The Newfoundland

What an all-around amazing dog this is. The giant Newfoundland is celebrated in fable and fact. He is unequalled as a water dog, using his powerful skills both as a helpmeet and as a rescuer. He is equally gifted on land, pulling carts, wagons and sleds with ease. His working instincts make him the perfect all-purpose dog, as he excels on search and rescue missions, draws oohs and aahs from the audience at agility trials, or shines in the obedience ring. His gentle, sweet, willing nature makes him a natural companion dog, with an unsurpassed devotion to his family as he fulfills his role as children's companion and benevolent protector.

We are Judi and Ellis Adler, and we have been devoted to this one breed, the amazing Newfoundland, for nearly forty years. Through our Sweetbay breeding program, we nurture the breed's natural instincts, so that each Sweetbay dog can achieve its promise as an unequalled family dog and companion. We take great pride in producing the finest family Newfoundland humanly possible.

Since the very beginning, we have had one goal. To produce a sound, healthy Newfoundland, with the intelligence, instinct, and sweet temperament to be a superb companion dog. In keeping with this goal, our breedings are well thought out, and the puppies are home-raised.

We work hard with our Newfoundlands. Unlike most breeding kennels, we have very few dogs of our own. This is a self-imposed requirement, so that each dog can be a cherished family companion and house dog, and each can be kept well groomed, active, and actively working.

Sweetbay is a small kennel, and we deliberately produce very few litters, often only one or two a year. Each breeding is carefully planned to work toward our goal of intelligence, instinct, and soundness in mind and body. Each litter is lovingly whelped and raised in the house. We understand and believe in the critical importance of extensive human contact and socialization, from the moment each puppy takes his first breath. This results in carefully bred puppies who are raised to perfection and socialized to the max, ready to become the best of family companions in their new homes.

Health

The Newfoundland breed as a whole has many inherent health problems. Because of this, we have worked hard to keep our Sweetbay Newfoundlands as trouble-free as possible. Our breeding stock is dysplasia free and OFA-certified. We make no exceptions. Utilizing a breeding program that uses only OFA-certified stock has been difficult, but well worth the effort. Sweetbay has produced more OFA certified Newfoundlands than any kennel in history.

Genetic heart problems also beset this breed, primarily sub-aortic stenosis (SAS). At Sweetbay, all dogs (both the breeding stock and the resulting puppies) are cleared by a board certified cardiologist who has worked with us since our first litter. Our breeding program has greatly benefited from his supervision and advice.

We work just as hard at keeping our dogs free of the many other medical conditions that plague this breed. A dog must be healthy to be a life-long, active companion. Dedication to soundness is the foundation at Sweetbay.

Placing Puppies

Unlike most breeders, we spend a great deal of time getting to know a potential Newfoundland owner before we consider placing a Sweetbay puppy with him. We encourage inquirers to thoroughly investigate the breed, and to investigate breeders even more carefully. An informed, educated, patient student of the breed will be more apt to make a wise purchase. And he will have shown he has the responsibility and commitment to provide the care and guidance this special breed deserves.

This restraint works to our benefit as well. Families who learn all they can about the policies and programs at Sweetbay, and who then bring home a Sweetbay puppy, have a vested interest. They understand the importance of keeping in touch. And we do keep in touch with each puppy we produce and place. We are continually monitoring our breeding program, evaluating it and maintaining, intensifying, or adjusting it for the best results. Keeping in touch is the only way we can be certain that each breeding produces the soundness, instincts, companionship, and temperament that is our constant goal. Keeping in touch also greatly benefits the puppy buyer, as we are always available, and always happy to answer questions or provide help or advice.

The Working Drive

Back in 1972, when we bought our first Newfoundland, we were delighted to discover that a smart, sound dog could be a very versatile dog. We were fascinated by the many clever and useful skills this breed possessed. Training was fun, and the dogs loved to learn.

In short order, our Sweetbay dogs became famous for their working talents. Today, we have produced more Newfoundlands with obedience titles than any other Newfoundland kennel. More Newfoundlands with water titles than any other kennel. More Newfoundlands with draft titles than any other kennel. More Newfoundlands with tracking titles than any other kennel. More Newfoundlands with agility titles than any other kennel.

Sweetbay Newfoundlands are known for possessing brains, beauty, instinct, and soundness. This is no accident. We have genetically enhanced the instinctive traits, the love of learning, and the willingness to work happily with man. But we also provide the environment that allows the dogs to shine. We have always done our own training and handling. We also offer our training skills to others, freely encouraging novice owners to take the plunge and share in the fun that comes from working with the family dog, as well as helping more experienced owners expand their skills and enjoyment.

