General Newf Information...

The Newfoundland is a giant breed dog. Originally bred for carting and hauling, the breed also has strong water rescue instincts and is still used for both purposes. Males average 28 inches in height and weigh 120-150 pounds. Females average 26 inches in height and weight 100 - 120 pounds. Newfs are a double-coated breed that shed profusely. They are also "wet mouthed" particularly after eating and drinking. If you can tolerate the hair and slobber (and we mean on the ceiling, too!), they are truly gentle giants that make wonderful companions.

How Does NH&R Obtain Dogs?

How Many Do We Get Per Year?

Does NH&R Rescue Newf-mixes?

What Happens when NH&R Obtains a Newf?

Is There a Fee?

Can I Count On Anybody for Help with My New Dog?

Is This Really the Breed for Me?

Summers are hot here. Will this be a problem for the dog?

Do Newfs Require a lot of exercise?

Can I afford a Newfoundland?

 

How Does NH&R Obtain Dogs?

Our phone #s are distributed all over Northern California to vet offices, shelters, groomers as well as other rescue organizations. We are also listed with the Newfoundland Club of America through their literature and their website. When all else fails, there’s also word-of-mouth.

Most of the dogs we get are owner-surrendered. Reasons vary from "definitely not the dog’s fault" (divorce, moving, allergies, etc.) to owners THINK "it’s the dog’s fault" (untrained, barking, too big, too wet, too hairy, abuse, etc.) Occasionally stray Newfs show up in the shelters but this is rare. Ages range from 4 mos. (only 3 in MY 21 years experience) to almost 12. Sometimes the dogs are completely healthy and sometimes they’re in desperate need of veterinary care.

How Many Do We Get Per Year?

On average, we assist in the re-homing of about 12-15 Newfs per year.

Does NH&R Rescue Newf-mixes?

No. We don’t physically get involved with placing mixes but we do refer interested parties to mixes that we hear about.

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What Happens when NCNC Obtains a Newf?

When a Newf comes "into the system" we try to get as much background on the dog as possible. If the dog is registered with the AKC, we will try to contact the breeder. This step, however, isn’t always possible or in the best interest of the dog. Critical issues we look to evaluate in the dog are: health matters, compatibility with other dogs/cats /children, amount of training and, of course, temperament. Dogs with a history of deliberately biting people or showing obvious signs of dominance aggression are not accepted for placement.

Many of the dogs have some kind of "emotional baggage" which must be dealt with by the adopting family. We have experienced people within the club who evaluate potential rescue "adoptees" to determine if the dog is adoptable and, if so, what the dog will need from his or her new family. Also, we get the dog to a vet for a checkup, shots (if not current) and spaying/neutering (mandatory). If a major health problem is suspected (such as a heart murmur or obviously sore joints), we will order further evaluation by a specialist. Dogs with severe health problems are dealt with on a "case by case" basis.

The next step we take is to go through the approved applications we have on our waiting list. Based on the information you, the applicant, provide us, we decide if you are a potential match for the dog in question. If so, you’ll be getting a call and the screening process begins.

Is There a Fee?

Yes. Currently, NCNC charges a non-refundable application fee of $20.00 and an adoption fee of $500.00 regardless of the club’s investment in the dog. This fee is sometimes waived if the dog has long-term health issues requiring expensive rehabilitation. As you can imagine, $500 doesn’t go very far if we’re dealing with a really sick dog so we’re always accepting donations and holding fund-raisers to help keep the program afloat.

As well as the adoption fee, NCNC also requires all adopting families to sign a contract. In simple terms, the contract asks you to care for the dog, feed him and be his best friend. It also advises you that we will remove the dog from your home if these needs are not met.

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Can I Count On Anybody for Help with My New Dog?

