Building a whelping box helps you prepare for dog birth. At least 4′ wide by 6′ long by 1′ high, will give the dam a place to feel comfortable and enclosed and keep newborn pups from wandering the first two weeks. Lining the bottom with newspapers over plastic will make for easy cleanup.

About 12-24 hours prior to birth, the female will become restless and frequently trot around, licking her vulva and looking to you for guidance. Be prepared to give some by memorizing the following helpful hints.

When a pup arrives it will be covered by a birth sac and attached by an umbilical cord. Just as with humans, the cord provided nutrients and oxygen to the pup during gestation. After birth, oxygen is taken in by breathing. In order to breath the sac has to be broken and the lungs cleared of fluid.

Oftentimes, the sac will rupture normally, or with a little help from mom. If that doesn’t happen within a minute after the pup emerges, take action. Break the sac by CAREFULLY puncturing and tearing with a clean fingernail or by rubbing the pup’s back GENTLY with a towel.

The cord is still attached at this point. Don’t try to tug it loose or cut it yet. Force on the cord can cause a hernia and tearing it loose can lead to bleeding and can easily lead to death.

Hold the pup gently with its rear up and mouth down. Look for breathing. If you hear coughing and choking, swing slowly in a very shallow, slow arc to expel fluid from the lungs. Take care not to pull the cord. If you don’t observe breathing within a few seconds, take a bulb syringe and clear fluid gently from the throat.

Squeeze the syringe before inserting into the mouth, place it only a short distance in, then release. You should have picked up some fluid if there’s any there.

One way to expel fluid is to put a towel over your lap and place the puppy between your thighs on the towel, then use the syringe. Repeat to clear both nostrils. This technique will work fine, but it doesn’t take advantage of gravity to help clear the fluid. Holding the pup sideways or upside down is trickier, but can give you that advantage.

Once the pup is breathing, tie the umbilical cord (starting about a half inch from the belly) with unwaxed dental floss in two places an inch apart. Cut the cord a quarter inch from the tie closer to the stomach. The cord from mom’s side doesn’t need to be cut or pulled out. It should slough off naturally.

An alternative method uses hemostats to tie off the cord in two places. This works well for those who know how to use them. You need to ensure that the clamps don’t twist the cord, and that they are completely sterile after EACH use. Infection is one of the leading causes of puppy death.

On the upside, it’s much easier for one person to clamp with a hemostat, clamp again, then cut the cord all with one hand. Tying dental floss, for most of us, requires two hands or an assistant. Use whichever technique works best in your circumstances. But for the hemostat technique, be sure to keep several stable containers of alcohol nearby to put the hemostats in between pups.

In either case, daub the end with iodine or a commerical disinfectant.

Allow the dam to eat the bloody afterbirth. It doesn’t look appetizing to humans, but it contains vital nutrients that will help her feed the pups properly. Some vets disagree, contending it provides no nutrition and can cause diarrhea; the point is controversial.

Be prepared to keep this up for several hours after a sleepless night. Pups can number up to eight or ten and sometimes have died before birth. They can arrive anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour apart, though every 15-30 minutes is normal. Longer than an hour with no pup indicates a problem unless all have been expelled.

After an hour and no pup, look for continued contractions and arching of the back with no pup as a sign of trouble. When she’s done she’ll often want to leave the whelping bed and eliminate and run around outside. That’s fine. Congratulations to both mom and helpers.

Have your vet’s number handy for any problems that arise.

When your female dog, called a dam or bitch, is about to give birth there are frequently clear signs. These signals can help you know when to put her in the whelping area, near the instruments. Oh, you don’t have one? You haven’t any instruments? Oops… better back up and prepare.

Gestation for dogs lasts two months. During the first month you may not even be aware your female is pregnant. During the second month, she’ll begin to expand out the sides until, very late in the pregnancy, her belly will grow downward.

These few weeks give time to prepare the area, instruments and all the arrangements needed. A wooden whelping box about 4′ x 6′ x 1′ is helpful, but at minimum you’ll need a quiet corner that can be kept warm and clean. You’ll need room to work.

Acquire several four-foot high stacks of newspapers. (Yes, that’s a lot of newspapers. Visit the return bins of your local paper) You’ll either use most of them, or spend several hours per day washing towels and blankets. You’ll need unwaxed dental floss, hemostats, iodine, a bulb syringe, Vaseline, a heat lamp or two, alcohol and lots of towels.

