The Newfoundland Dog: A Loyal Companion, Gentle Rescuer, Water Enthusiast with Thick Fur

This canine companion is rightfully known as the Newfoundland – a loyal friend, good-natured rescuer, water-loving diver with dense fur, and a gentle domestic pet.

Breed Name: Newfoundland, also referred to as "Newf" or "Newfie." Country of Origin: Canada, specifically the island of Newfoundland.

Size: Belongs to the category of giant dog breeds.

Height (at the withers): Females: 65-69 cm, Males: 69-75 cm.

Weight: Females: 45-55 kg, Males: 60-70 kg.

Body: Rectangular shape with a broad chest. Legs: Muscular, sturdy, and strong, with webbed feet and membranes between the toes. Head: Large, rectangular-shaped. Neck: Powerful, robust, and long. Nose: Large, its color varies depending on the coat. Ears: Triangular in shape, hanging at the sides. Tail: Sabre-like, slightly raised above the level of the back, long and fluffy.

Coat: Long, double-layered, dense, water-resistant, oily and coarse on the body, soft on the head, ears, and muzzle. It may have a slight wave. Color: Black, brown, black and white (Landseer). Spots are allowed. Lifespan: Unfortunately, shorter compared to most dog breeds, averaging 8-10 years.

Working Dogs of Native Americans and the Origins of the Newfoundland Breed

The Newfoundland breed is believed to originate from the island of Newfoundland, known for its harsh winters. However, the history of these bear-like dogs beyond this island remains unclear. In the 15th century, when the island was inhabited by indigenous American populations, they brought dogs similar to wolves. These dogs were used for hunting and transporting captured game.

When European settlers arrived on the island of Newfoundland, only the most obedient and loyal dogs remained from the aboriginal dogs. Over time, these dogs interbred with the dogs brought by the Europeans, and by the early 18th century, stories of animals resembling modern Newfoundlands began to spread. These dogs with their thick fur were incredibly enduring, able to carry heavy trade goods, pull laden sleds through harsh winters, aid fishermen in catching fish with nets, and save people from drowning. Recognizing their hardworking nature, humans became interested in breeding these dogs, leading to the creation of the "Newfoundland" breed.

It remains unknown which specific dog breeds contributed to the formation of the Newfoundland breed, aside from wolf-like dogs belonging to the indigenous people. It is only speculated that the ancestors of Newfoundlands might include mastiffs, Pyrenean shepherds, and Portuguese water dogs.

In the late 18th century, a botanist named Sir Joseph Banks acquired several Newfoundland dogs, bringing them to Great Britain. In 1775, George Cartwright gave the breed its name, and from then on, the world became familiar with "Newfoundlands." In the late 19th century, Swiss professor Albert Heim defined the breed and worked on its systematic classification.

During this time, the breed faced extinction due to high taxes on owning Newfoundlands and government restrictions that limited households to only one such pet. Fortunately, a Newfoundland enthusiast, Governor Harold Macpherson, took action to support breeders in preserving these giant and affectionate companions.

In the year 1860, at a dog show held in Birmingham, Newfoundland dogs were showcased for the first time. Then, in 1879, the breed was officially registered with the American Kennel Club, which also established the first breed standard. In the 20th century, the International Canine Federation also approved a standard for the Newfoundland breed.

Regrettably, there are still not many Newfoundlands in our world due to their gigantic size and the challenges associated with their care. Breed enthusiasts and specialized breeding clubs in Canada and the United States are dedicated to preserving and breeding this remarkable breed.

Caring for Newfoundlands: What Every Future Owner Should Know

Puppies of this breed grow rapidly, and your fluffy teddy bear will soon become a large and heavy dog. These dogs are not suited for small living spaces; instead, they thrive in spacious homes or enclosures with sizeable kennels.

Newfies love physical activity, especially swimming and splashing in the water. They also enjoy running, so aim for at least 1 hour of active exercise daily. Walking the dog twice a day is recommended. Newfoundlands appreciate open spaces. After walks, be sure to clean their paws.

Feeding: Avoid overfeeding your giant pet, as excess weight can harm its health.

Despite being typically robust and resilient, Newfoundlands are prone to certain health issues:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia (accompanied by severe pain and limited mobility). It's crucial to monitor the dog's activity to ensure that regular exercise doesn't harm the growing skeleton.
  • Heart conditions.
  • Bladder issues.
  • Bloating and stomach problems. Feeding smaller portions more frequently can help prevent this.

Newfoundlands have excessive salivation – a mix of affection and just because.

This calm breed makes an excellent companion for the elderly, disabled individuals, and those with health concerns. Their size, strength, and training make them reliable caregivers.

These dogs aren't fans of heat. Their dense fur protects them from cold, but they can easily overheat in hot weather. Avoid placing their bed near radiators or heating devices.

Coat Care: The Newfoundland's fur is dense, oily, and water-resistant, making it excellent for protecting them from cold water and frost. You can collect shed fur after brushing and spin it into warm, waterproof socks, mittens, sweaters, and more. Due to its thickness, grooming might be necessary. Daily brushing is required, particularly for the webbing on their paws, which tends to tangle. Start with a comb with long teeth, then switch to a brush. Newfoundland dogs shed heavily year-round, particularly in spring and autumn. If you're allergic to dog fur, this might not be the right pet for you.

Ear, Eye, and Nail Care: Wipe the dog's eyes with a damp cloth. Regularly clean and check their ears. Ears are typically cleaned with a special solution once a week. Trim their nails around three times a month.

Dental Care: You can clean your dog's teeth with special pet toothpaste or provide treats that promote oral hygiene to prevent tartar buildup.

Bathing: Newfies love water, so you can bathe them 1-2 times a month. Dry shampoo is ideal, as it won't wash away the natural oils that protect the dog's skin and coat. Using conditioner will make brushing the thick fur easier and give it softness and shine.

The Gentle Giant's Character

This breed boasts a gentle and kind temperament. A loyal and devoted friend, they don't handle changes in ownership well. They are obedient, calm, and affectionate, and while they enjoy relaxation, they are always up for some play.

Newfoundlands are responsive to training. They are intelligent but unhurried. They can make decisions on their own and might not respond to meaningless commands. Proper socialization from around 2-3 months old is important. This will help you raise a reliable, responsible, and highly obedient friend and caregiver for your children.

In the face of danger, a Newfoundland will rush to help their owner or even a stranger – they are excellent rescuers.

These dogs are peace-loving and get along well with other pets in the household. They are one of the friendliest breeds. However, if you need a guard dog or a hunting companion, you might want to consider a different breed.

Newfoundlands are ideal for families with children. These large, incredibly kind, and strong giants with long, dense fur will undoubtedly bond with youngsters. Newfies are excellent, friendly companions who love people. They are fantastic nannies for little children.

They have a good sense of their bodies in space and, despite their massive size, possess excellent coordination. They don't get disoriented even in extreme conditions.

Interesting Tidbits About the Breed:

  • Newfoundlands will gladly carry your bags.
  • If you swim together, your dog might try to save you by gently towing you back to shore.
  • Due to their ample lung capacity, Newfoundlands can swim long distances.
  • U.S. presidents adored this breed: James Buchanan (Newfoundland named Lara), Rutherford B. Hayes (pet: Hector), and Ulysses S. Grant had a Newfoundland named Faithful.

In summary, if you live near a body of water, have a large family with children, and desire a devoted and kind dog, the Newfoundland is the perfect breed for you. Choosing a Newfoundland as your companion will surely be a choice you won't regret.