Dog Breed Newfoundland Review

We got our first Newfoundland puppy in December 2007, and he is really a great dog!  Previously, we'd always had black labs, and we decided we wanted a Newfie this time.  If you've ever had a lab puppy, you know that they are very destructive and high energy, especially as puppies.  They are like Peter Pan - it takes them a long time to grow up, but they are so loveable!  Anyway, our Newfie puppy, who is now 5 months old, is not high energy or destructive.  He is the most mellow and sweet puppy, and he has not torn up anything.  He is also a quick learner and eager to please, and he likes to watch TV.  :)

Our puppy does not have much interest in exploring or running off.  He stays in the yard without enticements, and he loves to go for car rides.  He also loves the water beyond belief.  If I am running the water in the garage sink (where he gets his baths, for now!), he will bark and jump, trying to get in there.  If it's raining outside, he loves to go out and play.  He will stand under the gutters' downspouts and let the water pour on him.  It's very funny to watch!

So far, shedding has not been much of a problem.  The main drawbacks to having a dog this large (we expect him to be about 150 pounds at full size) is that lifting and carrying him is not much of an option.  He also eats A LOT!!!  His crate takes up a fair amount of room as well.  And it's not an easy feat to cuddle with him on the couch.  But overall, it's hard to beat this dog for how smart he is, how sweet he is, or how fun he is to play with.  He is just an overgrown lap dog.

Newfoundlands have almond-shaped eyes, and when they look up at you with those eyes, it's just adorable.  Newfoundlands are also known as gentle giants.  I suppose they are protective, in that they are so huge as to be intimidating, but all of the Newfies we've met are absolutely so sweet.  They are excellent with children as well.