Newfoundland
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General Description
(Newf, Newfie) The Newfoundland is a multi-purpose working and companion dog with a large, well-balanced build and a strong, heavy-boned, muscular body. They present themselves with pride, dignity, and a sweet disposition. The breed’s neck is strong, well-set onto the shoulders, and long enough to permit a high head carriage. They have a broad back that is strong and well-muscled, and it is level from the point just behind the withers to the croup. Their full, deep chest extends down to the level of their elbows, and their shoulders are well-muscled and laid back. Elbows of this breed lie directly below the highest point of the withers. They have well-sprung ribs, a deep flank, and a broad, slightly sloping croup. The broad, strong, slightly curved tail correlates with the line of the croup. Their cat-like feet are webbed and their size is in proportion to the rest of the dog’s body. They have heavily boned, powerful hindquarters and their limbs are straight and parallel when perceived from the rear. The hocks are well let down and the thighs are broad and comparatively long. The massive head of the Newfoundland features a broad skull, a slightly arched crown, and well-developed cheeks. Their stop is moderately defined, but it can appear more prominent because of the well-developed brow. They have a clean-cut, broad muzzle that has a rounded top and a straight bridge. The breed’s teeth close in a scissors bite and their small, deep-set eyes are dark brown in color. Their ears are small and triangular, and they have rounded tips. The flat double coat of the Newfoundland consists of a coarse, long, straight or slightly wavy outer layer and a soft, dense under layer. The hair around the face and muzzle is short and fine by comparison. Coat colors of this breed include black, brown, gray, or a white base coat with black markings. Clear white or white with minimal ticking is also accepted. A variety of markings may be present on dogs with solid-colored coats.Know something we don't? Add it here
Character
The Newfoundland is an outstanding companion with a good-natured, courageous, generous, and intelligent temperament. They are noble, loyal, and calm, and they are hopelessly devoted to their master. They are patient by nature and mild in the company of strangers. Some become so attached to their family that they cannot adapt to a new one. They have strong protective instincts, but rather than bark or growl, they tend to place themselves between the intruder and their family. Some males may be aggressive towards other dogs. In general, the Newfoundland gets along well with other animals. They are loving, playful, and patient with children. They love the outdoors and they love to swim. They tend to drool and slobber, but not nearly as much as other large dog breeds.
Size
25 – 29 inches
Weight
100 – 150 pounds
General Health
Like many other large dog breeds, the Newfoundland is prone to hip dysplasia. They are also susceptible to a hereditary heart disease called sub-aortic stenosis (SAS). It’s very important for owners of this breed not to let their Newfoundland(s) become overweight. This breed typically live for 9 – 15 years.
History
The Newfoundland originated in Newfoundland as the result of crosses between dogs native to the island and big, black, bear dogs that were introduced by the Vikings in 1001 A.D. While the breed was shaped and improved with the advent of European fisherman, the essential characteristics of the Newfoundland remained. By the time of colonization in 1610, the distinctive attributes of the Newfoundland were firmly established. The breed was utilized by the fisherman for a number of working purposes including hauling in nets, carrying boat lines to shore, and retrieving anything which fell overboard. They were also used to pull mail sheds, deliver milk, haul lumber, and carry loads in packs. The breed is an outstanding water rescue dog, and they have saved many lives throughout the course of history. In addition to being a wonderful companion, the Newfoundland excels at water trials, competitive obedience, weight-pulling, carting, backpacking, watching, and guarding.
Maintenance
The coarse, thick, double coat of the Newfoundland requires daily to weekly brushing with a hard brush. The breed’s undercoat is shed twice per year, and extra care should be given to the coat at these times. They should be bathed only as necessary. Excessive washing will strip the coat of its natural oils.
Ideal Environment
The Newfoundland is content to live in a small household or apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are a comparatively inactive breed indoors, and they are happiest with at least a small yard. Because of their thick coat, they are very sensitive to hot weather. They have a propensity to become lazy, but they benefit from moderate amounts of physical activity. The Newfoundland should be given plenty of opportunities to swim and frolic.
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Ask a QuestionNewfoundland Q&A
can a newfoundland puppy have a pure white base coat, if so will he lose this and become all black as he grows
I am not sure what you mean by "base coat" (the soft underlying hair, perhaps?),but here is my 2-cents-worth. I have never heard of this. I think it is unlikely that such a pup will grow hair that is black through and through. every pup I have ever seen is black from the start. I now have a Landseer (white and black). With Landseers, some small areas that start out white do become black. (You can tell somewhat by the color of the underlying skin whether this will happen or not. The skin under black hair is somewhat bluish and the skin under the white areas is piink.) HOwever, mostly, he looks as he looked at 9 weeks, except for black hair overgrowing his forehead blaze. I would check with your breeder about this. If you did not get your dog from a breeder, I would doubt that it is a purebred Newfoundland, or else you have an interesting mutation.