A disinfectant is useful, iodine or a commercial preparation. A syringe and medication to treat bacterial infections can make the difference between survival and death for some.

Pens and notepads are useful, along with a postal scale, for weighing the newborns and keeping records.

White corn syrup is a good thing to have nearby, for those struggling pups that need a little nourishment for a few hours after birth. An anti-bacterial agent can mean the difference between death and survival for some.

Have your vet’s number handy and make sure you’ve alerted them to the expected birth day. At least two checkups during the pregnancy are recommended, the last one a few days before birth. Newborn pups require a lot of attention if they’re all to survive. Be prepared to take off work or have someone in frequent attendance for at least the first week.

About 12-24 hours before birth, there are a number of signs, no one of which is fully reliable. But, taken together, they give you very strong hints that the moment is approaching. Actually, ‘moment’ is a misnomer - the process typically lasts several hours.

Most dogs will become agitated and want to trot around endlessly until the first pup starts out the vagina. (And, sometimes even during… don’t let that happen) This is usually accompanied by heavy panting and frequent looks to you alternating with licking her vulva. She will usually refuse to eat during this time.

A temperature drop of two to three degrees from the normal 101F (38.3C) is common but not enough to be fully reliable. It’s also often difficult to take rectal temperature with all the running around taking place. Nevertheless, it’s useful information. Take readings at least once per day for the last two weeks to get a baseline, then hourly the last day or two.

The whelping area room should be kept above 70F (21C) at all times, and closer to 80F (26.7C) after the pups arrive. Mother may find this too warm so, if she’s long haired, give her a trim the day before birth. It’s essential to keep the pups warm. After infections, hypothermia is one of the leading causes of puppy mortality.

Finally there’ll be a discharge of mucus and water, followed (normally) within an hour by the first pup. Pups will come at the rate of anywhere from one per few minutes to one per hour. Longer than that, especially accompanied by pain, is usually a sign of trouble. Seek help from a vet.

If you like small dogs with big dog attitudes, you may want to consider a Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs are so sure that they are just as big and bad as the other guy, that they will not hesitate to take on a Great Dane. Of course, this doesn’t mean that Yorkshire Terriers aren’t lap dogs. The Yorkie can cuddle with the best of them.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club’s Toy Group. In the show ring, a Yorkie seems to glide across the ground, since the dog’s long, flowing coat hides its tiny feet. Although Yorkies can be as small as one pound, most breeders do not recommend trying to breed dogs this tiny, and for good reason. When dogs are bred to be this tiny, health is often sacrificed for size and weight. The AKC calls for the Yorkie to be under seven pounds, but does not have a minimum required weight.

Yorkshire Terriers have long flowing coats of silver, blue or black hair, with tan on their heads and legs. Yorkie puppies are all born with black and tan coloring. This breed has dark, intelligent eyes.

The Yorkshire Terrier is an ideal apartment dog. Of course, your Yorkie would enjoy having a yard to romp in, but he can survive without it. In fact, some Yorkshire Terriers do not go out at all. These dogs are litter trained, instead. If you do not take your Yorkie for daily walks, you should look for ways to help him get some exercise, such as playing an indoor game of fetch. If you do have a yard, be sure that there are no gaps under the fence, as Yorkies love to explore. Since these dogs are so small and cute, a Yorkshire Terrier doesn’t always have a chance to get back home before a passerby takes the little dog home, thinking it is lost or abandoned.

Yorkshire Terriers are sociable little dogs and enjoy being in the midst of all the activity and bustle of family life. However, these dogs are not a good choice for families with toddlers. This is not because Yorkies are untrustworthy with children, but because they are delicate little dogs and can be easily injured. A Yorkshire Terrier with a good temperament will allow children to squeeze, poke and pull on him, but it is unfair to subject a little dog to that treatment.

Despite the fact that a Yorkie is small, you should still take your puppy to obedience classes. These little guys have a tendency to become stubborn and set in their ways without proper training. Also, obedience training may save your Yorkshire Terrier’s life if you are able to call him back to you if he escapes out the front door.

Yorkshire Terriers have few serious health problems. They do often have dental problems, such as retained baby teeth. Other problems these little guys can have are hernias and hypoglycemia. 

Food for your Yorkshire Terrier will probably be your smallest expense. These little dogs don’t eat much. However, you will have to be careful that you don’t spoil your puppy with soft food or he may refuse to eat dry food, which will help you keep his teeth in better shape.   

