Timbermist Newfoundlands

Nancy & Ron Johnsted
Duluth, Minnesota
(218) 525-2020

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Planned, Present & Past Newf Litters

Newfoundlands are not a dog for everyone so please be sure to do your research before purchasing one. Be sure to check out the links: and also the   for more info.

Be sure to research breeders to find the right one before you purchase a Newfoundland puppy. 

Newfoundlands have health problems just as every breed does. That is why it is important that a breeder submit x-rays to OFA  for hips and elbows, have their hearts checked by a board certified cardiologist as adults, DNA tested for Cystinuria status (Cystinuria is the only disease in Newfies that we can absolutely eliminate at this time, so not screening the parents for it is not acceptable). Other tests that should be done are thyroid and eyes examined by a board certified ophthalmologist. A breeder should be able to give you verification of these results and they can also be verified on the OFA website. Even though the parents and grandparents are free of all these problems does not mean that no puppies will have a problem since genetics are not that simple.

Do NOT assume that because a breeder is a member of the NCA that they screen their adults for these health problems. You MUST ask them. The puppies should be examined by a veterinarian, have had at least their first vaccines and have their hearts examined by a board certified cardiologist before being adopted. A good breeder should be a member of the

Newfoundland Club of America and or their regional Newfoundland Club and doing something with some of their dogs. This shows that they are interested in the breed and are always learning more about them.

A Newfoundland breeder should give you a contract with your puppy and guarantee him/her against crippling hip dysplasia and congenital heart disease and possibly other terminal diseases for a certain period of time and give you lots of information on caring for your Newf puppy. A breeder should also be available to help you with any questions or problems that you have long after you have purchased your puppy.

Newfoundlands are not a difficult breed to train, but because of their size they and you absolutely need obedience training. It is preferable that you and your puppy attend puppy classes while young first. This will help prepare both of you for the beginner obedience class and also help their socialization.

Newfoundland puppies need daily (about 2 hours) exercise in their fenced yard. You may need to play with them to get this exercise by throwing balls and other toys etc. Do not do forced exercise on young puppies such as taking them for long walks or going up and down long flights of stairs. A walk around the block is fine. Wait until they are a year old or more for long walks and then do it gradually. Letting them run and play in their fenced yard is best as they can then rest when they want and need to. They need this exercise for their bones and body to grow and develop properly. NEVER tie a Newfoundland in the yard.

They should not be allowed to play and run on any slippery surfaces and that goes for some of the flooring in your home. If you have hardwood or tile floors, you will have to place inexpensive rubber backed rugs down on the floors for your puppy. If you do not, you will end up with problems.

Newfoundland puppies should never be allowed to play with adult dogs of any size no matter how small the adult is without supervision until they are at least a year or more older. They are babies and their joints can be easily injured.

NEVER let your Newfoundland play with tennis balls or other small toys. Too many Newfies have choked and died from playing with toys like these or trying to catch them. Remember to check their toys regularly for safety.

Do not leave your Newfoundland puppy alone outside, or in the kitchen or laundry room during the night. The best place for your puppy to sleep at night is in a wire crate in your bedroom with you. Leaving them alone will only cause behavioral problems later. Having your puppy with you will help make them the companion that you wanted in the first place. Newfoundlands need and want to be a part of your family.

Housebreaking is not difficult, but will take time until his/her bladder is large enough to hold the urge. It will go faster if someone is home all day. They need to go often as puppies; after they wake up from naps, immediately in the morning, after eating, often while playing etc. It is up to you to take them out at these times to the same place. Remember to praise them and or give them a treat when they eliminate when and where you want them to. If they have an accident, remember it is your fault and not theirs that you did not take them out in time. NEVER rub their nose in it or hit them for having an accident. 

Newfoundlands need regular grooming as they have a double coat that sheds often and will mat if not groomed. You need to acquaint them with grooming RIGHT AWAY. Basic equipment is a slicker brush, steel comb, nail clippers, pair of shears and pair of thinners. Keep the nails trimmed short – take tips off once a week (your puppy has had this done every few days since birth here). Check inside your puppy’s ears regularly and keep them clean by using a gentle ear wash at least once per week. Keep the coat brushed and free of mats. NO EXCUSES! Use a gentle dog shampoo to bathe them as often as needed.

Follow your breeder’s advice for feeding. They have had many years experience in feeding Newfoundland puppies.

Planned Breeding Summer 2010

"Stella"  CH Timbermist's Could It Be Magic x "Jayson" CH Timbermist's Beyond Midnight

Stella had 6 puppies on September 15, 2008

5 boys and 1 girl

Timbermist's Could It Be Magic
OFA: Hips/Good, Elbows/Normal,  Heart/Normal-Cardiologist, Patellas/Normal
Cystinuria/Clear, Thyroid/Normal , CERF/Clear

Past Litters:
click on the links to view the pictures

Ch Timbermist's Midnight Special X Ch Timbermist's Could It Be Magic Born: 1/31/2007

Ch Timbermist's Beyond The Sea, Dual Sired litter X Ch Timbermist's Midnight Special
and Ch Council Cup's Some Like It Hot- Born 11/14/06

Ch Timbermist's Midnight Special X Ch Timbermist's Beyond The Sea Born: 4/30/06

Website last updated February 22, 2010

Website created by Wheatley Memming

Website maintenance by Paula Crotteau