Dog Breeds - Newfoundland

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection displayed by a breed towards family members and familiar individuals can vary. Certain breeds might maintain a sense of aloofness with everyone except their owner, while others readily treat everyone they know as their closest friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, can vary. Dogs should always be supervised when in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The friendliness a breed displays towards other dogs can vary. While it is important to always supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, certain breeds are naturally more prone to getting along with other dogs both within the home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed can vary. Breeds with high shedding will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering certain types of allergies and might necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the shedding.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance tasks can vary among breeds. It's crucial to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for grooming when choosing a breed. Additionally, all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency for a breed to drool can differ. If you value cleanliness and are a neat freak, breeds that have a propensity to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The degree of friendliness a breed exhibits towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds might be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the situation, while others will happily greet new people whenever they are around.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The enthusiasm for play can vary among breeds even as they age past puppyhood. Some breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others may prefer to relax on the couch with you most of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds have a greater tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, they can also warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and can adjust well to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. Other breeds may be more sensitive or resistant to change and may require more time and patience to adapt to new situations.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Certain breeds are highly trainable and eager to please their owners making them more motivated to learn new tasks and behaviors. On the other hand, some breeds may be more independent and less inclined to follow commands, preferring to do what they want, when they want and where they want. Training methods, consistency, and positive reinforcement play important roles regardless of the breed, as they can greatly influence a dog's trainability and willingness to learn.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Different breeds require varying levels of exercise and mental stimulation. High-energy breeds constantly crave adventure and eagerly seek their next challenge. They enthusiastically partake in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds are akin to laid-back couch potatoes finding contentment in simply lounging around and enjoying a snooze.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
It's fascinating to observe how frequently this particular breed communicates through various vocalizations such as barks and howls. While some breeds tend to bark incessantly at every person or bird that crosses their path, others reserve their barking for specific situations. Even barkless breeds have other methods of expressing themselves and can still engage in vocal communication.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Ensuring adequate mental stimulation is crucial for the overall well-being and happiness of a breed. Purpose-bred dogs often possess specific skills that require mental engagement, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. Without proper mental exercise, these dogs may resort to finding their own activities to keep their minds occupied, and it's likely that such activities won't align with your preferences. To prevent any undesirable outcomes, it's essential to provide them with suitable brain exercises.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection displayed by a breed towards family members and familiar individuals can vary. Certain breeds might maintain a sense of aloofness with everyone except their owner, while others readily treat everyone they know as their closest friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, can vary. Dogs should always be supervised when in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The friendliness a breed displays towards other dogs can vary. While it is important to always supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, certain breeds are naturally more prone to getting along with other dogs both within the home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed can vary. Breeds with high shedding will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering certain types of allergies and might necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the shedding.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance tasks can vary among breeds. It's crucial to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for grooming when choosing a breed. Additionally, all breeds require regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency for a breed to drool can differ. If you value cleanliness and are a neat freak, breeds that have a propensity to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The degree of friendliness a breed exhibits towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds might be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the situation, while others will happily greet new people whenever they are around.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The enthusiasm for play can vary among breeds even as they age past puppyhood. Some breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others may prefer to relax on the couch with you most of the time.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Some breeds have a greater tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, they can also warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and can adjust well to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. Other breeds may be more sensitive or resistant to change and may require more time and patience to adapt to new situations.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Certain breeds are highly trainable and eager to please their owners making them more motivated to learn new tasks and behaviors. On the other hand, some breeds may be more independent and less inclined to follow commands, preferring to do what they want, when they want and where they want. Training methods, consistency, and positive reinforcement play important roles regardless of the breed, as they can greatly influence a dog's trainability and willingness to learn.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Different breeds require varying levels of exercise and mental stimulation. High-energy breeds constantly crave adventure and eagerly seek their next challenge. They enthusiastically partake in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds are akin to laid-back couch potatoes finding contentment in simply lounging around and enjoying a snooze.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Infrequent

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Ensuring adequate mental stimulation is crucial for the overall well-being and happiness of a breed. Purpose-bred dogs often possess specific skills that require mental engagement, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. Without proper mental exercise, these dogs may resort to finding their own activities to keep their minds occupied, and it's likely that such activities won't align with your preferences. To prevent any undesirable outcomes, it's essential to provide them with suitable brain exercises.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Brown	061
Gray	100
White & Black	202
Beige	004
Black & Tan	018
White & Brown	204

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The majestic Newfoundland is an incredibly large and powerful working dog, known for its robust build and graceful demeanor. This good-natured breed has gained immense popularity as a devoted companion and is highly regarded for its patient and attentive nature, often referred to as a trustworthy "nanny dog" for children.

In terms of size, male Newfoundlands can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand at an impressive 28 inches shoulder height, while females generally range between 100 to 120 pounds. Their regal heads possess a majestic appearance, accompanied by soft and soulful expressions. The outer coat of a Newfoundland is characterized by its flat and coarse texture, with color variations including gray, brown, black, and the distinctive black-and-white coat known as the "Landseer," named after the renowned artist Sir Edwin Landseer, who popularized this appearance in his paintings.

