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Newfoundland Breeding

Background of
Newfoundland breed

It’s no mistake that both Newfoundland and Labrador form a province on the easternmost shores of Canada. Though the Labrador went by a different name then, these two dogs grew side by side, bred centuries ago to endure those harsh Canadian waters while happily working long hours beside their fisherman companions.

Today, this mighty swimmer is prized above all else for his invaluable water rescue talents! 

Their prowess as rescuers is the stuff of legend: What the Saint Bernard is to the Alps, the Newfoundland is to the icy waters of the North Atlantic (AKC).

All about newfoundland breeding

Popularity

The American Kennel Club currently ranks the Newfoundland’s popularity 40 out of 127 dog breeds. They are truly gentle giants, great with families, highly intelligent, and trainable. As majestic as he is soft and sweet-natured, Newfoundlands thrive on social contact with the families they grew to love. 

As you know, these dogs could easily outswim any human Olympic champion. While gentle with family they can be very protective, and this only contributes to their value in dangerous water rescue situations. They are among the most popular breeds for that task.

Health concerns when
breeding Newfoundlands

Gastric Torsion

Otherwise known as gastric dilation volvulus, or simply ‘Bloat’, this is a rare but more common condition in large to giant breeds. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought that rapid eating can lead to a life-threatening buildup of gasses in the stomach cavity. These gasses can cause the stomach to ‘twist’, cutting off a vital supply of nutrients and ultimately causing the organ itself to die. 

GDV is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary, and likely surgical, intervention.

Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS)

An abnormal tissue buildup below the aortic valve of the heart can make pumping blood difficult, making the dog predisposed to heart failure. Most dogs with this condition don’t live past the age of three, although medical treatment can increase the quality of life and survival length considerably!

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD)

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip’s ‘ball and socket’ joint. The joint itself doesn’t articulate well, leading to instability and possible further injury. This can be extremely uncomfortable for the dog and could require surgery (if possible) to repair.

How To Breed Newfoundland
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Perform pre-breeding
health checks

The next thing you need to do is do the whole-body health check before mating.

  • Physically check both stud and female for any abnormalities.
  • Check the body condition score; it should be 5
  • All necessary blood tests should be done.
  • Fecal tests are done to check for intestinal worms.
  • Both stud and female must be vaccinated.
  • Do a biological screening test for their genetic lineage.
  • Check the age of your dogs; they must be mature.

When to start breeding?

For most large to giant breeds (and the Newfy is no exception), breeding can begin as early as 18-24 months but shouldn’t begin before that. If breeding begins before the dog is done growing, the resulting change in hormones could impact the mother’s development.

Whelping

Otherwise known as ‘labor’, the act of the Dam (mother of the litter) giving birth.

Stud and brood bitch

Most ethical breeders won’t breed their own pets, but rather seek out a registered, genetically tested breeding Stud (breeding male) and Brood Bitch (breeding female). These dogs would come from a very healthy and proven lineage, increasing the chances your pups will be healthy throughout their lives.

The importance of
genetic diversity

Poor breeding can lead to inbreeding among related dogs, which narrows the available gene pool considerably and promotes the chances there will be medical problems. You never want to breed any related dogs. Seeking out a registered stud and brood bitch will help improve your chances of genetic diversity considerably!

Genetic Testing

Thanks to advancements in veterinary science, countless companies today offer genetic testing. Breeders can (and should) use this as a tool to eliminate any hereditary medical concerns that can be passed on to offspring. This is also a wonderful way to check the medical health and future potential of your own dog!

Managing labor

There should be at least twelve months between whelping litters, and the first litter should be born prior to five years of age.

Delivery

  • Keeping track of the number of placentas corresponding to puppies delivered is important because a placenta left inside the bitch can cause drastic health problems!
  • Take over personally if the bitch fails to sever an umbilical cord or remove a sac. The puppy’s oxygen supply depends on it!
  • Remove mucus or any fluids from the pup’s nose and mouth, while rubbing gently to stimulate circulation.
  • Suckling soon after birth is very important for the pups. They will ingest a special kind of milk called Colostrum, offering vital nutrients not found at the same quality anywhere else! 
  • Ensure the pups are kept warm.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, many breeders breed for a more brachycephalic (short skull) appearance, which ultimately damages the health of the Newfoundland. This brachycephalic trait is a mutation in all dogs that have it, due solely to human selective breeding, and doesn’t offer any sort of natural benefits. 

If done ethically, dog breeding can be a wonderful experience!

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