Grooming: The Basics
We've broken down everything you need to know about grooming, a subject which is close to every Newfoundland owners heart.
They only moult once a year.... from January to December... Oh yes, and then they blow their undercoats twice a year, in a manner that leaves you somewhat concerned that they will in fact end up bald, but even though you rake out a pile of fur that is equivalent in size to the original dog, they seem to have still got almost the same amount of fur.
The first thing to understand is that not all Newfs are the same. Some are instinctive and enthusiastic bog snorkelers and some (not many admittedly) are quite fastidious. Most fall somewhere in the middle. What they all have however is a double coat, which means that they have the lovely long guard hairs on the top and then underneath that a more furry undercoat.
This provides them with a fabulous layer of insulation - both against the cold and against the sun's rays. Please do not ever shave your Newfoundland, the hair will not grow back the same, they will look ridiculous and if it is summer they will probably get sunburnt. If you don't want a long haired furry beastie - buy a Labrador.
All of the advice that I give is a guideline, you will know your Newf better than anyone else, so tailor it to suit your hairy friend.
In the following pages, we've provided you with information about bathing, brushes and blasters so you can be forewarned and forearmed!
They only moult once a year.... from January to December... Oh yes, and then they blow their undercoats twice a year, in a manner that leaves you somewhat concerned that they will in fact end up bald, but even though you rake out a pile of fur that is equivalent in size to the original dog, they seem to have still got almost the same amount of fur.
The first thing to understand is that not all Newfs are the same. Some are instinctive and enthusiastic bog snorkelers and some (not many admittedly) are quite fastidious. Most fall somewhere in the middle. What they all have however is a double coat, which means that they have the lovely long guard hairs on the top and then underneath that a more furry undercoat.
This provides them with a fabulous layer of insulation - both against the cold and against the sun's rays. Please do not ever shave your Newfoundland, the hair will not grow back the same, they will look ridiculous and if it is summer they will probably get sunburnt. If you don't want a long haired furry beastie - buy a Labrador.
All of the advice that I give is a guideline, you will know your Newf better than anyone else, so tailor it to suit your hairy friend.
In the following pages, we've provided you with information about bathing, brushes and blasters so you can be forewarned and forearmed!