Newfoundland Dogs in Ireland
Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:
Kennel name SNUGINES… anagram of GUINNESS – the black stuff of Ireland.
What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of dogs ?
I was 19, at home mum and dad both worked and so did my future husband Trevor’s so no time for dogs. That changed as soon as we got married as the week after we got our first 4 legged companion,a lovely black Labrador.
What breeds of dogs have you had over the years ?
Over the years we have had a black Labrador and several long haired German shepherds, and of course now Newfoundland’s
What breeds of dogs have you got now ?
For the past 17 years we have had Newfoundland’s, the only breed I think for us now.
What would you consider to be your main breed of dog and the one people associate you with ?
Newfies, I don’t think people would associate us with any other breed now. With myself as secretary of Emerald Isle Newfoundland Club here in Ireland and Trevor the Treasure, we are totally committed to Newfies. I also write the breed notes for a dog paper.
What attracted you to this dog breed ?
We had looked for years at different breeds, and when we first married we saw a programme on television about Newfies and fell in love there and then. At that time there was hardly anyone in Ireland breeding. After a 12 year wait and by chance, a business associate told me of a man breeding Newfoundland’s and it was only 5 mins drive from us. We made contact and were invited up to see their Newfies.We had never seen one in real life and it sealed the deal. Their gentleness (our son was only small at the time and a large dog knocked him over but then licked him and stood over him nudging him like a pet) The temperament is second to none , and they just looked so big and cuddly.
What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this dog breed ?
This is not a dog that can be left for long periods alone, it is very much a people dog, who loves constant attention, you need to be committed to grooming and looking after their coats, and definitely not for the house proud. For me this is a dog that you shouldn’t get and just place it in an outside run. We have 5 and all live in the house with us, as part of the family.
Does this breed of dog have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming ?
As a puppy and up to about age 1, exercise should be limited, excessive exercise can cause bone and joint problems later. After that they can do as much as they like, they love swimming and also our dogs have pulled carts. They enjoy this a lot. Grooming, be prepared to spend at least 1 day a week giving them a groom, if you leave it for too long mats occur making it difficult to bath and groom but more importantly this can cause skin irritation to the dogs.
Does this breed of dog have any specific health tests that should be done before a dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from ?
Yes, all the UK Clubs & Emerald Isle Newfoundland Club here in Ireland as a rule stipulate that hips and heart are tested on both dog and bitch before breeding from them. Hips are done via BVA (British Veterinary Association) The average score for the Newfoundland is 26 at present but the lower the score the better. Heart is to be done via Echo Doppler machine not just stethoscope. (our closest at present is Edinburgh) Elbows & Cysturnia tests can be done but as yet this is not a rule.
Finally, how would you some up the characteristics of this dog breed and what type of household would they best be suited too ?
This breed , to describe them are, loveable, loyal, gentle, majestic, with a temperament second to none. A devoted pet who craves attention and a constant companion no matter what. Sweet natured . Definitely not a dog to be left all day , so for people out all day working this breed wouldn’t suit this sort of household, as Newfies love attention and definitely require a lot of people contact.Great with children and other pets. Oh and definitely not for the house proud, lot of casting from them, constant… and also plenty of drools..
For more information on this wonderful breed check out Alison’s web site Snugines Newfoundlands
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