Although they are known for their high-profile working skills, Sweetbay dogs are more than just competitive show dogs or crackerjack working trial dogs. Many serve as therapy dogs, giving cart rides or providing a gentle presence at numerous hospitals, institutions, and events across the country.

Sharing the Knowledge: Books and Workshops

We believe in education, and in continuing to learn all we can about Newfoundlands. We use that learning to refine and improve the dogs we breed. We also enjoy sharing that knowledge with others.

Judi has written several books. The Newfoundland Puppy: Early Care, Early Training is commonly referred to as “the Bible” for new owners, the one book they can't live without. It helps them get off to a great start with a new puppy, and gives them the foundation to create the dog their family dreams of. Click here for more information about the Puppy Book.

Water Work, Water Play shares our love of the water and water rescue training with the world. Pleasant, fun, effective training techniques allow others to experience the joy of working with a Newfoundland in his natural element, the water. Click here for more information about the Water Book.

The Audible Nose is a comprehensive book about the sport version of search and rescue work known as tracking. Its multitude of methods and ideas will help the novice be successful, and provide new ideas and insights for the seasoned tracker as well. Click here for more information about the Tracking Book.

In addition, we compile an annual compendium listing all Newfoundlands who are certified dysplasia free by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. This information is an important research tool for breeders looking to improve the soundness in their own breedings. It is also a valuable tool for the prospective puppy buyer, providing accurate health data (facts, not opinions) about breeders' lines and individual dogs. The information is available at no charge on this web site. Click here for OFA information.

We also share our skills through personal contacts. We have conducted wild and woolly, keep-em-busy, have-a-ball training workshops all across the country. We have taught workshops in water rescue, draft (carting), tracking, and obedience, as well as puppy training. We actively train and title our own dogs, and encourage and help others to do the same. Judi judges water and draft tests in the United States and Canada. Together, Judi and Ellis have sponsored water, draft, tracking, agility, rally, obedience and musical freestyle events and workshops for Newfoundlands for over three decades.

A prospective puppy buyer who is looking for a sound, smart, companionable Newfoundland would do well to investigate the dogs at Sweetbay. If you know this breed is right for you, and you have the love, common sense, and responsibility a special Newfoundland deserves, we welcome your inquiry.

For more information about our dogs:

Sweetbay Newfoundlands
Judi & Ellis Adler
12320 SW Malloy
Sherwood OR 97140
(503) 682-0604
e-mail: sweetbay@teleport.com

At Sweetbay, we believe that Newfoundlands should be intelligent, curious, healthy, loyal, social and sweet.  Paisley, pictured here, personifies all six virtues.  And many more!

Well socialized puppies grow into the best of family dogs.  Sarah and Ethan Brockway pose with Pawley, Gale and little Cody.

Sweetbay dogs are working dogs, whether it's draft, water, tracking, or something more close to home.  Here, Sherpa leads owner Debby Giard's horse to pasture.

A three week old grey Sweetbay puppy finds an unusual pillow.

Do you believe in love at first sight? With a Sweetbay puppy, it's impossible not to. Bryan (the guy) and Bennett (the puppy) make each other's acquaintance, at the beginning of a long and happy life together.

People who think "Newfoundland" and "athlete" are opposites have never met Sweetbay dogs.  Here, Ann Dunnigan's dog, Bosco, demonstrates agility work at a National Specialty.  Bosco exemplifies the speed, determination, and joy that are the trademarks of Sweetbay dogs at work.

Sweetbay dogs are known for their curiousity and alertness.  This three month old pup is thinking about a nap, but he still keeps an eye on the activity around him.  He wouldn't want to miss a party!

A proper Newfoundland is first and foremost a family dog.  This is Gilson and his family, the Acostas.

A trip to the park, a dip in the river:  life is good.  At least according to Gideon, Kari and Kayla, three Sweetbay Newfoundlands.

“How do Newfoundlands get along with cats?” Quite nicely, thank you. Casey (the Newfoundland) and Bandit the cat have become devoted companions, and they are seldom apart. Casey's a very active guy, but Bandit, a typical cat, believes in a more relaxed and laid-back regimen. And cats are notoriously stuck in their ways, so when Bandit settles down for a nap, Casey sighs and keeps him company.

Sharing your life with a Newfoundland is a wonderful experience. Sharing an ice cream cone is pretty neat, too. Ice cream in winter, when it's darned cold outside? You bet, says Esme, as she politely consumes the cone offered by Judi Adler.

Alert, social, and always up for a good time. Those words describe Sweetbay dogs perfectly. Maisie, eight weeks old, exemplifies the keen intelligence and eagerness that are present so markedly in these marvelous dogs.