Hi, Me again, I am thinking of a Newfoundland for my 13 acres of heaven in Maine, anyone with experience with Newfoundlands? I plan on having sheep, chickens, rabbits, and perhaps a horse. Oh along with my two kids (children that is)!

....Sandie Thompson

-- Sandie (Baker) Thompson (SThompson@unispherenetworks.com), July 20, 2001

Answers

Oh what a beautiful breed! We had neighbors with a bitch named Velvet and she was a big slobbery lovey. The black and white version of a Newf is called a Landseer and they too are beautiful and less common. I have no idea what they are like for farm dogs but as a big ol' pet they are very nice and love the water.

-- Alison in N.S. (aproteau@istar.ca), July 20, 2001.

I will try this again! I started a reply and it just disappeared! Newfies are a terrific breed! You can't find many more that are better suited for kids, and other animals...their temerament is unbeatable. The drawbacks are similar to the Great Dane from an earlier post...not really guards (they love everyone!) and they have short lifespans. All the large and giant breeds are susceptible to a few health problems, like bone cancer, cardiomyopathy, bloat and dysplasia. That is not to say they all get these things, but if you own big dogs, it is something to take into account. Also, another thing is anything you need for a large dog, especially vet care, is much more expensive than for smaller dogs! They can be slobbery, and their coat can have an oily effect. It is also a good thing that you live up North, as the heat would be hard on them. But if you are in need of a dog that can save you in the water...no other will do! All that being said...I love the breed and if you can accept all the things that go with this breed, I think you will fall in love!

-- Kathy (VaUSMCwf@home.com), July 20, 2001.

One of the best all-around farm dogs I've ever owned was a Newfoundland-Great Pyrenees cross. He was a HUGE, calm, livestock guardian, who could be depended on to bark at strangers and protect the livestock from wild critters, but who was easy going enough that he was totally trustworthy with birds and babies. He moved slowly and deliberately among the livestock, and sheep/goats/pigs/horses/geese would snooze with him in the barn, baby goats would frolic on him while he was laying down.

His large size and loud bark was a strong deterent to strangers at the front gate, but he was not agressive with strangers who were let in the gate by family members -- then they were okay with him! We put up a "Beware of Dog" sign, because we were afraid he might knock down older visitors just by bumping against them! Actually, the REAL dangerous dog on our property was a dachshund/pug cross, who would sneak up behind people and take a nip out of their legs!

Anita Evangelista

-- A Evangelista (evangel@atlascomm.net), July 20, 2001.

Boy, Anita...you are so right! A Newfie-Pyr cross would be perfect! I have had Pyrs and love them, and the Pyr in a cross would help with the guardian job! I love them, and only prefer them to Newfies as I want a little more protective qualities!

-- Kathy (VaUSMCwf@home.com), July 20, 2001.

Newfies are nice dogs. Be aware you need to be pack leader with them. They can tend to be "Alpha Dogs" and push you around if you don't. If you would like a water dog without the "giant breed" health problems(regular hip and shoulder x rays etc., worry about bloat, heart etc.) short life span and all the work on coat, consider a Portuguese Water dog. they are clowns, lots of fun and responsible. Just a thought. :-) I have a cattle dog myself and love the breed, but they are not for everyone. Good luck.

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), July 20, 2001.

We had one years ago. They are best suited to open spaces and they LOVE water. Ours would jump in the pond and swim for an hour or more. He was great with the kids. I was playing with my son once on the floor, he thought I was hurting him, he knocked me off and stood on my shoulders until he felt my son was safe. He used to grab my son by the pants cuff and pull him down the hall lke a rag doll. A very loving dog.

-- Paul (Treewizard @buffalo.com), July 23, 2001.