Just bought a dog - a Newfoundland x - any tips/advice?

Raksha

Maturity is driven by hormones, if you can cope with an adult sized Newfie who still acts like a 'cute puppy' it's a great idea - my Labradoodle was done before he was 6 months as he was such a handfull, but he's still a great goon.

tango

Just my advice . One year minimum ideally two years before you neuter a large breed dog .

Wellyboots6

My GSD was neuteured aged 5 and he still acts like a pup

con1888

emeraldbugle wrote: »

It has been recommended by two different vets.

It was also recommended as such by my vet too but I know through experience not to take everything they say as gospel, after all... they get the money from neutering so of course they advise it.

I do not mean to offend you saying that you can't make a decision for yourself but look into it before just doing what your vet says. My vet is very nice and as a person I like them but always make my own mind up.

Most vets also promote commercial dog food...

con1888

Ps, he is gorgeous !!

Stephb1986_2

Awww he is cute!! Give him cuddles for me.

Would you not breed him?

Steph xx

krlyr

Stephb1986 wrote: »

Awww he is cute!! Give him cuddles for me.

Would you not breed him?

Steph xx

Unfortunately this is why there are so many dogs in rescue centres, pounds, etc. - indiscriminate breeding of dogs with little to no history of health and temperament. There are plenty of breeders of GSDs and Newfoundlands who will do the appropriate health tests, trace ancestors to find out if there have been any temperament issues, keep in touch with puppy owners, etc. to ensure they are only breeding puppies with the best temperaments and health possible, there is no need to breed unknown crossbreeds and considering no decent breeder would advocate it, the mother of the litter would be one of questionable lineage too.


I do, however, agree with the posters suggesting OP holds off for a while. Hormones place a role in growth and bone development - think of the risks of osteoporosis associated the menopause, for example, and how HRT is meant to lower the risk. A giant breed like the Newfoundland has a slow growth rate which tends to make them less prone to hip dysplasia, for example, so I would be encouraging the natural growth and not interfering with his hormones until he was at least 18 months, if not two years old.
You might perhaps find it worthwhile getting some alternate opinions - not from vets (who, while worthy of giving their opinion, would not spend a great deal of studying going into depth of the ideal neutering times of every single breed for example) but perhaps find some Newfoundland and GSD breeders willing to give their views on the situation, or perhaps a Newfie/GSD group (rescue group, breed club, etc. - though remember a rescue may neuter earlier than ideal due to the nature of wanting to neuter before rehoming)

gettingready

Stephb1986 wrote: »

Awww he is cute!! Give him cuddles for me.

Would you not breed him?

Steph xx

Ermmm - WHAT?????

Stephb1986_2

gettingready wrote: »

Ermmm - WHAT?????

It's a pretty simple question isn't it?

I wasn't suggesting it I was just asking a simple question??

gettingready

no comment...