Description: The Newfoundland is a massive and strong dog. The head is big, broad and heavy with a slightly arched crown. This breed has a wide muzzle that is deep, but rather short. The nose is black, (except from a brown nose on the bronze coloured dog). The teeth meet at a level or scissor bite. This dog has brown eyes that are deeply set and relatively small, in comparison to the overall face. The ears are triangular in shape with rounding on the ends, and are also relatively small; this gives the head, a wider look. The legs are well muscled and straight, with cat like feet that are webbed. The tail is broad at the base and is strong, hanging downward. This dog has a double coat that is water resistant, with the outer coat being oily course and moderately long. It can be straight or wavy. The undercoat is dense and soft and is also oily. With an indoor dog, they tend to lose their oily undercoat. Colour is most commonly black. Then you see black and blue highlights, brown, gray, white with black and black with white markings. The dog's height is 27 to 29 inches, with the bitch being 25 to 27 inches. The dog weighs in at 130 pound to 150, with the bitch being 100 to 120 pounds. This breeds life expectancy is between 9 and 15 years.
History: The Newfoundland breed is believed to be from the Viking era dogs or the nomadic Indian dogs. There is some belief that the Newfoundland is a close relative of the Labrador, but this has not been proven. This dog has helped fishermen off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Their job was to pull in the nets and help by carrying the boat lines to shore. They were used to rescue things that are fallen overboard, including people. In its history, the Newfoundland has hauled carts helped deliver mail, pulled the milk delivery carts, carried loads and packs, and has always been an instinctive water rescue dog. In 1919 a Newfoundland dog, pulled the lifeboat to shore containing 20 shipwrecked people, and was awarded a gold medal for his gallant efforts. In World War II, the Newfoundland hauled supplies and ammunition for the army, with blizzard conditions in the Antarctic, carrying on around them. This is a beautiful dog that is a wonderful companion and is still excellent
at water trials, does well in competitive obedience, carting, backpacking, and is a good watchdog and guard dog.
Temperament: The Newfoundland dog has the most wonderful sweet courageous temperament with the dog's extreme generosity and great intelligence. This is a large dog that is calm, mild with guests and obedient to his owner. Their personality has endless good qualities; among these are their loyalty, devotion and calm patience. While this is a big dog that moves slowly, it truly is a gentle giant. They are known to trap any burglar to the residence into a corner keeping themselves in-between the burglar, and the family. They are bright enough to understand, who could be a threat to the family. This breed is thought to be able to know if anyone holds an evil intention towards the family and will warn you. This dog usually gets along with other dogs but should be socialised well, to ensure good behaviour with other dogs and new situations. This dog is excellent with children and will love nothing better than to play and be with their family. This breed loves to swim and will loveto happily lie in water, given half a chance. Training can be difficult with this breed, and you must show firm insistence and calm manner to train this dog. This breed is sensitive to your tone of voice, and your mood and will train best with a firm and calm approach.
Health issues: The Newfoundland breed is prone to hereditary heart disease SAS, hip dysplasia and care is needed that this dog does not get overweight.
Grooming: Daily grooming of the Newfoundland coat is important. Brushing with a hard brush as this is a thick double coat. This breed sheds twice a year and extra care is required at this time. Due to the natural oils in the hair, bathing is to be avoided, as this will only strip the oils.
Living conditions: Although the Newfoundland dog is a big breed, this dog will do fine in an apartment, providing you have met their needs of exercise. Only requiring a small garden, making sure there will always be cool places as the Newfoundland prefers colder climates and struggles in extreme heat.
