Country of Origin: Canada
Group: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid Breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Section: Molossoid breeds
Original Function: all-purpose water dog and fishing aid, draft
Todays Function: water rescue
Dimension Male: 69-74 cm
Dimension Female: 63-69 cm
Weight Male: 59-68 kg
Weight Female: 45-54 kg
Litter Size: 8-10 puppies
Life span: 8-10 years
Other Names: Newf, Newfie
Colors: Black, brown , gray and black and white (landseer)
Living: Indoors or outdoors, prefer a small yard, does not tolerate heat well.
Recognized: NCA, CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Description
The Newfoundland is a stately, strong, and massive dog with a broad heavy head. Elegant, harmonious, agile and hardy. The wide muzzle is rather short and squared-off. The small triangular ears are pendant. The small eyes are dark brown; the conjunctiva should not show as it does in the St. Bernard. The nose is generally black except on bronze-colored dogs, which have brown noses. The feet are webbed for better swimming. Dewclaws should be removed on the hind legs. The tail hangs down. The water-repellent long outer coat is flat, oily and slightly wavy with a thick oily undercoat. Dogs that live indoors, however, tend to loose their undercoats. The coat most often comes in black, (sometimes with a little white on the feet, end of the tail, or chest) black with blue highlights, bronze sometimes also in brown or gray and Landseer (White with black markings), note: in the USA and Great Brittan the Landseer is considered the same breed as the Newfoundland, however in some European countries the Landseer is a totally different breed than the Newfoundland. Landseers in Europe have longer legs than newfies, Landseers are not so massive, they are more sporty dogs. In shows, they compete separately.
Temperament
The most important single characteristic of the Newfoundland is sweetness of temperament. The Newfoundland is calm, patient, easygoing, gentle and amiable ? a friend to all. If its family is threatened, however, the Newfoundland can act protectively.
Excercise
This easygoing dog needs daily exercise to stay fit, either in the form of a moderate walk or short romp. It loves to swim and pull, especially in cold weather. Some breeders contend that Landseers tend to be more active and need more exercise than solids. It does not do well in hot weather and should be kept outside only in temperate to cold weather. It is best when allowed access to both house and yard, but it needs lots of room inside to stretch out. Its coat needs combing twice weekly ? more frequently when shedding. Newfs do drool and also tend to be messy drinkers.
Grooming
Daily to weekly brushing of the thick, coarse, double coat with a hard brush is important. The undercoat is shed twice a year in the spring and fall and extra care is required at these times. (The heaviest shedding period coming in the spring). Avoid bath
Health
Major concerns: SAS, pulmonic stenosis, elbow dysplasia, CHD, gastric torsion
Minor concerns: OCD, entropion, ectropion, vWD, cataract
Occasionally seen: epilepsy
Suggested tests: hip, elbow, cardiac, blood, (eye)
Note: Newfoundlands do not tolerate heat well.