Newfoundland puppies

What to expect at eight weeks

At eight weeks a Newfoundland puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A giant breed puppy at eight weeks is already heavy and will keep growing for up to two years. Controlled growth matters more here than in any other size class, so a large breed specific puppy food and no overfeeding. Expect moderate energy, in short bursts separated by long naps. Grooming needs are high. Start daily brushing and short, positive handling sessions at eight weeks, well before the adult coat arrives, or the first professional groom will be traumatic. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything it meets calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of its life.

Health worth knowing about

Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.

• Cystinuria, detectable by DNA test and urine testing
• Hip dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
• Elbow dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme
• Hereditary eye disease, screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
• Dilated cardiomyopathy, screened by echocardiogram and Holter monitor
• Gastric dilatation volvulus, a surgical emergency, risk rises with a deep chest, gastropexy at the time of neutering reduces the risk

From Newfoundland breed information at https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/working/newfoundland/. Discuss any of these with your own vet.

Your Newfoundland puppy's first six months

• Vaccination schedule, dated for your country.
• Worming and parasite schedule.
• Feeding calculator. Set expected adult size to Giant for a Newfoundland.
• Adult size predictor, to check growth against the 45.4 to 68 kg adult range.
• Puppy names and the first week checklist.

Other giant breeds

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