Let's talk Newfoundlands
The gentle giants of the dog world, Newfoundlands may look rather formidable, but they also have one of the sweetest natures of any breed. Great with children and other animals, once trained, there’s little that fazes these docile dogs. Thanks to their powerful, muscular bodies and good coordination, they make excellent rescue animals – and they’re adept swimmers too. Made famous by J.M. Barrie in Peter Pan as the children’s nanny, the Newfoundland has long been a star of the canine world.
Official name: Newfoundland
Other names: Newfie, Nanny Dog
Origins: Canada
| Drooling tendencies |
|
Warm weather? |  |
| Grooming needs |  |
Cold weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Barking tendencies | |
Can stay alone?* | |
| Energy Level* | Medium | Family Pet?* | |
| Compatibility with other pets | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Mâle
71 - 72 cm
Taille
68 - 69 kg
Poids
Femelle
66 - 67 cm
Taille
54 - 55 kg
Poids
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 8 months |
| Adult age | 8 months to 2 years |
| Mature age | 2 to 5 years |
| Senior age | 5 years |
The gentle giants of the dog world, Newfoundlands may look rather formidable, but they also have one of the sweetest natures of any breed.
1/7
Get to know the Newfoundland
All you need to know about the breed
One of the biggest dogs in the world, the Newfoundland is also renowned as one of (wo)man’s most beloved breeds. Known for being a hero of the dog community, they have long been established as one of the best all-round rescue animals. As at home in the mountains as they are at sea, they are a regular fixture among rescue teams all over the globe.
Good swimmers, the Newfoundland’s body was made for being in the water. As well as their waterproof coats and powerful, rudder-like tails, they also have unusual webbed feet. Their large lung capacity enables the dog to swim long distances too. They are also strong enough to bring a fully grown man back to the shoreline.
Despite their huge size, Herculean strength and apparent fearlessness, these noble giants are also known for being unexpectedly gentle dogs. With their easy-going personality, the Newfoundland is usually fine with children and other pets, once trained. Also very affectionate animals, Newfoundlands form a powerful bond with their human families, though this means they don’t do well left alone.
Their thick shaggy coats, while their crowning glory, do require a bit of care – and they will need at least an hour of moderate exercise each day. The Newfoundland also thrives on human interaction. But, overall, they are really quite easy dogs considering they often weigh more than their owners.
Not surprisingly, given their venerated background, Newfoundlands feature regularly in popular culture – from films and books to paintings. Perhaps the best-known example is that of ‘Nana’ in J.M. Barrie’s classic childhood story, Peter Pan. And in fact, Barrie and his wife Mary had a much-loved Newfoundland of their own.
In terms of their lifespan, Newfoundlands can also live up to a top age of 16. So, in summary, you’ll have a devoted, hardy and intelligent companion in a Newfoundland. Plus, their almost teddy-bear-like features and hangdog expression make them hard to resist.
2/7
2 facts about Newfoundlands
1. The Buffalo Soldier
In 1802, when Lewis and Clark began their
famous trek across the American continent, they were accompanied by a Newfoundland
called Seaman. During the expedition, he famously saved their lives by chasing
off a charging buffalo.
2. A brush with fame
The 19th-century artist Sir Edwin Landseer inadvertently helped to popularise the Newfoundland breed when he featured them in his paintings. In fact, such was his influence that the black-and-white variety was subsequently named after him. For more on the Newfoundland’s history, see below.
3/7
History of the breed
Hailing from the Canadian island of the same name, the origins of the Newfoundland go back several centuries. Their ancestors are thought to have been a cross between a local indigenous breed and the large black ‘bear’ dogs brought over by the Vikings. As time went on, they were also crossed with other breeds introduced by European fishermen. By the early 1600’s, the Newfoundland resembled the breed that we know and love today.
Throughout this time, Newfoundlands have always been a dog associated with water. Born swimmers, they were a fixture on Canadian fishing boats for generations, playing a role in countless water rescues. Stories of the breed’s bravery are documented throughout history and, even today, the Newfoundland is an integral member of many international rescue teams.
Aside from their more heroic work, Newfoundlands were also utilised by fishermen to help pull their full nets out of the water. Elsewhere, with their considerable strength, they were used to haul carts. Over time, their popularity spread far and wide and the first Newfoundland club was founded in England in 1886. They were recognised by the American Kennel Club that same year.
