" The Newfoundland is known as the gentle giant because it is one of the biggest and friendliest dogs around. Although many myths surround this breed of dog, on PlanèteAnimal we will tell you what its real story is as well as many other details that you should know if you are thinking of adopting this wonderful nanny dog, such as its character, its physical characteristics or the care it needs."
Thanks to this breed sheet from PlanèteAnimal, discover everything you need to know about the Newfoundland:
Origin
- America
- Canada
FCI Nomenclature
- Group II
Physical Characteristics
- Rustic
- Muscular
- Proportional
- Short ears
Size
- Giant
Height
- 55-70
Adult Weight
- 45-100
Life expectancy
- 8-10
Recommended physical activity
- Low
Character
- Balanced
- Society
- Very loyal
- Smart
- Affectionate
- Quiet
- Docile
Ideal for
- Children
- Apartment
- House
- Walking
- The guard
- Therapy
Hair type
- Medium
- Big
Origin of Newfoundland
" The origin of Newfoundland is located on the island of Newfoundland in Canada. The breed is thought to have developed from the native dogs of the island and dogs brought by the ancient Vikings, such as the black bear dog, from the year 1,100."
Later, in 1610 and during the colonization of the island, new breeds of dogs arrived in Newfoundland, mainly from the hands of European fishermen.From that moment and although the Newfoundland already had standardized characteristics, new crosses began to be experimented with which resulted in the formation and reinvigoration of the breed, giving rise to the Newfoundland that we know today. today.
Thanks to its characteristics, the Newfoundland has been able to withstand the intense climate of the island, work at sea, drag large cargoes (nets, lines and trinkets) or work as a rescue dog. Currently, the Newfoundland is still an excellent rescue dog and is considered one of the most beautiful and hardworking breeds in history.
Physical Characteristics of Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant, powerful and solid dog. It is longer than it is tall (rectangular body profile), but still very compact. The topline is straight from withers to croup and gives rise to a broad back, powerful loin and sloping croup.His chest is wide, deep and spacious and his belly is not restrained. Its tail is long and should never be curved over the back or curved between the hind legs. Newfoundland fingers have an interdigital membrane.
The head of this dog is massive, broad and with a well-developed occiput. The naso-frontal depression or stop is well marked, but it is not abrupt as in the Saint Bernard. Its nose is brown in brown dogs and black in those of other colors. The muzzle is square and moderately short. His eyes are moderately sunken, set well apart and without a third eyelid. His ears are small, triangular and have rounded edges.
Newfoundland's coat is double coated. The inner layer is dense and soft. The outer coat is long and smooth, except for the head, ears and muzzle where it is shorter. It can be black, white and black or brown. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes a very similar breed called the Landseer which is black and white.Other organizations do not recognize this breed and consider the Landseer a simple black and white Newfoundland dog.
The approximate measurements of the Newfoundland dog are:
- Males: crossing height of 71 centimeters and weight of 68 kilograms
- Females: height at the withers of 66 centimeters and weighing 54 kg
Newfoundland character
Despite its imposing size, the Newfoundland is a particularly affectionate dog, very sociable and calm. He is not overly playful, although he loves water in which he can spend several hours. In addition to being sociable with adults, the Newfoundland is tolerant of other animals and very patient with children, whom he loves and treats with extreme delicacy.
The FCI describes the Newfoundland as a dog that reflects kindness and gentleness, a joyful and creative dog, serene and kind.
Newfoundland Care
Maintaining the coat of the Newfoundland requires moderate effort throughout the year, although daily brushing is necessary. However, during the two seasons of the annual moult, a little extra effort will have to be made because this big plush sheds a lot of hair. You can wash it about once every two months.
The Newfoundland is not particularly active, but it is important that you exercise it regularly so that it does not get too fat. It is recommended that you give him three daily walks and regularly seek out parks or forests where you can give him games and activities. Paradise for a Newfoundland will undoubtedly be a place where there is a small beach or a large lake. If we do not devote time to our Newfoundland due to its calm nature, we can observe frustration in the dog and an increase in weight.
It is important to point out that this dog will need large amounts of food throughout its life. Do not forget that it is a large dog whose average weight is between 54 and 68 kilograms; he will therefore need about 500 grams of food per day.
Remember Newfoundlands tend to drool a lot and when they drink water you can say goodbye to your clean floor. They are absolutely not the most suitable dogs for extremely neat people. We recommend that you adopt a Newfoundland from the moment you have a large house, with a garden, so that the dog can go in and out while exercising.
Newfoundland Education
The Newfoundland is a very intelligent dog and although not specifically made to work using canine skills, it must be said that it is an excellent sea rescue dog , in fact, it is even the most popular.They are avid swimmers, making them the most used breed for water rescue, especially in cold waters where other dog breeds would be at a major risk of hypothermia. It responds very well to positive reinforcement, as long as the owner is aware of the limits and virtues of the breed.
Although it is a particularly sociable breed, it will be very important to separate the newborn from its mother and siblings at the appropriate age, so that you can then dedicate yourself to the socialization of the puppy once adopted. In adulthood, it will be necessary to continue to put it in relation with other animals, other people as well as with children because to keep them attached and isolated for a long time, without them having the possibility of socializing. , is what leads to aggressive dogs.
On the other hand, it is very important to emphasize that they need our company and can develop destructive habits as well as separation anxiety when isolated for long periods of time. too long periods.This type of behavior is common in dogs that reside permanently in the garden.
This dog is not usually aggressive, but it can show a lot of determination and ferocity when it comes to defending itself. Due to its impressive size, it is a good deterrent dog, making it a good guardian even though they are usually completely harmless.
The he alth of Newfoundland
As it happens with all breeds, the Newfoundland is susceptible to certain genetic diseases that we will present to you immediately. It is important to point out that some of them are probably victims of the bad practices of some breeders, such as the direct breeding of parents, but it is also possible that he is suffering from a hereditary disease that has never occurred. manifested in the parents. The most common diseases are:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Gastric Torsion
- Pulmonary Stenosis
- Aortic stenosis
- Cataracts
- Von Willebrand disease
To ensure the good he alth of our Newfoundland, it will be essential to consult a veterinarian every six months and to follow his vaccination schedule religiously. In addition, we must also take care to deworm it both internally and externally, with the appropriate regularity, especially in summer.
Photos of Newfoundland
