Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I think JaBear covered all the bases on getting a Newf.  They aren't for everyone and that's for sure.  They take a fair amount of maintenence, drool and shed alot (they love to shake their heads when they have long threads of drool hanging).  The most important thing to do is do your homework on your breeders.  Go visit them, see how they interact with their dogs, check the health history and breeding history of their dogs.  See how many dogs they own and/or show.  Ask yourself, does this person breed to improve the genetic lineage of their Newfies or are they a puppy mill and mostly do it for the money.  You wouldn't believe some of the things we came across when looking for a puppy, things that would make you cry your eyes out.  Also, see if they belong to any Newfoundland societies, like the NCNC.  Those groups highlight breeders who follow the appropriate guidelines of healthy and humane breeding.  Go to NCNC.ORG if you live in California or if you want to see an example of this.  On a side note, I see you already have a St. Bernard.  Did you know that Newfies were used to re-strengthen the St. Bernard genepool.  In the early 1900's, St. Bernards had been so overbred that they had major problems, so Newfoundlands were brought in to help out.  That's why they have such a similar disposition.  Good luck finding a pup!

Jules, Drake is 3 next month.  How old is Spotakiss?  He looks like a lover.  I know it sounds weird, but my wife and I are obsessed with Drakes big long lips.  We kiss him on them all the time.  Are we the only ones?

The following are some great pics of Drake that we have taken of him so far.  Newfies take such great shots!