Most Yorkies should be groomed at least three times a week to keep their hair from matting. Dogs with silkier coats may only need to be groomed once a week. Also, since Yorkies are prone to dental problems, you should brush your dog’s teeth several times a week.

If you want a pocket sized dog with plenty of spunk, then a Yorkie may be the perfect breed for you.

Some people take one look at the fluffy, immaculately groomed Standard Poodles in the show ring and discount them as silly, shallow dogs. However, the Standard Poodle is considered by many people to be the most intelligent breed in the world, with the reasoning ability of a three year old child. 

These dogs may look like lightweights in the show ring, but they were originally bred to work hard in the water. The Standard Poodle spent hours retrieving water fowl for hunters and the breed’s dense coat helped protect it from the cold, damp working conditions. Because the breed is not commonly used as a working dog today, The American Kennel Club classifies the Standard Poodle as part of the Non-Sporting Group. These dogs weigh 45 to 70 pounds and stand over 15 inches tall.

The Standard Poodle has a muscular body under all of that hair. Its ears are long and fold over close to the head and its eyes are dark brown and filled with intelligence. This dog’s tail is docked and stands erect. The tail should not curve over the dog’s back. The Standard Poodle comes in a wide range of colors, including apricot, black, cream, red, blue, gray, silver, brown, parti-color, and white. Overall, the white and cream colored Standard Poodles seem to be a bit more high strung and nervous than other colors, while black Standard Poodles seem calmer. 

The Standard Poodle does best in family settings and is extremely devoted to its family’s children. This breed also is an excellent choice for families with more than one dog, as the Standard Poodle rarely meets a dog it doesn’t like. If you have a cat, be prepared for your dog to rampage through the house as he gives chase, although when he finally catches up to the cat, he will just want to play.

If you live in an apartment, your dog will need to take a long walk or go for a romp in the park every day. These dogs can live in apartments, but do much better in a home with a fenced yard.

Because of its high intelligence, this breed enjoys learning and should attend puppy obedience classes. In addition, Standard Poodles need to be socialized as puppies, or their natural aloofness with strangers can turn to fear. Your puppy will work hard during classes, because he will want to please you. If he can’t figure out what you want him to do, he will wrinkle his brow and try again. If he still can’t figure it out, he may start to get depressed and frustrated. If this happens, give him a command that he already knows and after he joyously obeys he will be ready to try to learn the new command again. Many Standard Poodles and their owners go on to take advanced classes so that they can compete in obedience and agility trials. 

The Standard Poodle breed has several common health problems. Addison’s disease, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy problems are prevalent enough that many breeders actually screen their parent dogs to be sure they don’t carry these genetic faults. Your dog could also suffer from renal disease, bloat, and skin problems. 

Standard Poodles are big dogs and have big appetites. If you’ve never had a big dog before, be prepared for a noticeable increase in the grocery budget. These dogs also should receive a daily vitamin. In addition, ask your veterinarian about giving your poodle a daily vitamin C tablet, which many veterinarians say can help decrease the chance of hip dysplasia.   
If you do not want to spend time grooming a dog, don’t buy a Standard Poodle. These dogs need to be brushed daily, and, with their large size, it can take an hour or more to thoroughly brush out a Standard Poodle’s coat. Also, you will have to learn to cut your poodle’s hair or you will need to take him to a professional groomer every six weeks. 

The Standard Poodle is a fun loving, intelligent dog. If you don’t mind brushing your dog instead of watching the news, this may be the breed for you.

Are you looking for a dog who is very active but still loves the company of people? If so, you may want to consider the Siberian Husky. This beautiful dog was bred to tirelessly pull sleds loaded with supplies over frozen terrain for miles on end. At the end of the day, Huskies provide companionship to their owners.

The Siberian Husky is classified as a part of the Working Group by the American Kennel Club. Like most dogs in this group, the Husky must have a job to do to keep him from getting into trouble. These dogs are less domesticated than many other dog breeds and are actually quite wolf like. The Husky is a thirty five to sixty pound dog that stands twenty to twenty four inches tall.

These high energy dogs have a very thick coat made up of two distinct layers. Huskies have prick ears and a wolf like face. This breed’s coat comes in a variety of colors, although most Huskies have black and white or silver and white coats. The most striking feature of the Husky is his almond shaped blue or brown eyes. 

The Siberian Husky is a very impulsive dog and can get into more scrapes and dangerous situations than almost any other type of dog. More than one Husky visits the veterinarian’s office to be patched up on a routine basis. These dogs are usually good with older children, but may not be the best choice for families with infants or toddlers. Huskies have a reputation for being aggressive towards cats or small animals and may not be trustworthy with smaller children.

