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8 Problems Only Newfoundland Owners Will Understand

Newfoundlands, or Newfies, as they’re often lovingly referred to are big dogs with an even bigger heart. 

They are most known for their sweet temperament and loyal companionship but being owned by one of these comes with its own quirks and unique obstacles that only true Newfoundland owners would understand. 

Here are some of the most common and unique struggles we deal with as Newfie owners:

Drool Decor

They are noble, they are grace. They always have water on their face.

It’s no mystery that Newfoundlands drool but they also constantly have a wet face.

Newfoundland dog owner

Whether it’s taking a drink out of their water bowl, dunking their head in a bucket of ice water or drooling for your turkey sandwich, no Newfie’s face is dry for long.

Also, when and how did that dog drool get flung on the ceiling?

Forever Shedding Season

Newfoundlands shed but it’s not a normal type of dog shedding. 

Most articles will lead you to believe that Newfies shed the heaviest twice a year when they blow coat but Newfoundland owners know that Newfies shed 365 days a year. 

There is no one season, shedding season is a daily event.

Dog hair is your life and it’s also a condiment.

Mystery Mud

Along with shedding season, there’s also mud season which takes place mostly in the spring and fall. 

Newfies are attracted to mud and they will seek out the muddiest spot they can find anywhere. 

If there’s 1 lonely mud puddle in your backyard, the Newfie will find it and either walk through it or plop down and soak up all the mud. 

Even when you’re out for a walk, a Newfie will make a beeline towards any puddles. 

Elite Energy

Newfoundlands can snore the day away on the couch if that’s the vibe but at the same time, they can magically turn into a tornado.

If a Newfie wants to play, the Newfie plays and most likely there’s going to be some sort of chaos that takes place. 

Something is going to get broken.

Staredown War

Not only do Newfies beg for a bit of your dinner but they also beg for your attention in a stalker sort of way. 

If you’re sitting on the couch trying to watch your favorite show, there’s probably a Newfie sitting directly in front of you panting and blowing hot hair in your face.

If the hot breath trick doesn’t work, be ready for the hammer paw to strike. 

Butter Snatcher

Newfoundlands have a gift for counter-surfing and while a steak might sound good, the butter is the main attraction.

I don’t know what it is with butter and Newfies but they’re oddly obsessed with it which is why most Newfie owners have their butter safely locked behind closed doors. 

Silent Tantrum Makers

Newfies are known for being a brilliant but stubborn breed and when they want something, they better get it or you’re going to pay the ultimate price of being shunned quietly but harshly. 

On the opposite end, if a Newfie doesn’t want to do something, they’re not going to do it. 

Silent tantrums are when a Newfie lays down and refuses to move. 

That’s their defense and it’s a damn good one because they know you can’t make them move. 

You have to wait them out and that can take hours. 

Silent Newfie tantrums normally take place out in public when a Newfie decides that they no longer want to walk your way. 

They can also take place at home, usually when you REALLY need to do something. 

Extra Large Lap Dog

Newfies can weigh up to 150 pounds but they don’t know that. 

If they fit, they sit and that spot is sometimes your lap which is soon to go numb.

And despite that ginormous dog bed you bought them, your lap, couch and bed are much better.

At least for 10 minutes, then the hard ceramic floor is the prime spot. 

Weight Management Struggles

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for Newfies due to their nature to be prone to joint issues.

Overweight Newfies are at a higher risk of developing joint problems.

However, Newfies love food and these fluffy food enthusiasts can be quite persuasive when it comes to snacks.

Newfoundland owners often face the challenge of finding the right balance between sharing their snacks and maintaining a healthy weight for their Newf.

Newfie Syndrome

Newfies are prone to a lot of health issues, particularly those related to their large frame and double coat.

Joint problems, including torn cruciate ligaments, are a common concern along with skin infections.

Every jump they take and every scratch they make, you’re sweating it. 

Conclusion

While owning a Newfoundland comes with its share of challenges and messes, the love and friendship they bring far outweigh the struggles.

Newfie owners develop a deep understanding of their quirky pets, forming bonds that are as unique as the breed itself.

Despite the occasional injury and never-ending dog hair dilemma, Newfoundland dog lovers wouldn’t trade their Newfie for anything in the universe.

 

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Lisa Graziano

Monday 15th of January 2024

I call it Newfie pancake. Or a verb as in - Me: ‘hello, we can’t make it to class today. Jeb isn’t walking. He is flat on the grass.’ Trainer: ‘Oh no! Is he ok?’ Me: ‘Yes, he’s fine. I’m not. He is pancaking again, pretending he can’t remember how to use his legs’ I will say that as a growing boy he would knock me over in 10 seconds if I was in his way, but would tip toe around kids and a 2 pound kitten.

Michel

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

"..hammer paw..." YES!

Now I have a term for this - thank you!

Our 7-mo old Newfie, Lex, will strike out with his massive paw whenever he wants more attention. Sometimes it's amusing, and sometimes it's not. :o)

Karen

Tuesday 7th of November 2023

We got a brother and sister puppies. We didn't know that they were half Newfies until we did DNA testing on them. Your article describes them to a T. They are just 9 months old and are huge lap dogs. Love them to pieces. Have enjoyed your blog. It is perfect!

Lynn Millen

Thursday 19th of October 2023

Great ! article. We have two newfies. Both girls, one black one diluted brown. After reading your post we can honestly say we have delt with both issues mentioned. It really does not matter...they have our unconditional love no matter what. We will never be without newfies as long as we live. Hugs and slobbers all around. Lynn

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