Newfoundlands

Appearance:

Body: Large, balanced and heavily boned with a broad, level back, deep chest, strong, well-sprung ribs, and powerful, well-muscled loins.

Coat: Outer coat is flat, dense, coarse, somewhat oily, and water-resistant. Undercoat is close and soft.

Color: Solid black, white with black markings, brown, grey, or black and white.

Ears: Small, well-set, triangular-shaped with rounded tips; fall close to the head.

Eyes: Small, dark brown, and deep set; expressively intelligent.

Feet: Large, wide, and cat-like with webbed toes.

Head: Large with a broad skull, slight stop, short, square muzzle.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, muscular and heavily-boned; elbows well down. Hindquarters are strong, muscular, and heavily boned; hind legs are straight with well bent hocks and stifles.

Neck: Strong and well set into the shoulders and back.

Size:
Weight: 100 - 150 pounds
Height: 26 - 28 inches

Tail: Medium length, thick at the base and tapering to the tip, and carried downward.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Good with children and with other family pets

The Newfoundland is one of the friendliest of breeds with a kind, gentle disposition. He is intelligent and faithful, tolerant of children and adults, easy-going, and easily trained.

Newfies are an all around great dog for family and work but can become temperamental and difficult if left alone for extended periods of time. He needs to be with family and friends, including children and other pets.

He is known for his webbed feet, good lung capacity, and exceptional swimming abilities; capable of plunging into frigid waters to pull in loaded fish nets, used in water rescue missions, and has even been used to tow boats back to shore.

Dr. Bruce Fogle, author of Dog Owner's Manual says, "If this benign, happy breed has a behavioral drawback, it is it's inclination to rescue anyone from the water, regardless of their desire or need to be rescued."

AKC Standard says, "Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed."

Breed Type

AKC Group: Working Group

He was originally used to retrieve the nets of fisherman, to pull boats and carts, and for water rescue missions. He was also commissioned to deliver mail, by pulling sleds, to the less accessible territories of Newfoundland.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Vigorous daily walks, room to run, and swimming; his favorite pass-time.

If you live near water and have time to allow him to swim and take vigorous daily walks, this is a good dog to have as your companion.

Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly with a curry comb; daily during shedding season (spring and fall).

Health

Life Expectancy: 9 - 11 Years

Possible Problems:
Allergies
Bloat
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia - dislocated joint
Heat Stroke
Hypothyroidism
Low thyroid
SAS - heart defect
Seizures
Skin Conditions
vWD - a blood disorder

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the elbows

Country of Origin

Uncertain - some believe he was in Newfoundland Canada in the 1700s