NEWFOUNDLAND
APPEARANCE
The Newfoundland is an elegant looking dog, with a burly, robust build and a massive head. This breed is agile, healthy and friendly. It has a short, broad muzzle, dark nose that varies in color only in dogs that are bronze coated, dark little eyes, small hanging ears that are angular. standard colors of the Newfoundland dogs are black, brown, grey and landseer (black head and white and black body). He has swimming legs and feet that are webbed, and a low hanging tail. The weight of the Newfoundland is around 100-130 pounds for females, and around 125-150 pounds for males. The height of these dogs is around 26-28 inches for females, and 28-33 inches for males.
PERSONALITY
They are known for their sweet dispositions, loyalty, and natural water rescue tendencies. They are extremely intelligent, courageous and even playful at times, it is regarded as having human emotions. This breed is composed, tolerant, mild mannered, laidback and extremely friendly, yet it is perfectly capable of protecting its master when the situation calls for it.
TRAINING
This is a very intelligent and responsive breed, and training should not prove too difficult. The Newfoundland is a dog that is eager to please his owner, although males may be a little more stubborn than females. They are extremely sensitive and will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed direction. They require and respond best to a calm, patient, and loving tone of voice. They do well with early basic obedience and socialization. They may be trained as a guard or work dog.
EXERCISE
The Newfoundland is a lazy dog, but it needs moderate exercise every day. It will always enjoy to take a walk or to go swimming.
SOCIALIZATION
The Newfoundland is a very friendly and sociable breed, but some lines can be dominant or overly timid, and therefore early socialization is required. The Newfoundland thrives on affection and attention from his owners, and is not the dog for you if you do not have the time to commit to a pet. The Newfoundland gets along very well with children, and will also get along with other pets, although some can be aggressive with same sex dogs. This sweet natured and patient dog will also welcome strangers.
LIVING CONDITIONS
It can easily live in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Even a small yard should be enough. The Newfoundland prefers a cool environment. It must not be taken to warm areas without shade, and must be given cool water to drink in warm conditions.
GROOMING
This breed has to be preferably brushed daily, but a weekly brushing is also acceptable. The under coat is shed in the spring and fall and should be given extra attention at these times. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary to prevent stripping the coat of its’ natural oils. Dry shampooing is best. Because of his heavy shedding he is not the best choice of allergy sufferers.
HEALTH ISSUES
Life expectancy is about 8 - 10 years. Newfoundlands are prone to hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint), Elbow dysplasia, and cystinuria (a hereditary defect that forms calculi stones in the bladder). Another genetic problem is subvalvular aortic stenosis, also referred to as subaortic stenosis or SAS. This is a common heart defect in Newfoundlands involving defective heart valves. SAS can cause sudden death at an early age.
HISTORY
The Newfoundland comes from Newfoundland’s island. It’s the descendant of the indigenous dogs and the big black bear dogs, brought by Vikings after the year 1001. Breed was developed to work with fishermen, as well as to help deliver lifelines in shipwreck emergencies. These dogs have been known to save drowning victims, and have become popular household pets. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1886.