According to the breed standard, the Newfoundlands prioritize a sweet temperament above all else, which is hailed as their most significant characteristic. Their exceptional disposition is profoundly demonstrated in their affectionate bond with children. Newfoundlands are known for their trusting nature and respond exceptionally well to gentle and positive training methods. However, it's important to acknowledge that owning a pet as substantial as a Newfoundland presents its fair share of challenges.

What to Expect When Caring for A NEWFOUNDLAND

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Newfoundland: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	For responsible breeders, it is imperative to thoroughly assess their breeding dogs for health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, cardiac disease and cystinuria. Neglecting these conditions can result in the formation of stones in the urinary system. Furthermore, it is essential to regularly inspect the drop-eared ears of Newfoundlands to identify potential infections. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Hip Evaluation Cystinuria (Newfoundland) - DNA Test Elbow Evaluation Cardiac Exam

Grooming

	To maintain the Newfoundland's gorgeous coat, it's important to give it a good brushing at least once every week. By using a slicker brush and a long-toothed comb, you can effectively get rid of the dead hair and prevent any mats from forming. During shedding season, which typically occurs twice a year, these brushing sessions will need to be more frequent and become a part of your daily routine. However, if your Newfie has been spayed or neutered, they may shed consistently throughout the year and might require several brushing sessions each week. Just like with any breed, it's crucial to keep their nails trimmed regularly to avoid discomfort and any potential structural issues caused by overly long nails.

Exercise

	The Newfoundland is a versatile breed known for its ability to thrive both on land and in water. Beyond being a loyal companion, these dogs are highly skilled in draft work and possess innate life-saving instincts. To ensure their well-being and contentment, Newfoundlands require a minimum of thirty minutes of moderate exercise each day. Although they are meant to live indoors with their human family, Newfs truly appreciate engaging in outdoor endeavors, particularly swimming and are excellent companions for long walks and hikes. Newfoundlands also have a penchant for pulling carts and some even partake in carting and drafting competitions. Additionally, they excel in various canine activities such as agility, dock jumping, flyball, herding, obedience, rally and tracking.

Training

	The Newfoundland puppy possesses an outgoing nature, intelligence and curiosity, never displaying timidity, skittishness, or aggression. Daily interaction with humans is crucial for the well-being of any Newfie. It is highly recommended to engage in early socialization and enroll them in puppy training classes to ensure they develop into a well-adjusted and well-behaved companion. If you plan to train your puppy for water activities, it is important to introduce them to water carefully by the age of 4 months. Newfoundlands have a strong desire to please and are generally receptive to training. They are also affectionate and trusting, responding positively to gentle guidance but not too harsh corrections or training methods.

Nutrition

	For optimal health, the Newfoundland should be fed a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. The chosen diet should be suitable for the dog's specific age group, whether they are a puppy, adult, or senior. Given that some Newfoundlands have a tendency to gain weight, it is important to monitor their calorie intake and weight level. While treats can be useful for training purposes, it is essential to avoid excessive treats as they can contribute to obesity. Familiarize yourself with human foods that are safe for dogs and those that should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult with your veterinarian. It is worth noting that the breed is susceptible to bloat, a serious condition characterized by the stomach expanding and twisting. While the exact causes of bloat are not fully understood experts recommend feeding multiple small meals throughout the day and avoiding vigorous exercise around mealtime to help reduce the risk of this condition.

Historiography

Newfoundlands have long been integral to Canadian fishermen serving as exceptional working dogs on board ships with a specialization in remarkable water rescues. With their innate swimming abilities, partially webbed feet and immense strength, they are capable of saving individuals from drowning earning them legendary status as the aquatic equivalent of the famous Saint Bernard rescue dogs in the Alps. Additionally, Newfs had the responsibility of hauling fishing nets to shore and transporting the day's catch to market proving their usefulness in various tasks. Although their role as seafaring deckhands has diminished over time, the breed remains highly regarded as the premier water-rescue dog worldwide.

This beloved breed has a rich history filled with examples of their unwavering dedication to humankind. One notable account date back to 1802 when Lewis and Clark embarked on their momentous 8,000-mile journey across America, accompanied by a Newfoundland named Seaman. Seaman played crucial roles as a hunter and guard dog even saving lives by repelling a charging buffalo that posed a threat to the camp. Today, Seaman is commemorated in ten different monuments dedicated to Lewis and Clark throughout the country.

Another remarkable testament to the Newfoundland's significance can be found in England, where these dogs have always been highly cherished. Lord Byron, the renowned poet erected a monument at Newstead Abbey in honor of his beloved Newfoundland named Boatswain, which has become a popular tourist attraction. The monument's inscription, crafted by Byron himself, eloquently praises Boatswain for possessing beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of humanity without its flaws. Byron held such profound regard for his Newfoundland that Boatswain's tomb is larger than his own at the abbey.

Further exemplifying their family-friendly reputation, a Newfoundland named Brumus played a role in Senator and Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy's household, diligently caring for their eleven children. These instances highlight the profound impact Newfoundlands have made throughout history and their enduring legacy as one of the world's most beloved breeds.