Newfoundland: Training, Temperament, Exercise, Grooming, Health

(Newf, Newfie)

Group: AKC Working Dog, KCGB Working Dog Group

AKC Ranking: 5

About Newfoundland

Origin and History of the Breed The origin of the Newfoundland is uncertain. Some stories have it descended from the Nordic ‘bear dogs’. Another story says he came from the Great Pyrenees that were brought to the coast of Newfoundland by Basque fishermen. In any case, much of his development happened in Newfoundland. The Newfoundland’s coat is heavy to protect him from long winters and icy waters. His webbed feet allowed him to travel the marshes or to swim.

Later taken to England, many of the Newfoundlands seen today are from those.

Newfoundlands are famous for their water rescues. Their size and strength allow them to rescue drowning men. The Newfie’s intelligence tells him when there is trouble and how to react.

They also drag carts and carry burdens similar to pack horses. Their sweet compliance, loyalty and willingness to work and please complement their strength and agility.

A General Appearance of the Dog

A Newfoundland is a stately, huge dog that should show balance. Although they are one of the giant dogs, they are elegant, agile, and very hardy. Large-boned and heavily coated, the Newfoundland is deep-chested, muscular, and very strong.

When seen from a distance, Newfies look like a black bear and they even walk with a lumbering gait like a bear. They have massive heads with smaller ears that expected. The large feet are webbed for swimming. The feathered tail hangs down, but is often wagging. The legs are also feathered. The body is covered with fairly long black or brown outercoat and thick undercoat which mats easily.

Coat Color

Coat colors can be black, brown, gray, or white and black. Black is most often seen.

Markings can be white on the chin, chest, toes, and tip of tail. There can be a tinge of bronze on a black or gray coat and some lighter furnishings on a brown or gray coat.

Landseer is a white base coat with black markings. In this coloring the head is solid black or black with white on the muzzle with or without a blaze. Usually this includes a black saddle and black on the rump.

Coat Type

The Newfoundland coat is a flat, water-resistant outercoat with a soft, dense undercoat. The outercoat is coarse, long, and full. It can be straight or wavy. The legs are heavily feathered and the tail is covered with long, dense hair.

Height

Males: 28 inches
Females: 26 inches

Weight

Males: 130 – 150 lbs
Females: 100 – 120 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

Although massive, the Newfoundland one of the calmest, sweetest dogs you will ever find. He is patient and willing to please. He has nearly every good trait you can think of to describe a dog – courageous, intelligent, generous, calm, gentle, loyal, trustworthy, dignified, devoted, sociable and peaceable. He is good with other animals if thoroughly socialized.

The Newfie protects his family by placing himself between them and the perceived danger.

His barking is more friendly than ferocious.

A devoted companion who is at home on land and in the water, the Newfoundland loves water so much he will probably play in his water bowl, your swimming pool, a creek, or the hose.

Do not let him laze around the house. They love socialization but may tend to be lazy when obedience trained (which is necessary because of their size).

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

He enjoys being outdoors especially if it is cool. Hot weather is hard on him so make sure he has plenty of shade and cool water. Do not leave him outside alone for hours on end. He loves to be with his family.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

He is playful and loving with children of all ages. He is considered a ‘born babysitter.’

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

A Newfie will do fine in an apartment or with a small yard if he has a long walk each day. Do not let him laze around the house. They love socialization but may tend to be lazy when obedience trained (which is necessary because of their size).

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

As a puppy, a Newfoundland will want play times and walks. As he matures, he will tend to be lazy and enjoy just lying around and watching the action. However, he needs to get up and move around – take a walk, play at a dog park, or play with another dog.

Grooming

They shed heavily twice a year and moderately the rest of the year. They must be brushed at least weekly, but it is better to brush them about every three days. Their coats mat easily. They are fairly heavy shedders. Do not bathe unless absolutely necessary as that strips the coat’s oils.

Because of their size, a professional groomer may be helpful in spring and fall.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Carrying extra weight will add to their problems with heart and joints. They are prone to hip dysplasia and hereditary heart disease called subaortic stenosis.

Litter Size: 4 – 8 puppies

Life Span: The life span of the Newfoundland varies from 9 to 15 years with most living about 10 – 11 years.

National Breed Clubs

British – Newfoundland Club - www.thenewfoundlandclub.co.uk
US – Newfoundland Dog Club - www.newfdogclub.org

Other Recognition: NCA, CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link

http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/Newfoundland_rescue.htm or
http://www.brewNewfoundlands.org/giving-up.php