Everything about your Newfoundland

  The Newfoundland is a large, strong dog breed from — wait for it — Newfoundland. He was originally used as a working dog to pull nets for fishermen and haul wood from the forest. He is a capable and hardworking dog, well suited to work on land or water. He is a strong swimmer and equally strong “pack horse.” Sweet-natured and responsive, he makes a wonderful family companion as well.
  Roundly considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, the Newfoundlander is an ideal companion. In addition to being an excellent pack carrier and guardian for children and families, the Newfie is unmatched at water rescues. In modern times, it is brought along for hiking and camping expeditions, but is also still held in high esteem by rural families in need of a working dog.

Overview

  Surely you remember Nana, the fictional Newfoundland employed as a nanny by the Darling family in Peter Pan? Sweet-natured Nana was first introduced to the public by Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie in his 1904 play, Peter Pan, which later became the well-loved kids’ story we know today.
  It’s true that Barrie’s fictional account of Nana as a round-the-clock babysitter stretches reality a bit. However, there is truth in the author’s characterization of the dog.
  The Newfoundland really is a sweet dog who loves children. He’s naturally gentle and friendly with them, as well as protective. Fans of this breed say the Newfoundland really is a natural-born babysitter.
  Originating in Newfoundland, Canada, located on the northeastern shore of that country, the Newfoundland, affectionately nicknamed “Newfie,” shares a birthplace with the popular Labrador Retriever. The breeds are similar in character, sharing a desire to please, intelligence, a strong work ethic, friendliness, adaptability and versatility.
  The Newfoundland is a giant breed (about 100 pounds). Though relatively placid, he still needs daily exercise to keep fit.

  Neat freaks need not consider the Newfoundland because his long, heavy coat is a mud-burr-dirt magnet. He is especially skilled at tracking dirt and debris throughout the house. You’ll need to keep up with quite a bit of grooming to minimize the damage. And he drools — a lot.
But when it comes to training, you’ll find the Newfoundland is an A student. He learns quickly and there is little this dog can’t do. Training should begin early because the breed gets big quickly and it can be tough to haul a 100-pound pooch off the couch.
  All dogs have the potential for heroism, but it seems to be a hardwired into this naturally strong swimmer. There are many accounts of Newfoundlands rescuing people from the cold waters of the Atlantic following a shipwreck or plucking children from icy deep water — just in time.
  Regardless of the purpose of the Newfoundland in your life, be it worker or companion, he will no doubt capture your heart.

Highlights

• The Newfoundland is a big dog when full grown. Though mellow, he’s not your basic one-bedroom apartment dog and would probably be happier in a more spacious setting.
• He has has a strong work ethic, needs exercise, and mental stimulation. Ongoing training and dog sports are a perfect outlet for his working abilities.
• If you can’t stand dog slobber, the Newfoundland is not for you. This breed drools. A lot.
• To keep the Newfoundland’s thick coat looking great, he needs regular grooming. You can do it yourself, which is time consuming, or you can hire a professional groomer, which can be expensive.
• The Newfoundland thrives in cool climates, though he can adapt to living in warmer climates. To protect him from heat stroke, keep him near air conditioning or fans when it’s really hot.
• To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a shelter dog, a rescue group, or a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.

• Newfoundlands make excellent lifeguards and can bring a drowning adult ashore.
• When living with a Newfie, drool is a part of life. Don’t believe breeders who claim to breed for “dry-mouthed” dogs.

Breed standards

• AKC group: Working
• UKC group: Guardian Dog
• Average lifespan:  8 – 10 years
• Average size:  99 – 155 pounds
• Coat appearance: Thick, long, coarse
• Coloration: Black, gray, brown and white
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Other identifiers: Broad-bodied; muscular, webbed feet; drooping jowls
• Possible alterations: No
• Comparable Breeds: Labrador Retriever, Great Pyrenees

History

  The Newfoundland comes from the Canadian province of the same name and worked alongside the fishermen of the area. Although originating in Canada, the details are sketchy.

There are three theories of how the Newfoundland came to be, though as is the case with most breeds, it’s hard to validate. The first is that the Newfoundland is a cross between the Tibetan Mastiff and the now-extinct American Black Wolf. Through the pairings of those two animals, the Newfoundland eventually evolved.

  Another school of thought is that Vikings left the dogs when they visited the New World in 1000 A.D. and these dogs interbred and were eventually bred with wolves native to Eastern Canada.