Since the Husky is so energetic, this breed does not do well in apartments or homes with small yards. In fact, Huskies often prefer to spend most of their time outdoors during the colder months, since their heavy coats make indoor temperatures uncomfortable. Just be sure that your yard is securely fenced, as these dogs have Houdini like tendencies.

It is important that you train your dog thoroughly, since the Siberian Husky is constantly looking for signs of weakness. You may want to attend obedience classes with your puppy to get some help in training him. If you do not maintain a dominant position, your dog will become a nightmare to own. Huskies are best for experienced dog owners.

Siberian Huskies can eat a lot, although some of these dogs do not eat well when they become nervous and high strung. Of course, other Huskies eat everything, including the house siding.     

Siberian Huskies should be groomed once a week to remove dirt and debris. Of course, when your dog is shedding his coat, you may want to groom him more frequently.

Overall, Huskies are fairly healthy. The majority of the Husky’s health problems are accident related, although this breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.

If you don’t mind owning a dog who will constantly keep you on your toes, then you may want to consider the beautiful Siberian Husky.

If you are a dog lover, you may feel that one dog is not enough. However, before you add a second dog to your household, there are a few important points you should consider.

First, you may want to consider your dog’s nature. If your beloved pet is a bit of a bully and the new dog isn’t submissive, there are going to be some major battles before they sort out which dog is in charge. Sometimes, two dogs are equally dominant and these battles flare up again and again. By the time you visit your veterinarian for the fourth or fifth time to have their battle scars treated, you may be regretting the purchase of a second dog.

If your dog is very submissive, you may also have problems, as the new dog could bully your first dog and make his life miserable. Hopefully, you have a dog that does not lean too far in either direction. When you have a submissive dog at home, never buy a puppy that refuses to let you turn it over and cradle it upside down in your arms. When a puppy lets you hold it like you would hold an infant, it is a sign that the puppy is willing to be submissive.

Next, you should consider your current dog’s size. If you have a Yorkshire Terrier, you may not want to buy a Boxer puppy. A big, rowdy puppy can hurt a small dog quite a few times before it realizes its own strength. If you currently own a big dog who has a great temperament, you may be able to add a small breed puppy to the family, but you will have to be prepared to keep a close eye on the dogs at first when they are together. More than one Standard Poodle or Saint Bernard has become the devoted protector of a tiny lap dog.

Do you have an unaltered female dog? These dogs often are upset when another female dog enters their domain. You may need to alter your dog before she will accept another female. She may still show some aggression after being spayed, so a  male puppy may be a wiser choice. (Of course, you will have to alter at least one of your dogs unless you want to suddenly be the proud owner of 6 or 8 dogs.)

If you have an older dog, you may want to reconsider buying a puppy. These dogs often have aches and pains and are less patient than they were when they were younger. Instead, you may want to consider adding a more settled and mature dog to the family. After all, it will be easier on your older dog to adjust to a dog who has finished teething and chewing.

Finally, some breeds of dogs have more trouble accepting a new puppy than other breeds. Some of the toy breeds become a bit spoiled and jealous of other dogs. If you have a pampered Yorkshire Terrier or Miniature Pinscher, you may find that introducing the new puppy can be a bit of a challenge. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and other breeds that have problems with aggression may have problems, as well. However, each dog is an individual and some dogs who are members of these breeds have no problem accepting a new puppy.

More than one traveler stranded in the snowy Swiss Alps owes the ponderous Saint Bernard his life. Monks in the Alps actually developed this massive dog to be used as a rescue dog. The Saint Bernard breed is quite an old one, going back as far as the 1700s.

The American Kennel Club places the Saint Bernard in the Working Group. These big dogs weigh from one hundred twenty to two hundred pounds and stand twenty six to twenty eight inches tall. This breed can be short haired or it can have a long haired coat. Originally, all Saint Bernards had a short haired coat, since snow did not stick to the short hair easily. However, when these dogs became popular as pets in Victorian England, Saint Bernard fanciers bred them to have longer hair. They also worked to make them bigger and bigger.

Unfortunately, some breeders today still are more concerned with appearance than they are with personality. Before buying a puppy, make sure that your prospective Saint Bernard’s parents are outgoing and sweet tempered dogs. Otherwise, you may end up with a fearful or aggressive dog. Please don’t underestimate the importance of choosing a puppy with a good temperament.

