I want to get a newfoundland puppy. Is it better to get one or two? Will they be happier together?

Question

I will soon be living by Lake Geneva and want to get a Newfoundland. I've always wanted one but until recently I've been working full time and lived in a small flat in London. I will no longer be working and will have a big garden by the lake so they can swim (as I know they love to get wet). I will be able to train them, love them and walk them everyday but I didn't know if it would be better to get one or two, or whether they are the kind of dog that would prefer to be the only one with a 'pack' of humans? Or whether they are happier in pairs. If so, should I get two boys or girls?

Thank you

Answer 1

They are good with other dogs generally and enjoy having a 'playmate'



Get two

Answer 2

I think most dogs enjoy the company of other dogs and benefit from having another around.



Your lifestyle sounds perfect for a Newfie but can you afford the cost of a second one? Think about twice as much food, toys, bedding, vaccination fees, wormer, flea protection, spay/neuter fees, ongoing vets fees, kennel fees, grooming fees, etc.



You don't have to make the decision between one or two now, you could get the first one and then after 6 months or more, you might want to think again about getting another.



Generally, two of the same sex don't get along as well as a male/female would. Are you considering two from the same or separate litters? I have two from the same litter and I have not had any problems so far (they are almost 17 months old now). While some say they don't bond as well to you, this has certainly not been my experience.

Answer 3

Hi , i have two newfoundlands dogs, firstly i got my first newfoundland (benson) he was a really hyper dog and always running about the house . He became that hyper that he had to be castrated then when he was about 1 we got another newfoundland (zion) they are ment to come in pairs because as they get older they become really lonely and depressed thats just in there nature . you also have to be prepared for the bills as they may are exspensive to keep . My dogs love to swim so the lake would be perfect for them and somewhere with a lot of land is also perfect for them . i cant suggest what sex you should get but i got 2 males and they get on absoloutly great



Hope this helps:-)

Answer 4

well i suggest getting two so they can still have each other when you don't have time at the moment to play with them. but that will still be a little more work witch im sure if your really wanting to get them both that it wont be something you cant handle. but you should probably get a girl and a boy and if not planning on puppies get them spayed or neutered. the reason for that is because even if they are from the same litter they may still fight when they get into their teen years because of hormones like testosterone in male dogs and with female dogs tension can be built when they come into heat and cause them to fight simply spaying or neutering them could most likely fix that problem though but you have to get if done quick. i hope for the best with you and your newfoundland/s

Answer 5

Raising two small puppies at the same time can be really difficult. It might be better to start with one, see how it works out, and get another in a year or so. As far as I know, Newfies get along well with other dogs, but they don't necessarily need another one to keep them company. If you end up eventually having two, two males usually get along better than two females, but if they're both fixed they typically do best with the opposite sex.

Answer 6

I'd say only get one for now. They're big dogs and will need a lot of training. It'll be much more difficult with two. Getting two dogs at once is a big mistake, especially two huge ones. I'd say get one, train it completely, then get another puppy to keep it company down the line.

Answer 7

It will be better to have two later on but if you are getting a puppy its better to get one so that it bonds with you and to make training easier but do socialize with other dogs. Once the first pup is doing excellent with his/her obedience then another dog will be a great idea.

Its normally harder to train two puppies at the same time because they need plenty of one on one human attention. A great idea If you want two immediately is to adopt one or both as older dogs from a rescue or shelter. They are a little harder to find than some more common breeds but rescuing a dog is always worth it.

Answer 8

The breed tends to like to have a dog companion, so I would get two and it would be fun for you too. Also I would get a boy and a girl and just have them fixed unless you would like to breed them. I say this because 2 dogs of the same gender tend to fight.

Answer 9

Not a good idea to get two. Raising one is hard enough. Two is funner, and it is tempting, but one is really the way to go. You can have more quality time, you can train and socialize one easier. And you will have a bette bond with each one.



If you get two, they can become too "doggy". This means they like their buddy mroe than they like you. Read this:



http://leerburg.com/pdf/raisingtwopuppies.pdf



It is written by a German Shepherd and Beligian Malinois breeder and trainer. His dogs are known for their temperaments and intelligence. His advice is excellent.

Here is the link to his website:



http://leerburg.com/



Congrats on moving to a nice lake house, a newfie is perfect for you!



I am confident you will want to thank me if you choose to get one.

Answer 10

I would recommend just get one to start with. having to puppies is at least twice as much work and as puppies are like having babies that is alot of work. It is better to just spend your time and energy with one make it a well behavioured and well balanced dog then later on you can get a second one if you want.

Answer 11

Great, that u want to get puppy's. But first think to yourself "can i handle one or two?" if u think that u can only handle one then get one and it does not matter what gender u get. But if you think you can handle two then get yourself 2 but get 1 boy and 1 girl because if u get 2 boys they might fight over a dog in your neighborhood. Also, if you get 2 girls then they might fight over a boy dog in your neighborhood

Answer 12

Get two and double your fun, food costs, vet bills...everything!