[Pax]

I'm considering getting a newfoundland dog in a few years, and I'm looking for some input on the degree of grooming required. My husky is pretty low maintenance, so the idea is sort of foreign to me.

I'm thinking I could handle daily brushing, and regular bathing and nail clipping myself. But I would still like to take my hypothetical newf to a groomer maybe monthly (would that be oftten enough? Too often?) to have a good thorough bath, and hair trimming if necessary, just so I know it's all done right.

Does 'monthly' sound like a good frequency? Is there anything else, besides bathing and trimming, I would need to think about having done? If the dog was in good condition (no matting, nails trimmed) what would something like that cost for a dog of that size?

[Dieselsmama]

Newfies are wonderful sweet dogs. They require a good deal of grooming on the brushing and combing end, but not so much so on the trimming end. I would typically expect to spend about 1 hr. brushing out one that isn't matted, more if we've got matting to deal with. I wouldn't think you'd need to brush and comb daily but more like 1-2X/wk. If you're finding it's too hard to devote a large chunk of time to brush and comb through the entire dog in a sitting, you could always break it up into a couple different sessions. Bathing by the groomer or you isn't something that should need to be done more than once every other month or so, sometimes every 3 mo. unless they get into something particularly stinky. If you start off with brushing and combing right away while they're babies (8-12 wks) you'll set yourself up for a lifetime of easy pleasant grooming. With a dog this size, I'd work on the floor with the dog lying down and just line brush and comb head to tail. Trim nails once a week-once every other week. An easy habit I've gotten into with both my own dogs is to designate a day ( Sundays here) for nail trims, brushing and tooth brushing. Newfies would range in price from $80-$175 for a full groom depending upon the condition they are in. The lower end of the spectrum is for a unmatted dog requiring light brush and comb, bath & blow dry, nails, ears, brush teeth, and trim up feet.

[Pax]

So basically, other than the regular brushing (not a problem - I can't think of too many things more relaxing than spending an hour or so sitting on the floor with my pooch) it doesn't sound like there's much more maintenance to them than any other dog of similar size.

Thank-you!

[Purplex15]

these dogs definetly need to be brushed everyday. 1-2 times will result in matting. im not saying they will become pelted in 4 days, but it is easier to spend 15 minutes with a comb, than doing it twice a week for 2 hours and actually having to demat.

if you want to take your dog to a groomer monthly, then i think thats really good. as long as the groomer uses high end products, and completely rinses those products out, there should be no problem with the skin or coat. if you find the right groomer, they might also cut you a deal for going in regularly (since they know the condition of the dogs coat). if you start grooming the dog as a young puppy, it will accept it and be really good for it, then most groomers would go out of their way to do such an aweseom dog.

they do not need haircuts. maybe trimming of the paws, or leg feathers, maybe a sanitary. other than that do not let anyone convince you to put clippers anywhere near this dog

[Love's_Sophie]

Originally Posted by Purplex15

they do not need haircuts. maybe trimming of the paws, or leg feathers, maybe a sanitary. other than that do not let anyone convince you to put clippers anywhere near this dog

Ditto on that one!!!

I don't have anything to add, really, everyone else covered the bases fairly well...daily brushing with a good brush, comb, and shedding rake when needed, and every 4-6 week groomings from a pro...I would love to have your dog on my grooming table!!! Most people wait too long between groomings and don't brush at home, so the dog is a shedding matty mess...accckk!

[Dieselsmama]

Originally Posted by Love's_Sophie

Ditto on that one!!!

I don't have anything to add, really, everyone else covered the bases fairly well...daily brushing with a good brush, comb, and shedding rake when needed, and every 4-6 week groomings from a pro...I would love to have your dog on my grooming table!!! Most people wait too long between groomings and don't brush at home, so the dog is a shedding matty mess...accckk!

For sure one that's not maintained at home can be a horrible mess for everyone to deal with. I understand Purplex feels they need daily brushing, just give it a try at home daily and stretch it out to where you are comfortable. I haven't had one need more than twice a week good brushing and combing but maybe Purplex has seen one that needs it more than that. I have a pair that a customer brings in every three months for grooming and she gives them a good brushing and combing at home once a week and this works out fine for all of us. Because she's been a good customer for so long I do both dogs for $125.00 but normally they'd be a minimum of $150

[Pax]

Thanks again for the great info everybody - very helpful.