About Me and my Love for Newfoundland Dogs
This page is all about me and how I have the knowledge to advise others about Newfoundland Dogs.
Many, many years ago, a dear friend told me she would love a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. I had never heard of them then, but having seen one, I decided then and there that I would love a dog that size.
In 2006 I lost my beautiful golden retriever, Sammy, at the age of fourteen. I am one of those people who just have to have a dog about the place. Home is not home without one.
I missed the dog hairs and, strangely enough, I missed the doggy smell.
What I missed more than anything was the wonderful greeting that you only get from a dog. Even though Sammy's legs had completely let him down, he still thumped his tail against the floor when he heard me come in.
Remembering my earlier wish to have a giant dog, I started to research them.
Many giant dogs have a short lifespan and I thought they were all the same, until I found Newfoundlands. Their lifespan is between 10 and 12 years, much like any other large dog breed. I confirmed this by email with the Newfoundland Club
So I began to look into them more closely. You should never, ever buy a dog for its looks alone, so I wanted to be quite sure that this was the breed for my son and I.
Being such an enormous dog, the last thing I wanted to do was make a mistake in temperament.
This is what I learned. They are universally known as the Gentle Giant, they have the gentlest nature, love children, and get on with all other animals, be they small or large.
I found out all about their potential health problems, all about their breed traits, and started to search for a good breeder.
That was over five years ago and I have never looked back. I bought my second newfie three years ago, from the same breeder. Admittedly he has had a lot of health problems, despite having all the tests and being of champion stock, but I wouldn't trade him for the world.
Having a dog is a bit like marriage - you have to see it through, in sickness and in health!
