Are Newfoundlands just black Saint Bernards? No, Newfoundlands are a separate breed of dog altogether, though folks compare them to both Saint Bernards and Great Pyrenees for their dependability. The main difference is that Pyrenees are more of a herding dog, and Saint Bernards are better suited for dry land rescues, while Newfoundlands excel in water-based endeavors. How long can Newfoundlands live? For the most part, Newfoundlands seem to live to an average age of ten years old. There are exceptions, of course, and sometimes they can last several years more. Aside from illnesses and accidents, your Newfoundland should be around for a long time. How big can Newfoundlands get? They can get pretty big, really. On average, a Newfoundland dog can grow over two foot tall, and may weigh anywhere from 80 to 180 lbs. Yes and no. A Newfoundland will grow from a mere pound in weight to over one hundred pounds in their first year of life. This requires plenty of food to support such a large rate of growth, naturally. However, once they reach full adulthood, Newfoundlands have a much slower metabolism, and typically eat less than an adult Lab or Shepherd. Do Newfoundland dogs drool a lot? Somewhat. Newfoundland dogs generally drool less than a Saint Bernard, but this depends on how excited the dog is. When resting and cool, a Newfoundland will 'leak' less, but this will increase considerably when he or she is excited. But that's okay, because drool is good for you... Oh yes. They will shed their undercoats once a year (at least), possibly leaving quite a huge mess in the house. Of course, careful grooming will prevent this, though your Newfoundland should be thoroughly combed every day to begin with. What health issues can Newfoundlands have? Primarily, the main problem Newfoundlands may have is with hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition that describes an abnormal development in the Newfoundland's hips, whether it involve involve improper bone or muscle growth, abnormal ligament or tendon growth, or a similar dysfunction. Sub vascular Aortic Stenosis, or SAS, is another concern facing Newfoundland dogs. This is a genetic ailment that causes a narrowing of the passage of blood between the heart and the aorta, leading to numerous complications. Finally, bloat is a concern for many large dogs, including Newfoundlands. Bloat is a term used to describe several ailments, all of which involve the accumulation of both fluid and gas in the stomach of a dog, and may be fatal. This sounds like a lot of work. Why get a Newfoundland in the first place? Well, like any pet, Newfoundlands require love and care - their needs are just a little bit... more than your average dog. However, the benefits of owning a Newfoundland by far outweigh any concerns about the time spent caring for it. This is because a Newfoundland is an excellent family dog. They are gentle and patient, and very protective of children - in fact, they tolerate behavior that would cause most other dogs to react badly. Newfoundlands are also loyal and protective to a fault, and make excellent watch dogs. Besides, having a one hundred fifty pound dog between you and a potential threat is often enough to make said threat evaporate quickly. In fact, they've been documented as saving the lives of entire families from fires, gas leaks, and several other calamities. This because Newfoundlands are intelligent enough to recognize danger when they see it, and react accordingly. While you may not use your Newfoundland as a draft animal or to save lives on the high seas, their unique qualities make them an excellent addition to the family. You can't go wrong with a Newfoundland dog, or 'Newfie'!
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