The Newfoundland: Giant Water Dog

The Newfoundland Dog Breed in Brief:

Origin: Newfoundland

Height: Averages 26-28 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 100-150 pounds

Exercise Needs: Moderate

Grooming Needs: Medium

Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

Good With Kids: Yes

Trainability: Easy

Often referred to as the “teddy bears of the dog world,” the Newfoundland is a gentle giant who is known for his calm and easy-going mannerism. Unfortunately, due to the sheer size of these dogs, many people turn away from them and tend to favor the smaller breeds. Does a bigger dog mean more work? Afraid that they will eat you out of house and home? Surprisingly, a fit and healthy Newfoundland requires no more food than any other large breed. Here are a few more things that might interest you about this fascinating breed:

The History of the Newfoundland

Like many breeds of modern dog, the true origins of the Newfoundland are uncertain. Some claim that he may be related to the Great Pyrenees dogs that were so popular with the Basque fisherman while others believe that he is an ancestor of the French Boarhound. Others yet have suggested that the Newfoundland has bloodlines that trace back to the Siberian Husky. Whoever his forefathers may be, however, it’s universally agreed upon that this breed developed on the island which he is now named for. Through generation after generation of select breeding on this island, he has developed into a dog that is perfectly suited for his life there and every aspect of the dog reflects this.

Originally used as a draft animal, the Newfoundland is sturdily built, massive in size and strong enough to pull carts that are heavily laden with goods. Additionally, he was frequently used to help pull in the heavy fishing nets, as well as carrying packs whenever this was asked of him. In fact, it is even said that the Newfoundland commonly dragged the lines clear out to capsized vessels and thereby saving sailors who had become shipwrecked. Capable of carrying a drowning man back from the sea, it’s no wonder that this incredible dog endeared himself in the hearts of most who met him.  Interesting to note is that the Newfoundland even has webbed feet, making him almost as much at home in the water as he is out of it!

The Newfoundland Appearance

The Newfoundland is a large and very impressive-looking dog. With females averaging about 100-120 pounds and standing an average of 26 inches at the shoulder, and males tipping the scales at 130-150 pounds and 28 inches average, they are quite intimidating to one who isn’t very familiar with the Newfoundland breed. Normally, the Newfoundland is thought to be a large, black, fluffy-coated dog but, in truth, they come in various colors such as black, gray, brown, and white and black. They can appear in the standard solid colors, with limited white markings, or they can also come in a variety known as “Landseer” - a white base with black markings. Those who exhibit the Newfoundland, however, place very little point value on the Newfoundland‘s coloring, with the majority of points going, instead, towards the dog’s being built for the jobs that he was bred to do.

The Newfoundland Temperament

This large and powerfully-built dog is deceptively calm and gentle when compared to many of the smaller breeds. While one might think him a capable guard dog, in truth, the Newfoundland is open and friendly with most people, even strangers so that he really isn‘t a very successful at guarding anything. While their booming voices hold some merit for them as a watch dog, few people who know the Newfoundland breed simply a gentle giant. In a nutshell, most Newfoundlands are big puppies who just want to please their owners and make people happy. Nothing more. Newfoundland dogs are generally well behaved, easy to train and get along with both children and other animals, their natural patience causing them to simply relax and let the rest of the world scamper about.

The Newfoundland Exercise Needs

The Newfoundland is hardly a high energy dog, considering his size. He does enjoy getting out for several long walks a day or at least a couple of rousing games of fetch, however, and one must remember that such a big dog does require some room to move around. For this reason, it‘s always best to have a fenced in yard if you plan to get a Newfoundland though, if you don‘t have one, there are other options too.

Dog parks provide a great deal of space for a dog to get out and stretch his legs, while exercising in a friendly and controlled environment. Great for socializing as well as exercising, most dogs enjoy a trip down to these dog-friendly parks on a regular basis. Not only will getting your dog out and exercising help him and keep his weight down, but it’s a great way for us humans to exercise too!

Newfoundland Grooming Requirements

If you’re allergic to pet hair or if you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t shed, the Newfoundland might not be the pet for you. While they aren’t as high maintenance as some of the other longhaired breeds, their coat is very dense and, when they do shed (twice a year), it’s usually quite heavy. The best way to brush your pet is gently use a wire slicker or stiff bristled brush and to gently comb with the grain of the hair.

During the shedding seasons of Spring and Fall, it’s often advisable that you brush your dog outside to remove dead hair, making for less mess to clean up afterwards. Bathing will not help much with the shedding, but can be done as needed, to help keep your Newfoundland puppy smelling nice and looking spiffy. Also remember to keep an eye on your Newfoundland’s ears to make sure they aren’t dirty and clip his toenails regularly, to keep him happy and healthy.

Training Your Newfoundland

The Newfoundland puppy is a happy-go-lucky individual who loves to learn and is eager to earn praise. While surprisingly easy to train, perhaps one of the biggest mistakes new Newfoundland owners make is not starting their puppies in obedience classes soon enough. Quickly growing into giant puppies, it’s important to get them started with the basic commands and general behavior expectancies down while they are a very young age. Trying to teach it to a small puppy is much easier than trying to teach it to one that weighs over 100 pounds.

Newfoundland Health Concerns

Like any breed of purebred dog, the Newfoundland is subject to a variety of health concerns. When deciding on a Newfoundland puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful big babies. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns of the breed, and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the parents of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that can affect Newfoundland dogs include:

• Bloat
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Subvalvular aortic stenosis
• Cystinuria
• Cruciate ligament rupture
• Ectropion
• Entropion
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Cataracts

Is the Newfoundland the Right Breed For You?

The Newfoundland is perhaps one of the gentlest giants that you will ever meet. Well-known for their kind disposition towards children and other animals, they are a wonderful addition to the family. If one has the room to let a Newfoundland roam in their back yard or doesn’t mind going for lengthy walks or swims, if you don’t mind combing hair once or twice a week and some heavy-duty shedding twice a year, and if you have a heart with room for a lot of love, then this web-footed giant may be just the dog for you.