Massive and kind, the Newfoundland is a great dog for families. Learn more about this unique breed of dog.
On television, you can see them jump from helicopters into the ocean, big magnificent dogs practicing for a day when a drowning sailor's life depends on these fearless swimmers. A few years ago the Newfoundland Josh won viewers' hearts when he woofed in celebration of his Best in Show win at Westminster. If you don't mind dog hair and drool, and you have a heart as big as all of Canada, the Newfoundland dog might be the right choice for you.
History
The Newfoundland as a breed traces its origins back to the island of Newfoundland in Canada. The native dogs there were large, black, sweet-natured, and strong swimmers. They became very popular in England, where they were bred with other large breed dogs to produce a more massive animal; by the late 18th century the breed was established in England and elsewhere. A law passed in Newfoundland in 1780 forbidding the ownership of more than one dog almost wiped out the breed there, but fortunately it survived and over time the Newf developed into the breed we know today.
Because of their strength, swimming ability, guarding instincts, and gentle disposition, Newfs have historically held many jobs. They guarded the family's children, hauled loads of firewood, and helped pull heavy fishing nets to shore. Newfs became so popular in England as nursery guards that Nana, the dog in J.M. Barry's play Peter Pan, was a Newfoundland. Newfs were also common on board ships; if the weather was too rough to land, the dog was sent swimming with a rope for helpers ashore to secure. Many sailors owed their lives to this practice. In addition, Newfs swam to the aid of drowning people, pulling them back to shore.
Temperament and Physical Characteristics
It's very rare to find an aggressive or bad-tempered Newfoundland. One of the most important breed characteristics is its gentle, calm disposition. The dog's expression reflects its kindness and dignity--but don't let that fool you; Newfs can be big clowns too.
Physically the Newfoundland is a large, powerfully built dog. Overall the dog should give a deep-bodied, squarish appearance, with females having slightly longer bodies than males. The muzzle is short and heavy with a "soft" mouth, the eyes large and usually dark brown, the ears low and close to the head, and the head broad and slightly domed. Legs should be heavy and not too long, with rounded paws set straight on the legs. Toes are webbed. The tail should be thick at the base, heavily furred, and held low--the dog uses its tail as a rudder when swimming. The coat should be thick and glossy; the coat is water repellent, with a soft undercoat. Males stand about 28 inches at the withers and weigh around 150 pounds, females stand about 26 inches and weigh around 120 pounds.
There are four colors of Newfoundland. Solid black is very common, although it's not unusual for a black dog to have a few small white marks on the chest or toes. Landseer is the term for a black and white Newfoundland, named after Edwin Landseer whose famous painting, "A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society," depicts a black and white Newf. Shades of brown and gray are less common.
Is the Newfoundland Right for You?
Before you give your heart to a Newfoundland, keep in mind that there are drawbacks to this breed. Newfs shed--not just a little, but a lot, all the time, with an extra heavy shed in spring (called "blowing coat"). Newfs also require a lot of grooming to keep the coat from getting matted and unsightly. Even washing a Newf is difficult because the water repellent coat requires lots of shampoo and lots of rinsing.
And Newfoundlands drool. Picture a dog with a long string of drool hanging from either side of his jowls, who then shakes--drool is slung onto the walls, the ceiling, and anyone standing nearby. If this makes you want to retch rather than laugh, you might want to consider a different breed.
Newfs also need a lot of attention from people. They need to feel part of the family, which means having a giant dog inside the house most of the time. It's not hard to love a Newf, and they're the best dogs in the world to hug, but if you can't spend generous quality time with your dog every day you might want to think about a more independent breed.
You also need to evaluate whether you're physically strong enough to deal with such a large dog. Your dog won't mean to tow you along like a kite on the end of his leash as he chases a squirrel, and he certainly will never intentionally knock you down, but young dogs in particular don't know their own strength. A rambunctious ninety-pound puppy can easily send you flying.
Health Issues
Because of their large size, Newfs are prone to some of the same genetic complaints as other large breed dogs. Hip dysplasia is the big worry, with some Newfs so crippled by the time they're only five or six years old that they can barely walk. Elbow dysplasia is less prevalent but still a concern. Newfs can also suffer from heart problems and cystinuria, both of which are life-threatening. Good breeders will have potential parent dogs screened by a veterinarian so that puppies will be much less likely to suffer any of these complaints. Puppies sold at pet shops do not have parents screened for health issues; do your homework and buy from a good breeder, not a pet shop!
Newfs need to be able to keep cool when it's warm out. Even if it doesn't seem very hot to you, remember that your Newf was bred to stay warm in the bitterest possible conditions. His large size helps retain heat within the body, his fur is double-coated to insulate, his ears lie close to the head to trap warm air, and his limbs are relatively short so that blood circulating to the feet has less time to cool down before returning to the heart. Newfs are therefore prone to heatstroke, which can be fatal. Shaving your dog's fur is not a solution, and in fact can cause other heat-related problems such as sunburn. Instead, keep your Newf inside where it's cool during the summer. He'll be happier inside with you anyway.
Training
Newfs are eager to please and love people, and they love interacting with you. Obedience training can be fun for both of you, and it's very important that your Newf know how to behave. Newfs don't realize how large they are, and they certainly don't realize how scary they look bounding happily up to someone who might not like dogs. They can easily knock a grown man down without meaning to, so train your dog early so you won't get into such a situation.
If you've trained dogs before, keep in mind that a Newf may respond more slowly and take a little longer to learn a skill than you're used to in other breeds. You need a lot of patience, and try to slow yourself down to your dog's speed. He's not being stubborn, he just isn't as quick or agile as some breeds. Most Newfs will work hard just for a hug and some kind words, and maybe a few liver treats. You shouldn't need to resort to harsher methods of training.
Now That You're Disillusioned....
As long as you're fine knowing that cuddly bundle of puppy fur is going to grow up into a gigantic, slobbery, shedding teddy bear of a dog, Newfs have a lot to recommend them.
While Newfs do need plenty of exercise just like any other dog, they're also calm animals who can live just fine in a small house or even an apartment. In fact, if the choice is between having their own wing of a mansion and being crammed in a one-room apartment with you, your Newf will pick the one-room apartment every time.
Newfs love to swim, and watching a Newfie swimming is like watching water ballet. You'd never guess that clumsy-looking dog could be so graceful. They're also massively strong. There are plenty of sports you and your Newf can participate in together, including water rescue, draft work, and backpacking.
Newfs are so people friendly and so huggable that they're naturals as therapy dogs. Taking your Newf to a retirement home can be the most rewarding experience you and your dog have. Newfs are also great with kids, and while they're not aggressive guardians they are watchful for danger. A Newf who senses trouble will quietly get between the child and the perceived threat.
Bringing a Newf into your family is a big decision, but if you don't mind doggy kisses that require you to dry not just your face afterwards, but your hair and your shirt as well, you and your Newf will be great buddies.