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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Newfoundland
Newfoundland's have a water-repellent double coat, with the dense outer coat being
flat, oily and slightly wavy and the undercoat being thick and oily. (Dogs who live
indoors tend to lose their undercoat) There should be slight feathering on the back
of the front legs. The desired colors are black, brown, gray and landseer, which
is white with specific black markings. The head should be broad with a wide, square-shaped
muzzle. The small eyes should be wide and deep set with a dark brown color. The
small, pendant ears are triangular in shape and set well back on the head. The nose
is black on all dogs except the one with a bronze-colored coat. These dogs have
brown noses. Newfoundland's should have a soft mouth, well covered lips and a scissor-like
bite. The neck should be muscular and well set onto the shoulders. The deep chest
and back should be broad and the topline level. The strong forelegs should be straight
and the hindlegs well-built. The large feet should be web-shaped and the dewclaws
on the back legs should be removed. The moderately long tail is covered with hair
and should slightly curve at the end. When the dog is in motion then the tail is
somewhat raised.
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Temperament
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Newfoundland's are generous, gentle, devoted and have a sweet temperament. They
are patient with strangers and affectionate towards their owners making excellent
family pets. They become extremely attached to their families and have a difficult
time transitioning to a new home environment. They are an outgoing and friendly
breed and generally good with other animals. Some males may be aggressive with other
males. They are gentle and loving with children. Newfoundland's are protective,
but instead of growling or barking will place their body between the threat and
the family. This breed loves to swim; however, they may try to drag people out of
the water due to their natural life-saving instincts. This breed also tends to drool.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 27-29" ; Weight: 130-150 lbs.
Female Height: 25-27" ; Weight: 100-120 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Newfoundland's are prone to hip dysplasia and hereditary heart disease.
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Living Conditions
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Newfs can live okay in an apartment if they are given sufficient exercise. An average-sized
yard is fine. They are sensitive to heat and need plenty of shade and water during
warmer months. They prefer cooler climates.
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Exercise
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A Newfoundland can lie around all day and become quite lazy. Regular moderate exercise
is necessary to prevent this breed from becoming overweight. They should be allowed
to run off their lead and to swim.
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Life Expectancy
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About 9-15 years
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Grooming
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This breed needs daily brushing because of their thick coat. The undercoat sheds
twice a year. Only bathe when absolutely necessary. Use dry shampoo occasionally.
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Origin
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The exact origin of the Newfoundland is unknown. However they are believed to be
descendents of nomadic dogs or Viking "bear dogs" that were crossed with the Great
Pyrenees and Tibetan Mastiffs. These breeds were brought to Canada in the 1700s
by European fisherman. The result was the Newfoundland and was used by fisherman
to haul in nets, carry boat lines to shore, rescue shipwreck and drowning victims
and retrieving items that might have fallen overboard. In the early 18th century
the Newfoundland became popular in Europe. Lord Byron even wrote about this breed:
"... Courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of a man without his vices".
The breed was especially helpful to those who couldn't afford horses. They used
this breed to transport goods from ports to their homes. Soon after, several breeding
kennels were opened throughout Europe. In 1886, the Newfoundland Club was established
and a breed standard was formed. This breed is a talented water rescue dog and has
been called the St. Bernard of the water. Their webbed feet and oily coat allows
them to stay in water for long periods of time. In 1919, a Newfoundland was awarded
a gold medal for pulling a lifeboat full of twenty shipwreck victims to safety.
In World War II, this breed was also used to haul supplies for the military in Alaska
and the Aleutian Islands during blizzard conditions. Newfoundland's are good at
water trials, obedience, carting, and backpacking. They are recognized by the AKC
and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Working, UKC Guardian Dog
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