The Saint Bernard is usually a gentle giant and plays well with children and other dogs. However, a young Saint Bernard and small children is usually a bad combination, since these dogs make awkward, clumsy puppies. More than one toddler has been accidentally knocked down and injured when trying to play with a Saint Bernard puppy. Older dogs are usually more graceful and are careful not to knock children down. 

The Saint Bernard does not do well in apartments or town homes. These dogs need a lot of room and are not happy without a home that has a fenced yard. If they do not have enough exercise, Saint Bernards tend to get into a lot of trouble. A bored puppy of this size can sure make a lot of damage.

Saint Bernards are loyal, loving dogs with a strong desire to please. However, their enormous size means that they can be hard to control. You may want to consider enrolling your puppy in obedience classes while you still outweigh him. These classes will help you train him, but they also play another important role, socializing your puppy. He will meet plenty of strangers and their dogs in the classes.

Saint Bernards eat a sizable amount of food, so it is no surprise that feeding a Saint Bernard increases the grocery bill. Since this breed suffers from hip dysplasia, you may want to use a food that is formulated to help large breed puppies grow healthy and strong. Saint Bernards are also prone to heart disease and tumors.

Short haired Saint Bernards need very little grooming. Even long haired dogs don’t require too much work, since they are not heavy matters. Just be sure you brush through your dog’s hair once a week.  

The Saint Bernard is a wonderful companion dog. As long as you don’t mind having a dog who is bigger than most people, a Saint Bernard may be the right choice for you.

Do you need a protective dog that is intelligent and devoted to its owners? If so, you may want to consider buying a Rottweiler. These big dogs were bred to be very versatile working dogs. They guard their homes and families, excel in agility training, and think that they are tiny lapdogs when they are with their owners.

The Rottweiler is fairly large and very muscular. These powerful dogs weigh between 85 to 130 pounds and stand 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. A Rottweiler has a sleek black and brown coat and deep, soulful brown eyes.
 
The Rottweiler is a part of the American Kennel Club’s Working Group. These powerful dogs are often used as guard dogs. Unfortunately, some Rottweiler owners have mistreated their dogs in an attempt to make them more aggressive. These abused Rottweilers have given the breed an undeserved reputation as a dangerous breed. Rottweilers that are bred and raised properly are actually wonderful, loving family pets.

Rottweilers are not the best breed for an apartment. These dogs are big and powerful and they need room to run. Ideally, Rottweiler owners should own a home with a fenced yard. If you do not have a fenced yard, you should be prepared to take your dog for frequent runs in the park to burn off excess energy.

The Rottweiler is an extremely intelligent dog and this breed does best when it has something to do. Give your Rottweiler a job, such as keeping pests out of the garden, and you will have a happy dog. It is important to begin training a Rottweiler puppy at a young age, as these dogs quickly grow into large, powerful animals. Also, puppy obedience classes are a wonderful opportunity for you to provide your Rottweiler with plenty of socialization at a young age. Luckily, this breed enjoys learning, as long as the trainer uses love and patience. These dogs respond eagerly to new challenges, which is why the Rottweiler does well in agility trials.

Because of their size and strength, Rottweilers may not be the best choice for a family with a toddler. A six month old puppy may not realize his own strength and could accidentally injure small children while he is romping around. If your heart is set on a Rottweiler puppy, you may want to wait until your children are old enough to walk well.

Of course, a dog with the size and energy of a Rottweiler can burn up quite a few calories. You should be prepared to buy quite a lot of food for your puppy. Also, it is important to make sure that your puppy’s nutritional needs are being met, since Rottweilers can develop joint problems when they are older. 

Since a Rottweiler has such a short coat, grooming one of these dogs is not very time consuming. Brush your dog once a week with a slicker brush to keep his coat looking shiny and glossy. Also, be sure you take the time to check his nails to be sure they become not too long. When your dog is a puppy, you may also want to accustom him to having his teeth brushed.

If the thought of having a hundred pound dog attempt to crawl into your lap as though he weighs ten pounds horrifies you, then a Rottweiler may not be the breed for you. After all, not everyone wants a dog who has the appearance of a killer and the heart of a marshmallow.

If you’ve seen Men In Black or Milo and Otis, you probably have fallen in love with the charming Pugs who acted in these movies. While the distinctive appearance of this breed may be the first thing that attracts people to the Pug, it is the Pug’s  personality that wins the lifelong devotion of dog fanciers.

