If you ever have the opportunity to meet a Newfoundland dog in person, you will never be able to forget those soft brown eyes, that lovable expression, and the distinct feeling that a gentle giant is watching over you. These dogs can be wonderfully clownish companions when the mood calls for it, but don't underestimate them. They have a heroic streak that runs a mile wide and they are well known for their natural rescue instincts. If that means jumping into the water to save someone that fell in, so much the better! If you have room to keep a very big dog, one who displays a good deal of common sense as well as affection, the Newfoundland might just be your ideal companion.
History and Origin
According to the history of the breed as recorded by the American Kennel Club, no one is exactly sure which breeds served as the foundation for the Newfoundland. There's speculation that the Great Pyrenees might have contributed some genetics to the newfie, and there is indeed some similarity in appearance between these two giant breeds to lend that theory some credence. The one thing most breed experts agree on is that the newf is most likely a descendent of dogs brought to the island of Newfoundland by European fisherman.
The breed developed as a working dog that was well-equipped to work on the land as well as in the water (as evidenced by those webbed feet). They could pull heavy carts or carry packs as easily as they helped fishermen drag in their nets and literally retrieve anything that wound up overboard. Along with these qualities, the Newfie also developed a rather heroic aptitude for water rescue, and these dogs have long been used to pull both children and adults out of the water to safety.
Divergent Lines
Most kennel clubs consider the black-and-white Landseer to be a color variety of the Newfoundland. However, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), or in English, the World Canine Organization, considers the Landseer a separate breed. Regardless of whether this is a different breed or simply a color variety of the Newfoundland, Landseers are generally less massive than Newfies and stand a little taller. They are said to drool less than their darker counterparts.
Breed Characteristics
Newfies are loyal companions to adults, kind playmates to children, and have a low tendency toward barking.
General Appearance
According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, this is a heavily built dog that is a bit longer than they are tall. They are heavy boned and has a broad chest, strong legs and large, webbed paws. Although they are large, their weight should be in balance with their frame size. The tail hangs downward.
Male Newfoundlands typically weigh between 130 and 150 pounds and stand approximately 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Females range between 100 and 120 pounds and stand about 26 inches tall.
The head is broad and appears massive, yet is still very much in proportion with the rest of the dog. The width and length of the muzzle are about equal. The crown of the skull is slightly arched. The bite is either scissors (top teeth close just in front of bottom teeth) or level (top and bottom teeth meet evenly at the edges). The jowls are moderately heavy and loose, which leads to some drooling. The triangle-shaped ears are relatively small. They are set nearly level with the dog's brows or just below them, and they hang down.
The eyes are wide-set and dark brown on black dogs, although they may be a lighter shade on dogs of lighter colors. The most important thing is that the eyes have a soft, sweet expression that conveys a sense of good-natured dignity.
These dogs have a double coat that is water resistant. The outer coat is longer than the undercoat and is straight or may even have a slight wave to it. The undercoat is dense although it is naturally thinner during summer. When you brush the fur against the direction it grows, it will flip back and lay flat again. There is feathering on the legs (fringe) and the tail is covered in long hair.
Newfoundlands are usually black or chocolate brown, but gray/blue varieties do exist, although they are very rare. There is also the black and white color combination, referred to as the Landseer. The base coat is white, and the head and saddle are black. There is also some black on the croup, which is the rump area in front of the base of the tail. There may also be some white on the muzzle and a blaze of white between the eyes, but not always.
Newfies move with an effortless, rhythmic gait. Their reach in the front and drive in the rear allows them to cover a lot of distance with a minimum of steps. Their legs usually move parallel, but they tend to single track when they move at greater speeds. Their skin naturally rolls back and forth a bit as they trot along.
Temperament
Newfoundlands are known and loved for their gentle dispositions and their sweet, affectionate natures. What is simply amazing about this breed is that despite their enormous size, these dogs are extremely docile with creatures big and small. This makes them ideal family dogs. Patience is another hallmark of this breed, and many people describe the Newfoundland as the perfect pet.
Newfies may be gentle, but they also have a courageous side when the situation calls for it. They are usually friendly to everyone they meet, but they can be quite protective of their families if they sense a threat to their safety.
These dogs also have a great love for the outdoors and especially the water. Their feet are webbed for a reason -- they love to swim! In fact, these dogs have a strong instinct for water rescue.
Training
Along with their gentle ways, Newfies are also quite sensitive. So, training sessions must be calm and focused. Never raise your voice or scold your dog during these sessions or you won't get very far. These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement since they love to please their people, but you do need to establish yourself as the pack leader so they'll follow your lead.
In addition to training newfs for drafting and water sports, they can also be trained as excellent search and rescue dogs or as therapy dogs.