4/7
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Newfoundlands
1. Ears
Small, somewhat thick ears, set widely apart, carried erect and slightly tilted forward
2. Head
Large head framed by lion-like ruff
3. Body
Very compact, strongly muscled square body, broad chest
4. Tail
Tail curves over back, well-covered in fur
5. Coat
Very thick, bushy double coat either smooth - hard and dense - or rough - abundant and dense - with soft and thick wooly undercoat
One of the biggest dogs in the world, the Newfoundland is also renowned as one of (wo)man’s most beloved breeds.
5/7
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Newfoundland
It’s important to be aware of something called ‘bloat’.
Otherwise known as ‘gastric dilatation and volvulus’ (GDV), this is a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach “turns” – thereby causing a build-up of excess gas, fluid and food. As large, deep-chested dogs like the Newfoundland can be predisposed to GDV, it’s imperative to know the signs. Although still little understood, contributory factors may include eating or drinking too much in one go or exercising too soon after eating. In any event, if your Newfoundland starts looking anxious or unwell, or begins to retch, drool or show abdominal distension, the vet should be called right away. Also, breaking up their food allowance into several meals a day is recommended and exercise should be left at least an hour after mealtimes.
Another thing to look out for: hip and elbow problems.
Like many larger dog breeds, the Newfoundland can be particularly susceptible to something known as hip and elbow dysplasia – a developmental disorder that can result in abnormal wearing of the bones and joints. However, responsible breeders should be screening for conditions such as these. Also, it’s possible to reduce the risks by ensuring that Newfoundland puppies are fed with a specially formulated food for their size. This will help to ensure they develop at the right rate and, therefore, avoid placing undue stress on their body as they grow.
While fairly hardy, they don’t do so well in heat.
Hailing as they do from an island with an extreme climate, and adept at powering their way through icy waters, this a breed that can deal with pretty difficult conditions. However, one thing the Newfoundland does not do so well with is hot weather. With their thick water-resistant double coat, they are much better suited to the cold. Furthermore, their black fur tends to absorb the heat. For that reason, it’s best to keep them out of the midday sun. Also, during the summer, their walks should be timed for first thing in the morning or last thing at night – or take advantage of their true nature and head to the lake for a swim. For more information on your Newfoundland’s exercise requirements, see below.
Despite their large size, Newfoundlands don’t need quite as much exercise as you might think.
6/7
Caring for your Newfoundland
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Newfoundland has a distinctive longish
coat that comprises two parts. On the top is a thick waterproof layer while
underneath there is a soft dense undercoat. In terms of grooming your
Newfoundland, it’s best to brush their coat at least a couple of times a week
to avoid that shaggy-dog look. During the Newfoundland’s shedding periods,
however, they will need brushing daily. Be prepared for some drooling too. Your
Newfoundland will also benefit from a bath every now and again, with nails
clipped as needed. As with all drop-eared dogs, their ears should be checked
weekly for any debris or signs of infection. The Newfoundland also needs
regular dental check-ups, to support good oral health, as well as their teeth
being brushed at home.
Given their rescue-dog credentials, it’s
perhaps no surprise that the Newfoundland is an intelligent breed that learns
quickly. Also, with their calm and docile personality, the Newfoundland is one
of the easier dogs to train. Nonetheless, your Newfoundland will benefit from
puppy training classes, as much for the early socialisation. Later, they will
also thrive in adult obedience sessions. For Newfoundland puppies destined to
become rescue dogs, they will need to be carefully introduced to water by the
age of four months and then given special training. In all cases, the
Newfoundland responds best to gentle guidance and positive reinforcement.
Despite their large size, Newfoundlands
don’t need quite as much exercise as you might think. An hour of moderate
activity every day should be enough to keep them stimulated and healthy, though
they’ll appreciate more when possible. Given their backgrounds as working
animals, the Newfoundland enjoys outdoor activities and will be happy to trot
alongside you on a walk or a hike – though hot weather is best avoided. Also,
did we mention that they like swimming? So, if you can factor that into their
routine, so much the better. The Newfoundland will also enjoy a good game of
anything in the garden, as long as it’s with you, and they can do well at some
canine sports.
All about Newfoundlands
This is definitely a breed of dog where
their bark is worse than their bite, figuratively speaking on that last part.
Known for their calm and relaxed personality, Newfoundlands are generally good
with kids and other animals, once trained, and rarely show any sign of aggression
to anyone. However, they will come between their owner and a stranger if they
sense danger.
As one of the largest types of dogs, the Newfoundland has
a deep, loud bark to match – and that’s how they communicate. However,
they don’t woof more than any other breed and, in some cases, can bark a lot
less. Like all breeds, it depends on the individual dog.
Autres races susceptibles de vous intéresser
Read more on this topic
Common dog digestive problems
A guide to changing your dogs food
How to feed your dog after surgery
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/