The American Kennel Club classifies the Pug as a member of the Toy Group. Pugs weigh in at fourteen to eighteen pounds. Their distinctive squashed face and curly tails gives them a slightly pig like appearance. Pugs come in silver, black, or beige colors with a black mask. They have broad chests and are very muscular despite their small size.

Pugs have a reputation for being so good natured that people can literally walk on them. However, don’t let this breed’s laid back attitude fool you. This dog will turn from a lover to a fighter in an instant if an intruder threatens his human. Pugs are wonderful with children and other pets. In fact, Pugs have been known to perform feats such as gently carrying an escaped parakeet to his owner without disturbing even a feather. However, Pugs are more likely to cause allergies than some other breeds. Pugs and children with allergy induced asthma are not a good combination.

Pugs are perfectly content to live in apartments or town homes. Although the Pug doesn’t require a lot of exercise, you should be sure he stays in shape to keep him healthy. A daily walk around the block should be enough exercise, but he will be happy to walk much further, as well. Just be sure that you use a harness on your Pug instead of a collar, as these dogs don’t need to develop problems with their windpipes, since they already have pushed in noses.

While Pugs can learn obedience, these little guys aren’t the fastest learners. Your Pug may not learn to sit or heel as fast as other breeds. However, once he learns he will be extremely proud of himself. You may want to try attending puppy obedience classes with your Pug. If he just can’t grasp the commands, try again when he is a few months older.    

Pugs love food. They are happy to eat whatever you give them and will learn undignified tricks if you reward them with treats. You should make every effort to limit your Pug’s food intake, since these dogs can suffer from knee problems, which grow worse if the dog is overweight. Pugs can also suffer from Demodectic mange and frequently receive eye injuries.

If you want a dog breed that does not need much grooming, a Pug is ideal. Just brush through your dog’s coat once a week to remove loose hair and dirt. You also should keep an eye on his face wrinkles to be sure the creases do not begin to smell or develop bacteria.

If you want a dog breed that is all heart and you don’t mind him snoring and snorting in your ear all night, then a Pug may be the perfect choice for you.

If you are looking for a family dog that will devote himself to keeping your children from getting into trouble, you may want to buy a Newfoundland. These massive dogs have an innate desire to rescue people who are in danger and have an incredibly sweet and gentle nature. However, before you buy a Newfoundland puppy, you should consider whether you can care for such a large dog.

The Newfoundland is a large, solid dog, weighing in at 100 to 150 pounds. These gentle giants stand 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. A Newfoundland is known for its waterproof double coat, which comes in black, brown, gray, or black and white. Most dogs have deep chocolate brown eyes, but a few have light brown eyes, instead.

The American Kennel Club considers Newfoundlands to be part of the Working Group. These dogs excel in rescue situations and were often owned by lighthouse keepers. Their thick, water repellant double coat and large size combine to make them the ideal dog breed to help with sea rescues.

The sheer size of the Newfoundland makes it a bad choice for apartments or homes with small rooms. However, these dogs are not high strung and do not need excessive amounts of exercise. A fenced yard is usually sufficient. Of course, they still enjoy taking a leisurely evening stroll with their owners.

A Newfoundland must have an excellent temperament to be considered a representative of the breed. Because of their enormous size, these dogs do need to be trained not to jump up as puppies so they do not bowl children over. However, they seem to have an instinctive understanding of how fragile small children and animals are and usually are very careful to avoid injuring them. Newfoundlands will sit regally surveying the world around them, until a child or another dog wants to play. Then, they will happily loose all dignity to romp with their friends.

Because they are so large, Newfoundlands should receive obedience training as puppies. Even though they enjoy pleasing their owners, their sheer size and strength can make training a six month old Newfoundland challenging. Since these dogs enjoy learning and socializing with the other puppies in the class, puppy obedience should be an enjoyable experience.

Any dog weighing in at over 100 pounds eats a lot so be prepared for an increase in your grocery bill if you buy a Newfoundland. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about your puppy’s nutritional needs, as these big dogs will need the right vitamins and other nutrients to develop strong bones.

Despite the breed’s long hair, grooming a Newfoundland is not too time consuming. The coarse hair of the top coat does not mat easily. As long as you can put aside time at least once a week to brush your dog, you should be able to keep his coat looking great. You should also plan to check his nails at least once a month to be sure they do not need to be trimmed.

If you can’t imagine having a dog the size of a small pony, than a Newfoundland may not be the right breed for you. However, if you don’t mind the large size of this breed, you will have a loyal and devoted companion for many years to come.