Newfoundland
Other names: Newfie
The Newfoundland Dog is truly unique, both in terms of its impressive size and lovely temperament. This dog is very affectionate, protective without ever getting aggressive, sociable with everyone, loyal, trustworthy and docile. ‘Newfies’ have so many qualities that make them the ideal pet, for both children and adults. They are very intelligent, which makes their training and integration into our lives very easy. Excellent sea rescue dogs, they are always willing to put their lives in danger to save others.
Key facts about the Newfoundland
Origins and history
Some say that the Newfoundland descended from the big bear dogs introduced to America by the Vikings. Another theory is that the Tibetan Mastiff (father of all the molossoids) arrived in America from the Bering Strait, the Aleutian Islands, and Alaska, with the ancestors of the American Indians: The Newfoundland Dog therefore came from the ‘big black dog’ from the Algonquins and Sioux. This dog was used for hunting, fishing, pulling sleds, guarding, as well as keeping children company, as Professor Otis Mason recounts in his "American Indian Handbook". It is likely that these two theories are valid: the blood of Viking dogs could have been crossed with that of Indian dogs to create the Newfoundland’s ancestors.
Physical characteristics of the Newfoundland
Adult size
Female : Between 25 and 27 in
Male : Between 27 and 29 in
Weight
Female : Between 110 and 132 lb
Male : Between 132 and 154 lb
Coat colour
There are three different standards for this breed: those of the FCI, the US and Canada. Between these, it’s mainly the coat colour that changes. Therefore, depending on the variety, the coat can be black, brown, or Landseer (white and black).
Type of coat
The coat is medium-length.
The fur is flat, dense, thick and slightly oily, which makes it completely waterproof.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark brown for individuals with black and white coats. For those with brown coats, the official standards accept lighter eyes.
Description
This dog is very impressive, particularly in terms of its physical strength and high level of activity. It has a strong build, but doesn’t look intimidating. It has a large head with a subtle stop. The muzzle is small, square and covered in short, fine hair. The skull axes run parallel, while the eyes are small, brown and deep-set. The ears are small, set quite far back and flop down to frame the face. The body is robust, while the limbs are strong and muscular. The medium-length tail falls just below the hocks: it is often left down when the dog is relaxing, but more raised when it’s moving.
Good to know
The Newfoundland Dog is a great swimmer and loves being in water above all else. A very good rescue dog at sea, it has earned the nickname of the St. Bernard of the seas.
Their courage, love for others and physical abilities allow Newfies to excel in this area. Indeed, Newfoundlands have webbed feet and waterproof coats that give them unprecedented protection against cold and moisture.
This big dog is often mistaken for the Landseer, which is definitely its closest cousin. However, it’s necessary to distinguish between them as they are two separate breeds in their own right. The Landseer is taller, slimmer and has a white mark on his head.