Exercise Requirements
No doubt about it, a Newfoundland is a big dog, and simply being that big takes a lot of energy. So, the fact that they love to lounge around the house is no surprise. That is why so many people who live in apartments argue that even though Newfies are huge, they can adapt happily to apartment life. However, that does not mean that Newfies do not need exercise, and if the activity has to do with water, the Newfie will love it all the more! These dogs are natural swimmers.
Even though these dogs love to relax, they should still go on daily walks to help keep them in good condition. About a 20-minute walk per day should be sufficient, and then they should also have time to roam at will in the yard. Of course, they would also love a daily swim as long as you have a safe body of water for them to swim in.
Health
The Newfoundland Club of America has put in great effort to identify and compile a comprehensive list of genetic disorders that affect this breed. From that list, here are the conditions the club strongly recommends all dogs be checked for before being used in a breeding program.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: - Abnormal development of these joints leads to painful deterioration.
- Heart disease: There are a number of heart problems associated with this breed, which include, but are not limited to, patent ductus arteriosus, cardiomyopathy, and subaortic stenosis.
- Cystinuria: This condition causes kidney stones and kidney failure.
- Eye problems: These include conditions like entropion and ectropion, cataracts and cherry eye.
- Thyroid disease: Hypothyroidism impairs the production of thyroid hormones this gland is supposed to secrete, which results in a lower metabolism.
- Patellar luxation: This condition allows the knee caps to slip out of place.
These dogs are also prone to bloat, and they do not do well in the heat. A comfortable newf is a happy newf, so you may need to crank up the air conditioner on those really hot days.
Lifespan
It's difficult to predict the lifespan of any breed, but giant dog breeds tend to live shorter lives than smaller dogs. These dogs live an average of 8 to 10 years.
Grooming
Practically all dogs shed. Newfoundlands just tend to shed a little more than some other dogs. That's because they have a lot of thick undercoat. During the spring and fall, Newfies shed this undercoat, a process referred to as "blowing coat." Extra grooming may be required during these times.
- Brushing: Newfoundlands have a thick double coat. It's best to brush the coat daily to keep it in good condition and to avoid uncomfortable and unsightly matted fur.
- Trimming: It is not necessary to trim your Newfoundland's fur, but if you feel you must trim, just trim the extra feathering on the legs and tail if you find it difficult to brush out tangles.
- Bathing: It's best to avoid shampooing these dogs because stripping out their natural coat oil reduce their coats' water-resistant quality. Brushing goes a long way toward keeping these dogs clean, and you can always use a dry shampoo product on more soiled areas.
- Nails: Trim as needed and take extra care not to cut into the quick. It may be easier to use a nail grinder to grind off the sharp tips rather than clip the nails, since they are so strong and thick.
- Teeth: Brush the teeth several times a week and take your dog in for a professional cleaning once or twice a year, as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Ears: It's important to keep an eye on the ears and watch for possible infections since drop ears typically have less air flow. Plan to clean your dog's ears once a week.
Famous Members of the Breed
If you enjoy breed trivia, here are a few famous, or at least historical, newfs.
- Ch. Seaward's Blackbeard: Won Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club in 1984
- Ch. Darbydale's All Rise Pouch Cove: Won Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club in 2004
- Ch. Shelton Viking: Best Champion at Crufts dog show in 1908
- Luath: J.M. Barrie's Landseer; inspired the character "Nana" in his novel, Peter Pan.
- Robber and Russ: Both companions of composer Richard Wagner
- Brumus: Companion to Robert F. Kennedy
- Faithful: Companion of President Ulysses S. Grant
Purchasing or Adopting a Newfoundland
If you're looking for a newfie puppy, a good place to start is the Newfoundland Club of America. They have a breeder directory available as well as helpful tips on how to find responsible breeders with quality dogs. The AKC Marketplace page also has a breeder search. Purebred puppies from a breeder prices can run from $800 upwards to $2,000 per dog.
Rescue Organizations
A rescue is an affordable option. No Newfie should ever go without a loving family of its own. Here are several rescue shelters that work to rehome dogs in need. You can begin by searching PetFinder and Save-a-Rescue for newfies and newfie mixes.
- Newfoundland Rescue Network: A non-profit organization rescuing purebred newfies in need.
- Newf Rescue: Rescuing and obtaining veterinary care for purebred newfies. This organization also offers an online listing place for those interested in re-homing their newfie.
- Newfoundland Dog Rescue: A nonprofit rescue organization adopting purebred newfies throughout the United States.
Is a Newfoundland the Right Breed for You?
The Newfoundland is an outstanding family dog if you have room enough to keep one. This dog's sweet disposition, reliable nature, and keen intelligence have been highly prized for hundreds of years. The breed is disposed to a number of inherited conditions, so it's important to learn as much about an individual dog's breeding line as you can in order to understand which problem(s) you may have to face in the future. Also, make sure that any dog you're interested in has been vet checked and health screened.
