Main Index
In Store
Our Web Store
Miniature Schnauzer Picture Gallery
Latest Dog Blogs
- What Are The Basic Commands To Train A Dog?
- PaySafe As The Most Popular Type Of Deposit
- Everything You Need To Know About Pet Sales
- Dogs Contribute To Our Physical And Mental Well Being
- How To Choose Where To Bet On Greyhounds In 2022
- Volunteer With Animals - How To Help Dogs Around The World
- Basic Understanding Of The House Edge
- Why You Should Get A Dog
- Top 20 Popular Dog Names Around The World
- Constipation in Dogs and How to Find Solutions
The Newfoundland Dog Breed Profile
- 23/11/2010
Description: The Newfoundland is a large, massive dog of immense strength. It is said to be even stronger than such dogs as the Great Dane and English Mastiff. The Newfoundland dog measures 27 to 29 inches at the withers, with the bitch 2 inches less. The male will weigh 130 to 150 (or more) pounds with the female weighing 100 to 120 pounds. The Newfoundland has a long, heavy, water-proof coat that is usually black, but sometimes brown or grey. The feet of this dog are webbed, to aid in swimming, as it is a dog that loves the water. The Newfoundland usually lives for only 8 to 10 years. It is also called the Newf or the Newfie.
History: The Newfoundland had its beginnings in Newfoundland, Canada. It is believed to be descended from an indigenous dog, the St. John's Water Dog, and the black bear dog that the Vikings brought to the New World with them. It is known, that whatever its early ancestry, it did cross with Mastiffs brought over by fishermen from Portugal. Used to help the fishermen, the Newfoundland would haul in heavy nets and help bring boats to shore. This dog has excelled in rescuing people from the water and is powerful enough to swim in heavy tides and high waves. The Lewis and Clark Expedition was accompanied by Lewis' Newfoundland, Seaman.
Temperament: The Newfoundland is justly famous not only for its strength, but also for its loving and gentle disposition. This is a calm dog that is quiet in the house. The Newfoundland is very good with children, although some care should be exercised because of the dog's great size. It is very loyal and devoted to its family and is easy to train. This dog is not likely to initiate a biting attack with an intruder, but will content itself with holding the person or positioning itself between the intruder and its family. This is a Mastiff breed characteristic. The Newfoundland will get along without problems with other household dogs or other pets.
Health Issues: The Newfoundland can be subject to hip and elbow dysplasia. This breed can also develop bladder stones, which will usually have to be removed surgically. The most serious health problem is subvalvular aortic stenosis, a serious heart condition that can affect even young dogs. As with most large dogs, the Newfoundland can be stricken with bloat. A quiet time after small meals can help prevent this, but if it does occur, the dog must be taken to a veterinarian immediately to save its life.
Grooming: The thick coat of the Newfoundland must be carefully brushed every week. During the spring shed, the heavy undercoat must be brushed out. The volume of hair produced will often be astounding, almost taking up as much space as the dog itself. The dog should not be shampooed as this might remove the oils that contribute to the waterproof coat.
Living Conditions: While it is said that the calm and gentle Newfoundland can live in an apartment, the size of the dog and the fact that it prefers cold temperatures should provoke thought. This dog will probably be best suited to living in a house with a yard. While not the most active dog, the Newf does need daily exercise. This dog bonds strongly with its human friends and does best and is happiest when with its family. A family that enjoys outdoor activities, especially those involving water will probably be the best owners for this dog. Fishermen or hunters or people engaged in winter sports will find this dog a perfect companion.
Please Help Us
IrishDogs.ie takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters because it might well be your perspective, too.
Our future could be much more secure with your help. Please SUPPORT us by clicking on the Donate Button at the Top Right of your screen.
Quick Search
Donate
Latest Dog Pods
- Tips on How to Stop Your Dog from Biting
- Beware - Not All Advertised Dog Rescues Really Are! How Can You Know The Truth?
- Helpful Tips For Dog Obedience Problems
- How to Keep Dogs From Eating Poop
- Dog Grooming Tips - A General Overview of the Very Basics of Dog Grooming
- Recognising Different Types of Dog Obedience Problems
- 5 Important Tips On Feeding A Puppy