Newfoundland
Utility

Group:

Utility

Size:

extra large

Lifespan:

8-10 years

Exercise:

low

Grooming:

medium

Trainability:

medium

Watchdog ability:

medium

Protection ability:

high

Area of Origin:

Canada

Date of Origin:

1700's

Other Names:

none

Original Function:

all-purpose water dog and fishing aid, draft

History

The early history concerning the origin of the Newfoundland is uncertain, although many claim the original dogs of this island in the Atlantic were Tibetan Mastiffs. In 1001 AD, when the Viking Leif Ericsson arrived in Newfoundland, he brought with him the Viking "bear dog." These dogs mated with the native dogs of the island and the resulting cross developed in relative isolation for the next 500 years. When European fishermen arrived in the 1600's with other dogs, some more outcrosses occurred but the breed remained relatively true to its roots. The fishermen of the island had dogs that were strong working companions: they were able swimmers even in the stormiest and coldest of waters, and many sea-rescues have been attributed to this noble breed. Today the Newf makes an excellent addition to any family with room for this large breed. He enjoys regular exercise.

Temperament

The angelic and heroic nature of the breed is one of its most appreciated qualities. Newfs are intelligent, loyal, and devoted. They are a patient and generous dog who is devoted to its family. The Newfoundland has an exceptionally gentle and docile nature.

Upkeep

This easygoing dog needs daily exercise to stay fit, either in the form of a moderate walk or short romp. It loves to swim and pull, especially in cold weather. Some breeders contend that Landseers (black and white) tend to be more active and need more exercise than solids colour coats. It does not do well in hot weather and should be kept outside only in temperate to cold weather. It is best when allowed access to both house and yard, but it needs lots of room inside to stretch out. Its coat needs combing twice weekly — more frequently when shedding. Newfs do drool and also tend to be messy drinkers.

Official Breed Standard

CHARACTERISTICS:
A water dog, used for life-saving; he should have an exceptionally gentle and docile nature.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The dog should impress the eye with strength and great activity. He should move freely on his legs with the body swung loosely between them, so that a slight roll in gait should not be objectionable. Bone massive throughout, but not to give a heavy, inactive appearance.

Head and Skull:
Head should be broad and massive, the occipital bone well developed; there should be no decided stop; the muzzle should be short, clean cut and rather square in shape and covered with short, fine hair.

Eyes:
Should be small, of a dark brown colour; rather deeply set but not showing any haw; should be set rather wide apart.

Ears:
Should be small, set well back, square with the skull, lie close to the head, and covered with short hair without a fringe.

Mouth:
Should be soft and well covered by the lips, should be neither undershot not overshot but teeth should be level or scissor bite.

Neck:
Should be strong, well set on to shoulders and back.

Forequarters:
Legs should be perfectly straight, well covered with muscle, elbows in but well let down; feathered all down.

Body:
Should be well ribbed up with broad back and strong muscular loins. Chest should be deep and fairly broad; well covered with hair, but not to such an extent as to form a frill.

Hindquarters:
Should be very strong. The legs should have great freedom of action; slightly feathered. Slackness of loins and cow-hocks are a defect. Dewclaws are objectionable and should be removed.

Feet:
Should be large and well shaped. Splayed or turned out feet are objectionable.

Tail:
Should be of moderate length, reaching down a little below the hocks. It should be of fair thickness and well covered with hair, but not to form a flag. When the dog is standing still and not excited it should hang downwards with a slight curve at the end; but when the dog is in motion it should be carried up, and when he is excited straight out with only a slight curve at the end. Tails with a kink or curled over the back are very objectionable.

Coat:
Should be flat and dense, of a coarsish texture and oily nature, and capable of resisting water. If brushed the wrong way it should fall back into its place naturally.

Colour:
The colours allowed are black, brown, white with black markings (Landseer). Dull jet black - A slight tinge of bronze of splash of white on chest and toes is acceptable. Black dogs having only white toes and white chest and white tip of tail should be exhibited in classes provided for black. Brown - Can be chocolate or bronze. Should in all other aspects follow the black except in colour. Splash of white on chest and toes acceptable. Brown dogs to be exhibited in classes provided for blacks. White with black markings only - Landseer - For preference black head with narrow blaze, even marked saddle and black rump extending on the tail. Beauty in markings to be taken greatly into consideration. Ticking is not desirable.

Weight and Size:
Size and weight are very desirable so long as symmetry is maintained. A fair average height at the shoulders is:
Dogs: 71.1 cm (28 in)
Bitches: 66 cm (26 in)

A fair average weight is:
Dogs: 63.5 to 68 kg (140 - 150 lb)
Bitches: 49.8 to 54.4 kg (110 to 120 lb).

Faults:
Weak or hollow back, slackness of the loins or cow-hocks. Dewclaws. Splayed or turned-out feet. Tails with a kink in them or curled over the back.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.