Absolutely! We want this adoption to work just as much as you do. As with any new addition to a family, there is bound to be an adjustment period where things will seem awkward. Your new dog needs to learn your lifestyle and your language. Help and advice are always just a phone call or a personal visit away. No matter how well trained your Newf might have been by his previous owners, I strongly suggest enrolling in an obedience course or two just to make the "transfer of authority" more clear for your dog. Adopting a Newf through NCNC includes a one-year membership in the club for newcomers. Members receive our monthly "Newfspaper" informing them of upcoming events and activities that the club arranges. Naturally, you’ll also get opportunities to meet other people who are just as nuts about this breed as you are!

Is This Really the Breed for Me?

Newfs are a very people-oriented breed. They were bred for life saving so they have an above-average interest and concern for people. Despite their size, this is NOT an "outside only" dog unless you live in a tent. There is no faster way to break a Newf’s heart than to exclude him from the family that he’s personally sworn to adore. Broken-hearted Newfs develop some really nasty habits to express their frustration such as incessant barking and/or howling, destruction of property or, in some cases, self-mutilation. This is how a lot of Newfs come into rescue in the first place. No, you don’t have to quit your job so you can be at home with the dog all the time but you DO need to make sure that the time you spend with the dog is quality time. A large yard is not the solution. In fact, most Newf owners live in regular neighborhoods with normal-sized yards.

Newfs shed. Year-round. You will develop a deep love for efficient vacuums and floor cleaners! Newfs not only cycle out their dead hair all year ‘round and all over your house but their coat can also act like a magnet for dirt and weeds. If you are a neat freak, consider another breed. Consistent, thorough grooming (including baths) is mandatory to keep your dog clean and healthy.

While we’re on the subject (and don’t tell me you weren’t thinking about it), YES, NEWFS DROOL! It’s one of the side effects of that wonderful head and that soft, sweet expression In fact, there have been terrific "odes to the slime" published over the years. (Tongue-in-cheek, of course!) Nobody could drink water with that loose-lipped mug and not have it leak out the sides. No, it’s nothing like you saw in the movie "Beethoven" but to deny its existence would be a flat out lie. If you can’t handle wiping slobber off your upholstery, windows, walls, children, etc., don’t get a Newf. There is no such thing as one with a "dry-mouth". Experienced Newf owners keep drool rags in strategic locations around their homes and don’t let their dogs beg at the table; at least not when they have company.

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Summers are hot here. Will this be a problem for the dog?

You wouldn’t believe how many Newfs live in arid climates! Those dogs tend to dump most of their undercoat when temperatures climb leaving just the long guard hairs to remind their owners what breed they are. The guard hairs also help insulate the dog against the heat. For that reason, you should never shave a Newf for the purpose of trying to keep him cool. Naturally, you’ll need to provide plenty of clean water and adequate shade. Also, don’t forget that Newfs are natural swimmers. What a great excuse to sneak away to the river for the day!

Do Newfs Require a lot of exercise?

Not really. However, they do need a moderate amount to stay fit and healthy. As a rule, Newfies aren’t very self-motivated when it comes to exercise so that responsibility falls on you. Swimming is, of course, the best exercise but I realize that this isn’t always possible. A good daily walk or trip to the dog park for some fetch is adequate.

Newfs are prone to getting fat and developing all the related health problems that go with it. Thanks to all that hair, it’s very easy to over-estimate how much to feed them. You should always be able to easily feel your dog’s ribs.

Can I afford a Newfoundland?

Newfs are not a cheap breed to own. If you anticipate a struggle just coming up with the adoption fee, don’t go any farther. Everything you purchase for your Newf will cost a lot more than your neighbor spends for their Miniature Schnauzer. Good quality kibble is best purchased in 40lb. bags, shampoo is most economical in gallons and vet bills can potentially drain your bank account dry. As an example, if your Newf blows a cruciate ligament, you could be looking at close to $3000 for mandatory surgery. Is your vehicle roomy enough for a Newf to lie down comfortably? We won’t allow rescued Newfs to ride in open pick-ups. Do you rent your home? If so, we’ll need written permission from your landlord for you to bring this dog onto their property.