Description

The Newfoundland is an exceptionally patient dog who is fits into any type of household. Newfoundland is a large and beautiful breed who rarely has a bad tempered unless provoked. Known for his love and ability to swim Newfoundland has been known to rescue drowning victims. As with any giant breed his owner will require vigilance in his raising and caring for the Newfoundland, in return he will gives his complete devotion and constant protection.

Size of Male: Height: 26-28 inches Weight: 130-150 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 100-120 pounds

Temperament

The Newfoundland is a dog with an outstanding temperament, courageous, generous and intelligent. Newfoundland is also a patient dog, mild with guests, and obsequious with its master. Newfoundland is noble, calm, gentle, loyal and trustworthy with a sweet temperament. Dignified and peaceable. Very devoted. They can become so attached to their owners that they cannot adapt to a new home. Good and brave. Intelligent enough to act on his own when needed. Protective, but tends to place himself between the intruder and his family rather than bark or growl. Newfoundland’s can recognize a dangerous situation and will generally act if the family is threatened. Any dog, other animal, child, or visitor who has no evil intention will receive a friendly welcome, however some males may be aggressive with other males. But the breed is generally good with other animals. Patient, playful, and loving with children; he is a born babysitter. Very sociable. Enjoys the outdoors, but also requires companionship. The Newfoundland drinks a lot of water and may be messy about it, as they love to get wet. They tend to drool, though not as much as some other giant breeds. Although puppies require a lot of food, an adult Newfoundland eats only about as much as a retriever. They love to swim and if backpacking near water, don’t let the Newfoundland carry your sleeping bag – or you may spend a very damp night! This breed may be slightly difficult to train. Training must be conducted in a calm and balanced manner. These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. This dog’s huge body tends to move rather slowly. Take this into account during training.

Living Conditions

Newfoundland will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Newfoundland is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Newfoundland are sensitive to heat, so provide them plenty of shade and cool water in warmer weather. However, these dogs prefer cool climates.

Upkeep

Newfoundland needs daily exercise to stay fit, either in the form of a moderate walk or short romp. Newfoundland loves to swim and pull, especially in cold weather. Newfoundland does not do well in hot weather and should be kept outside only in temperate to cold weather. It is best when allowed access to both house and yard, but it needs lots of room inside to stretch out. Its coat needs combing twice weekly – more frequently when shedding. They do drool and also tend to be messy drinkers.

Health

Major concerns: subaortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, gastric torsion

Minor concerns: Osteochondritis dissecans, entropion, ectropion, von willebrand’s disease, cataract

Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years