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Newfoundland

 
 

The Newfie is best described as being a gentle giant. Sweet, calm yet courageous and intelligent, Newfies know how to get their zen on. They are large and heavy in both bone and coat, and as puppies they look like a cuddly teddy bear! However, don't expect them to stay this way forever, this stage doesn't last long as they grow very quickly. They may not be a teddy bear anymore, but they're still big, fluffy and positively gorgeous dogs.

Other Names
Newfie, Newf
Country of Origin
Canada
Colour
Black, brown or white and black (landseer) in colour.
Size
Large
Height / Weight
Newfoundland males measure around 71cms at the withers and weigh between 64–69kgs. Bitches are on average around 66cms and weigh between 50–54.5kgs.
Health
Common ailments include: Bones (Developmental) - Elbow dysplasia, Bones (Developmental) - Hip dysplasia, Cardiovascular (Congenital) - Heart Murmur - Aortic stenosis, Cardiovascular (Congenital) - Heart Murmur - Patent ductus arteriosus, Eye - Ectropion, Eye - Entropion, Skin - Dermatitis - Acute moist ("wet eczema" or "hot spot")
Life Span
7-10 years
Intelligence
The Newfie is an intelligent dog that requires consistent training in a relaxed manner.
Exercise
Medium
Suitability (Children)
High
Feeding

As puppies the Newfoundland needs a nutritious diet to ensure the proper formation of bones and joints, so no generic brand dog food for them! Supplements should NOT be added to their diet however, unless absolutely necessary as they can actually do more harm than good.

Feeding Cost
$20+ p/w
Other Cost
Excercise
Make sure you monitor all exercise time while young Newfies are still growing to ensure that no damage occurs to their fragile bones and joints. They love water and swimming is one of their absolute favourite forms of exercise, so if you live by a beach or lake your Newfie will adore trips there.
Ailments
Common ailments include: Bones (Developmental) - Elbow dysplasia, Bones (Developmental) - Hip dysplasia, Cardiovascular (Congenital) - Heart Murmur - Aortic stenosis, Cardiovascular (Congenital) - Heart Murmur - Patent ductus arteriosus, Eye - Ectropion, Eye - Entropion, Skin - Dermatitis - Acute moist ("wet eczema" or "hot spot")
Hair Shed
Moderate
Grooming

The grooming needs of this dog are fairly demanding. They should be brushed regularly with particular attention being paid to the feathering on the legs, which can become entangled. Watch out that your furry friend doesn't kick at you when grooming, as many dogs don't like you playing with their legs. A kick from a Newfoundland can sure pack a wallop.

Grooming Frequency
More than once a week
Trimming
Occassional
It seems almost certain that the Newfoundland did not in fact originally inhabit Newfoundland, however through interbreeding they did get their start there. Before the Newfies, however, the island of Newfoundland was peopled by a race of peaceful Indians and their wolf type dogs during the 15th century. The Indians used the dogs for hunting, fetching and carrying. When the white settlers started to occupy the island, they hunted down the Indians and their dogs. Sadly, they only allowed the most useful and obedient dogs to live. The surviving dogs more than likely bred with other dogs that were introduced to the island by traders from around the world which included hunters, water dogs and mastiffs. Unfortunately, the resulting offspring were left to fend for themselves, the outcome being that only the largest and strongest survived, and Newfies were one of these large, strong breeds that did! Over the years a dog resembling the Newfie of today started to emerge. By the early 18th century word of these extraordinary dogs that could haul heavy loads and help fishermen reached as far as Europe. Poor people who couldn’t afford horses to transport goods from the ports to their homes quickly began purchasing these pawsome dogs. Shortly after their introduction to Europe, breeders started to see a profitable breed emerging and kennels appeared, with some top-notch quality dogs being produced. The Newfoundland Club was formed in 1886 and is one of the oldest in Britain. Not long after the club was formed a breed standard was created and has remained largely unchanged since.


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