. The upkeep is just too much. But yes, wonderful, loving, beautiful and loyal dogs!
Tracy
Tuesday 1st of November 2022
All of these are so, so, so important for someone to understand before getting one! My husband laughed, because when we had our litter, I spent more time talking to the families about why newfs are NOT the right dog for them! He was like "That's really weird marketing." I said - NO - I want these puppies in homes that fully understand the commitment. It was like sending off my own children to stay with someone else! Thankfully, the majority of the families who adopted our litter were previous newf owners, and so they knew EXACTLY what they were in for!