A Detailed Comparison of the Lowchen and the Newfoundland.

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Lowchen Versus Newfoundland: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Lowchen and the Newfoundland? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Lowchen and the Newfoundland better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lowchen and the Newfoundland is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Lowchen and for the Newfoundland. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Lowchen and the Newfoundland.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Lowchen or the Newfoundland.

Lowchen versus Newfoundland

Lowchen versus Newfoundland: Overview

A very important difference between the Lowchen and the Newfoundland is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog while the Newfoundland is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Newfoundland belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Lowchen versus Newfoundland: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lowchen to the Newfoundland based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Lowchen and the Newfoundland

Factor Lowchen Newfoundland
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Height 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho
Life Span 13 to 15 years 8 to 10 years
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 1/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 9 to 18 pounds 100 to 150 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 9.0 years
Average Price $2870 $2160
Price Range $1642 – $4500 $1875 – $2500
Temperament Score 75.0 percent 87.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 163 37

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lowchen in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Newfoundland. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Lowchen is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Newfoundland is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is a better pet than the Newfoundland. So, you should get the Lowchen!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lowchen and the Newfoundland

    Below is a list of where the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are most different:

  • Lowchens do not have the tendency to drool. However, Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Lowchens adapt well to apartment living. However, Newfoundlands do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Lowchens are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Newfoundlands have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Newfoundland

    The Lowchen and the Newfoundland are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are most similar:

  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are very easy to train.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Newfoundland

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lowchen and the Newfoundland.

    Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Newfoundlands weigh 100 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Newfoundlands are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Lowchen versus Newfoundland

    The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Newfoundlands is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Newfoundlands is 9.0 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Newfoundlands.

    Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Newfoundland

    The Newfoundland has a better temperament than the Lowchen.

    This is because the temperament score for the Newfoundland is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Newfoundland has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Lowchen and the Newfoundland by measuring the temperaments of 12 Lowchens and 176 Newfoundlands.

    Price of Lowchen versus Price of Newfoundland

    The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of a Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Newfoundland puppy is $2160. The price of the Newfoundland typically ranges from $1875 – $2500. However, the price of the Newfoundland can be as low as $350 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 204 Newfoundland puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lowchen is more expensive than the Newfoundland.

    Lowchen Newfoundland
    Average Price $2870 $2160
    Price Range $1642 to $4500 $1875 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Lowchen and Newfoundland. For different price points, the charts show how many Lowchen puppies or how many Newfoundland puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Newfoundlands

    A breakdown of the prices of Newfoundlands

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lowchen puppy or the Newfoundland puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Popularity of Lowchen versus Popularity of Newfoundland

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Lowchen and the Newfoundland over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Newfoundland is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Newfoundland is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Newfoundland

    Popularity of Newfoundland

    Year Lowchen Popularity Rank Newfoundland Popularity Rank
    2013 154 37
    2014 165 37
    2015 161 37
    2016 171 35
    2017 169 36
    2018 168 40
    2019 158 40
    2020 161 41

    Health Problems of Lowchen versus Health Problems of Newfoundland

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Lowchen and the Newfoundland are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Newfoundland is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Newfoundland than for the Lowchen.

    3 health tests are recommended for Lowchen while 5 tests are recommended for the Newfoundland.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lowchens and in Newfoundlands.

    Lowchen Health Problems

    Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lowchens for:

  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.

    Newfoundland Health Problems

    Newfoundlands are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Newfoundland puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Newfoundland puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Newfoundland breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Newfoundlands for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Newfoundlands here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Lowchens and Newfoundlands

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 19 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 42 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 163 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Newfoundland Breed is Shoulder problems.

    This is because the Newfoundland ranks 1 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 129 Newfoundlands, 13 of them had Shoulder problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Newfoundlands, and how common these diseases are in Newfoundlands relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Shoulder problems: Rank 1 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 15 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 28 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 33 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 36 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 48 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 78 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 101 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 122 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Lowchen and in Newfoundland and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Lowchen and the Newfoundland:

    Disease Lowchen Rank Newfoundland Rank
    Patella problems 19 out of 145 dog breeds 122 out of 145 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 42 out of 182 dog breeds 78 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 163 out of 198 dog breeds 28 out of 198 dog breeds
    Shoulder problems Not Common 1 out of 22 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 15 out of 144 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 33 out of 159 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 36 out of 71 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 48 out of 70 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 101 out of 115 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lowchen versus Newfoundland

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Newfoundlands do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lowchens shed more than Newfoundlands?

    Lowchens shed moderately.

    Newfoundlands shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Newfoundland

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Newfoundland?

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

    Newfoundlands require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Newfoundland?

    Lowchens have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Newfoundlands have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Newfoundlands?

    Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Newfoundlands are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Newfoundlands Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Newfoundlands can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Newfoundland

    Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Newfoundlands have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Newfoundlands Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Newfoundlands cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lowchen or the Newfoundland?

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Newfoundlands get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Newfoundlands?

    Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Newfoundlands are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Lowchens and Newfoundlands?

    Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Newfoundlands get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Newfoundland?

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Newfoundlands are very easy to train.

    Is the Lowchen Better for Apartment Owners than the Newfoundland?

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Newfoundlands do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Lowchen or the Newfoundland?

    Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.

    Newfoundlands are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Lowchen:

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Newfoundland

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Newfoundland that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Newfoundland:

  • Golden Retriever (71 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Golden Retriever.
  • Saint Bernard (68 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Saint Bernard.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog (79 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Lowchen and how the Newfoundland compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Lowchen and of the Newfoundland to other breeds:

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Lowchen versus Bulldog     Lowchen versus Australian Kelpie     Lowchen versus Beaglier     Lowchen versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Lowchen versus Fila Brasileiro     Lowchen versus Finnish Spitz     Lowchen versus Australian Cattle Dog     Lowchen versus Portuguese Water Dog     Lowchen versus Canaan Dog     Lowchen versus Newfoundland     Lowchen versus Fila Brasileiro     Lowchen versus Valley Bulldog     Lowchen versus Swedish Vallhund     Lowchen versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lowchen versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Lowchen versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Lowchen versus Maltipoo     Lowchen versus Ibizan Hound     Lowchen versus Bouvier des Flandres     Lowchen versus French Bulldog     Lowchen versus Kishu Ken     Lowchen versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lowchen versus Clumber Spaniel     Lowchen versus Stabyhoun     

    Newfoundland Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Newfoundland versus German Shepherd Dog     Newfoundland versus Fila Brasileiro     Newfoundland versus Bull Terrier     Newfoundland versus Bich Poo     Newfoundland versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Newfoundland versus Bull Terrier     Newfoundland versus Bouvier des Flandres     Newfoundland versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Newfoundland versus Dalmatian     Newfoundland versus Dogo Argentino     Newfoundland versus Pomapoo     Newfoundland versus Bolognese     Newfoundland versus Stabyhoun     Newfoundland versus Spinone Italiano     Newfoundland versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Newfoundland versus Schipperke     Newfoundland versus Standard Schnauzer     Newfoundland versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Newfoundland versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Newfoundland versus Goldendoodle     Newfoundland versus Stabyhoun     Newfoundland versus Scottish Terrier     Newfoundland versus Pekingese     Newfoundland versus Dachshund     

    Conclusion: Lowchen versus Newfoundland. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Lowchen and the Newfoundland better suits you and your family.