Dog Breeds > Newfoundland

The Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is another gentle giant dog that would surely bring new wonders to your dog breed fascination. There are many things that this dog can be put into use such as helping the rehabilitating people and retrieving things in the water. It can become a wonderful pet and companion as long as you understand and fulfill its needs.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Newfoundland is a large dog that said to be the descendant of the Nomadic Dogs or the “Viking Bear Dogs”. This dog was brought to Canada in 1700’s by the British invaders. The name Newfoundland came from the Canadian shores wherein this breed was brought to. This giant dog was primarily used to pull milk carts, pulling boats to shore, lumber hauling and for rescuing drowning sea farers.

Physical Appearance

The adult Newfoundland measures and weighs about 27 – 29 inches and 130 – 150 pounds respectively. This dog is one of the largest and strongest dog breeds. The head of the Newfoundland is arched and broad; the muzzle is also short, broad and deep. The color of the nose is usually black except if the Newfoundland is bronze-colored. Its eyes are small and are set apart from each other. The small and triangular-shaped ears are round-tipped. 

The medium-sized tail of the Newfoundland is thick at the base and gradually tapers to a fine point. This dog has cat-like feet or pads. The straight and strong legs are muscled. There are times that owners/handlers/trainers remove the dewclaws of their Newfoundland. This breed has medium-length and thick double coat. The coat is also water resistant. The under coat is soft, thick and oily that makes the coat water-resistant. The outer coat is medium-length and also oily. The coat color includes black, brown, and black with highlights of blue, gray and black and white.

Grooming

Daily brushing of the Newfoundland’s double coat is very important to keep it in top condition. Make sure that you use brush with hard brushes so that you could easily remove tangles and knots. This breed sheds its coat heavily especially during spring. Do not bathe the Newfoundland for it would remove the natural oil on its coat that protects it against water.

Mood

The Newfoundland is another large dog breeds with sweet and amicable temperament. This breed is also intelligent, brave, calm and patient. This dog can also show pleasant behavior in front of the guests. In addition, the Newfoundland is also devoted, trustworthy and very protective. This dog likes to swim and enjoys cool water especially during hot summer days.

Unlike other dogs that are very active and participative, the Newfoundland is slow because of its great size. Also, it does not bark regularly like other dogs; it would only block the stranger to keep it at bay until somebody notices the situation.

With Children

The Newfoundland is very friendly with children. This breed is also patient, protective and very tolerant. Like any other pets, the Newfoundland is safe to play with unless it was engaged in a rough plays. Parents should supervise small children whenever they are playing with the Newfoundland.

Training & Exercise

The Newfoundland may tend to become lazy and comfortable inside the house but it still needs daily exercise for its well being. It likes to exercise in a relatively cooler places rather that hotter ones. It would do well in a fenced yard, secured public places like public parks and public lakes.

This breed is intelligent and obedient to any kind of training. However, it cannot respond to your instructions as fast as you expect of it. The Newfoundland is quite sensitive to the tone of its master’s/handler’s/trainer’s voice. If it sensed that you raised your tone, it would certainly become timid or stubborn. To enhance its focus especially if its instincts are taking over during training sessions, you can use food reward to bring its focus back.

Health & Life Expectancy

The Newfoundland can usually live from 9 – 10 years. This large dog is prone to hip dysplasia and hereditary heart-related condition that is known as sub-aortic stenosis. To prevent any possible health problems for the Newfoundland, make it a habit to visit your trusted veterinarian to give the Newfoundland proper vaccinations and professional health advice.

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