Hi everyone,
I am looking for some advice regarding my 16 mth old Newfoundland.
Before anyone gets worried let me say one thing, I have no intentions of breeding her at present,merely looking for advice as to when the best time would be to breed her.I understand two or older is best.She is currently undergoing her 2nd season (started on 13th Sept).She is well, fit, healthy and a very placid bitch,reared with a noisy, happy household and shows no agression towards other dogs, regardless of sex.
What I am trying to work out is her next season if it follows the first will be 29 weeks (approx) time which should be in or around 27th March 2004.She will only be 22 mths at that stage and I feel still too young to mate.Therefore her fourth seaon will be approx 16th October 2004 and while timing wise it might be ideal for the bitch timewise.I don't want my first litter of pups born in winter.(Hope that makes as much sense to you as it does to me).Too wet, cold and messy.Her 5th season should occur around 23rd April 2005 which I think is perfect as the pups should be born around end June 05 and have the summer for both the bitch and the pups to do well in and Demon will be 2 yrs 11mths.
What do you think, please?Would you be happy to breed your bitch for the first time at just 3 y/o? Opinions would be greatly appreciated.Of course this is all pending breeders permission, Newf's health and various other considerations which may occur at the crucial time.
I can't register as I am using work's pc and for some reason it won't accept my log on details.Anyway my email address is brendz10@hotmail.com, if you need to contact me.
Many Thanks
Brenda

Hi Brenda, sure your breeder with let you know about the problems of breeding a Newfie, my sister has reared several litters and finds that they have to be watched 24 hours a day until they are fully weaned and the dam has been removed from the nest. She had one bitch who was not to bad but the rest have all killed at least 1 puppy by sitting or putting a elbow on one, and that is even when someone is watching to attempt to avoid it. So apart from getting your bitch ready you may need to get yourself and one other person ready too. The mating can be very difficult too you need to use a very experienced stud owner or employ someone who is experienced to assist with the mating.

Newfies need hips, elbows and heart tests there may be others as they add things from year to year, if you don't belong already I would join the breed club, the more support you get the better. Do you show your girl, if not perhaps you should it is a good way to decide which type of dog you would like to use on her and you will learn about the different lines and which would suit your girl. You will also find out what her faults are so you will be in a position to decide what it is you are trying to improve on in the puppies you produce.

My sister found it best to get a list of prospective puppy buyers and the home checks done before the birth as it is very difficult after you have pups. Not sure if this is the sort of info you want, but it is hard and long term work which I suppose is why the Newfie is relatively expensive to buy, they can have big litters. Ideal time to whelp, well I would say from 2 & half to about 4 is best for the first litter. Best to wait till she has calmed down and is not too skittish or you will really have your work cut out.