  The third theory is that the Newfoundland is the result of many European breeds cross bred around the 15th and 16th centuries, among them the Pyrenean Sheep Dogs, Mastiffs, and Portuguese Water Dogs. 

  What is known is that sometime in the late 18th century, Sir Joseph Banks, an English botanist, acquired several Newfoundlands and in 1775 George Cartwright named them. In the late 1800s, another fan, Professor Albert Heim of Switzerland identified and described the breed.

  But the existence of the Newfie, as the breed is sometimes called, was in jeopardy until then. In the 1780s, the breed was almost wiped out because of government-imposed restrictions mandating that Canadian families had to pay taxes on the one dog they were allowed to keep.

One person who contributed to the Newfoundland’s resurgence was Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-1873), who liked to include the Newfoundland in his paintings. The white and black variety of the Newfoundland was named Landseer in his honor.

  But the future of the breed was truly solidified when the Honorable Harold MacPherson (1884-1963), governor of Newfoundland, made the dog his breed of choice.

  In 1860, the first Newfoundland was shown in England. The breed was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1879 and the first American Newfoundland champion was titled in 1883.

Personality

  The Newfoundland is known for his sweet disposition. He’s like a big, loveable Teddy Bear. He loves children, is intelligent, and aims to please. He’s happiest when he is with his family, and should not be left alone for long periods of time or be banished to the backyard or a kennel.

  Like every dog, the Newfoundland needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when young. Socialization helps ensure that your Newfoundland puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

  Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

Health

  The Newfoundland, which has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years, is prone to serious health conditions such as gastric torsion, Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS), cystinuria, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), epilepsy, and elbow dysplasia, and minor issues like von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), cataract, Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), entropion, ectropion, cruciate ligament rupture. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend cardiac, eye, hip, and elbow tests for this breed of dog. Additionally, some Newfoundlands are extremely sensitive to anesthesia, and most do not tolerate heat well.

Care

  Because of its heavy coat, the Newfie does not fare well in hot weather. It should be kept outdoors only in cold or temperate weather, and in summer, the coat may be trimmed for neatness and comfort, and brushed daily to manage excess shedding and prevent the coat from matting. The dog is at its best when it can move freely between the yard and the house, but still needs plenty of space indoors to stretch properly. Daily exercise is essential, as is typical with all work dogs.

  Although its relaxed appearance might indicate that this breed would prefer to lounge around, the Newfie has an abundance of energy that needs to be spent in order for the dog to be at its top shape. Regular walks and romps in the park or in a large yard will keep the Newfie fit and content. Being large dogs, they do have larger appetites, but care must be taken not to overfeed them, as they can easily become overweight, stressing the organs extremities and shortening their lifespans.

  In the summer, the Newfoundlander is more likely to drool, since it must pant more to keep its body temperature down, owing to its size and coat. Summertime water activities are ideal, since the Newfie excels at swimming, but keep in mind that even in the winter this breed benefits from a brisk swim. Cold water swimming is what they are built for, after all. According to some breeders, the Landseers are more active, thus requiring more exercise. In fact, it is ideal for families who enjoy camping, fishing, or hiking with an enthusiastic participant and helpful furry companion.

Living Conditions

  Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Newfies prefer colder climates and do not do well in the heat. Make sure there is always cool water and a shaded place for them to lie.

Exercise

  This gentle giant is quite content to laze around the house, but still needs to be taken on a daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog’s mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. It will enjoy frequent opportunities to swim and frolic.

Grooming

  The Newfoundland has a water-resistant double coat of black, brown, gray or Landseer (white with black markings). Using a steel comb and wire slicker brush, groom the coat at least a couple times a week to prevent mats and remove dead hair.

  Newfies shed, and regular brushing will help reduce the amount of hair floating around your house. Twice a year, in spring and fall, they shed heavily, called “blowing coat.”  Plan to spend additional time brushing to keep all the hair under control.

Newfies also drool, so get in the habit of carrying around a hand towel so you can wipe your dog’s mouth as needed, especially after he eats or drinks. Bathe the Newfoundland when he’s dirty.

  The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every week or two. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Most important, keep this water-loving dog’s ears clean and dry to help prevent ear infections.

Is this breed right for you?

