by Matty Z

Created on: August 19, 2010

Dog breed facts: Newfoundland

The Newfoundland dog descends from Newfoundland Island in Canada. Newfoundlands, known by most owners as Newfies, are large, friendly, and useful dogs categorized in the working group. Male Newfies can be up to 28 inches in height while females can be 26 inches in height Males average up to 150 lbs while females can average up to 120 lbs. The coat color of Newfies is split into two categories: solid color and landeer. Solid colors of Newfie coat include black, brown and gray. The Landseer Newfie coat has a white base coat with black markings. Newfie's have a mellow affectionate temperament and are great family dogs with children and are often protective and devoted to their family.

Newfies have massive heads and long snouts. They have normal bite structure and drooping lips causing a great amount of drool to hang from it's mouth. They are naturally built for the water with their webbed feet and natural feel for the water.

Newfies have few health problems such as hip dysplasia which causes the dog mobility problems. They also have a heart condition called sub aortic stenosis which can be avoided by meticulously monitoring the dog's weight and diet. The Newfie life expectancy is ten years which is considered a good life of longevity compared to other working dogs of similar stature.

You should brush your Newfie several times per week and dry-shampoo when necessary. Frequent check ups at your preferred Veterinarian are recommended to keep you up to date on your Newfie's health. If your Newfie develops a serious medical issue, it is likely that it will be found early before it can do major harm by visiting your Veterinarian frequently.

Training is a necessity with Newfie's because without discipline, they tend to develop a dominant personality and a stubborn habit of disobeying its owner. If you wish to train your Newfie yourself, it is highly recommended to purchase a book dedicated to teaching owners how to train their Newfie. You can also hire a professional dog trainer for your Newfie which can be expensive but usually develop your Newfie into a mature well behaved dog. 

Newfies have been involved in a great deal of history. In World War II they rescued many people from the ocean and today they are dropped from helicopters and work with the coast guard in rescue missions. In the civil war, they were known as mascots and would offer young soldiers witnessing and partaking in horrific battles a sense of physical embrace and companionship. Young soldiers often became very close with Newfies who helped them cope through the stresses of war. 

Overall, the Newfoundland is a great dog if you live by the water, live in an apartment, or live in a house with children. Newfies require daily exercise. If you are allergic to dogs, disinclined in getting them trained, disgusted by drool, or are easily dominated the Newfie is not the right dog for you. If you can handle all the necessary qualities required to care for a Newfie, I recommend purchasing one. You will have a devoted, furry, fluffy, goofy, comical friend for life.

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