If you mean undercoat as the base coat then yes to a point. My female has a grey undercoat that pretty much brushes out inth summer. Her coat is very very fluffy. There is different types of Newfoudnlands and this is what people for some reason have a hard time accepting. A true Newf like my male has coarser hair and after swimming he shakes and he is dry. This is the breed that we refer to as a true water Newf. These are the dogs that were and still are used on the boats. I live in Newfoundland and raise Newfs so i am knowledgeable of there backgrounds and there differences. Newfs were mixed with St. Bernards long long ago to try to repopulate the St. Bernards by the monks. Any pup that looked at all like a Newf was discarded. From these discards we now have multicolored Newfs (brown, grey and landseers), My female is one of these. They look prettier no doubt as they are fluffier but they tend to hold water more on there coat. I can send you pics if you would like to explain this better.
I would like to know if Newfies come all white?
No...only solid with white patches on feet, tail tip, chest and chin...or landseer not all white...
I have an all white Newf. One black spot on her eye.
I have been researching large breed dogs. I currently have (2) Boxers that I love. All my life I have wanted a Large dog. After much research I feel the Newfoundlander would fit best with our family. My only concern is that we live in TN and our summers are very hot. A much as I would love to have a "newfie" I do not want him/her to be uncomfotable. I do not know of anyone who owns a Newfoundlander in this area, which leads me to believe they may not adapt. My vet seems to think they would be OK, but I need a second opinion.
It should be fine to own one. As long as you give it lots of shade and don't give it too much exercise and it should be fine. Give it lots of water with ice cubes and make sure it gets lots of swimming time:)
I owned a Newfie (or she owned me) for 7 years. On the advise of my vet, I had her taken to a groomer within the first two weeks in April and then again around July 4th. Both time she had a "Puppy" cut (your groomer will know what to do) This eliminates the "Blown Coat" issue above. But the hair cuts helped her tolerate our hot summers on the farm. As long as the Newfie has shade, or a pond or lake to swim in if she gets her hair cut she will be fine.
I also live in the state of Tenn. and have three Newfoundlands. They all three live in the house with me.I built an indoor kennel that they stay in while I am at work. All three enjoy the water so we spend a lot of time with "water play". They are a handful..but worth it. a lot of hair,slobber,and always underfoot.
The thick coat of a newfie protects them from the heat as well as the cold as dogs do not sweat through their skin. Think of it as putting a hot dish in an empty cooler, the cooler will help keep the temperature up in the cooler. I have had newfies off and on for 20 years and do not recommend shaving them unless they are matted. When you shave a them regularly their undercoat crowds out the guard coat and they become fuzzy.
Newfies are really good at hunting an air conditioner. Just remember lots of water to drink. Exercise early in morning or late in the evening. Your puppy will be fine. We just moved from the mountains of West Virginia to the beach in Georgia. Our four newfs did fine. As with any Newf, they love being part of the family. We only clip their bellies and long hair on their legs. They love playing in our fountains and with the water hose.
We have an approx 7 month old newfie mix and I just wondered if it is common for them to loose their puppy fur? He has lost alot of his beautiful, long, shiny, silky fur. Is this common or should I take him in to the vet or change his dog food?
You should bring it to the vet just to be safe. But it could be due to the mix. Occassionally, a dog will shed. But not this much. He should grow in a new coat as soon as you change his food
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Newfies Rule
We ar owned by a 3 yr.old Newf named Beowulf and will be getting our new baby Newf in 6 more weeks. Love the breed. So does everyone that meets our Newf.
Pros: Wonderful dogs with EVERYONE!!!!!!
Cons: Years of life.
Are Newfoundlands For You?
"Newfies", as they are affectionately called, could easily be a perfect dog! They are gentle and have a naturally sweet disposition. Newfies are not fairly hard to train, however - Be prepared to wash those carpets every two days during shedding seasons! I swear, grocery bags FILLED with fur! Ah, and the drool. Drool, drool, everywhere. Oh gross, it's on my hair! Lol. Don't get a newf if you aren't prepared and puppy-proofed BEFORE bringing your new buddy home! I hope this helped! - Erin
Pros: Wonderful temperament, Sweet disposition, Protective but not overly so, Great companions,
Cons: The waterfall of drool, Grocery bags filled with fur