  Although Newfoundlands are huge in size, they do make wonderful apartment pets. They are a low-energy breed and require just enough exercise to keep them at a healthy weight. Due to their coarse coat, Newfoundlands don’t do well in warm climates. This is a lovable breed that thrives on companionship and a family atmosphere. Gentle and caring, Newfoundlands rank among the best breeds for children of all ages.

Children and other pets

  This cuddly giant is highly tolerant of children, which is important because he’s a kid magnet thanks to his size and wealth of soft fur. But he can also accidentally knock over a toddler or small child, and can appear intimidating to children who don’t know him.

  As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he’s eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.

  The Newfoundland is also easygoing and friendly with other pets, including cats and small mammals, as long as he is properly socialized and trained.

Famous Newfoundlands

• Adam: Seaward’s Blackbeard: 1984 Best in Show winner at the Westminster Dog Show
• Ava Marie : 2004 Best In Show aka “Josh” Granddaughter is a lifeguard in Goshen, NY
• Bashaw (Matthew Cotes Wyatt): The Earl of Dudley’s favourite dog, a sculpture by Matthew Cotes Wyatt can be seen at the Victoria and Albert museum in London
• Boatswain: pet of English poet Lord Byron and the subject of his poem “Epitaph to a Dog”
• Bilbo: lifeguard at Sennon cove beach in Cornwall
• Boo: saved a man both deaf and mute at ten months of age without any previous training
• Brumus: Robert F. Kennedy’s dog
  
• Brutus: first dog to complete the Appalachian Mountain Club’s “Winter 48”, climbing all 48 peaks in one calendar winter
• Bucky. Mascot of Columbia, MO-based rock band, “The Diet”
• Carlo: Emily Dickinson’s dog
• Charlie Erhart: Lyndon B. Johnson’s dog
• Darbydale’s All Rise Pouchcove (AKA Josh): 2004 Best in Show winner at the Westminster Dog Show
• Faithful: First dog of President Ulysses S. Grant
• Frank: Unofficial mascot of the Orphan Brigade during the American Civil War
• Gander: the Mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada who was killed in action at the Battle of Hong Kong when he carried a grenade away from wounded soldiers. For this he was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal retroactively in 2000.
• Hairy Man: The dog who helped Ann Harvey and her father and brother rescue 163 people from a shipwreck.
• Jeff: Wonderful gorilla-loving friend of Flagstaff, AZ; mascot of dream pop band the Sea Section 
• Luath: Landseer Newfoundland pet of J. M. Barrie and the inspiration for “Nana”, the Darling children’s nurse in Peter Pan.
• Mas: first Newfoundland dog to jump out of a helicopter Ecurel B-350 in 1992 during a joint training exercise between Scuola Italiana Cani Salvataggio, SICS, and Aeronautica Militare.
• Morse: A Newfoundland/Saint Bernard cross breed, Morse was a popular contestant on Channel 4’s Superstar Dogs.
• Smokey: Lion-styled mascot of the East Coast Bays Barracudas.
• Plato: pet of John James Audubon.
• Pluto: pet of the Croatian operatic soprano Ilma de Murska, which used to dine at table with her and was trained to eat a cooked fowl from a place setting without dripping gravy on the tablecloth. Pluto lived in the 1860s.
• Robber: dog of Richard Wagner who accompanied him on his flight from his creditors from Riga on a fishing boat, which inspired the opera The Flying Dutchman.
• Russ: last dog of Richard Wagner, buried at the feet of his master in the composer’s tomb in the park of Villa Wahnfried in Bayreuth, under his own plaque: “Here rests and watches Wagner’s Russ.”
• Sable Chief: mascot of Royal Newfoundland Regiment
• Swansea Jack: Famous Welsh rescue dog identified as a Newfoundland, but had an appearance more like a modern Flat-Coated Retriever
• Seaman: companion of explorer Meriwether Lewis
• Yogi: John Madden’s Newfoundland

Did You Know?

  A Newfoundland made an impressive appearance in the 2005 romantic comedy “Must Love Dogs,” starring Diane Lane and John Cusack. The dog, named Mother Theresa, was actually played by two Newfie puppies; director Gary David Goldberg adopted both dogs when the filming ended.

A dream day in the life of a Newfoundland

  Newfoundlands have been nicknamed “nature’s nanny” for a reason: they’re simply wonderful with kids and have a knack for caregiving. An ideal day would be spent swimming and playing with kids of all ages and sizes. Their large size makes this breed an excellent furry pillow and their sweet disposition means they are more than happy to nap by your side.