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Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a dog that attracts attention wherever it goes for a very specific reason: its size! This is a giant, strong, and muscular breed with a personality that doesn’t match its “tough” appearance.

These dogs are well-known for being affectionate and attached to their owners, with their gentle temperament being one of their main characteristics. This has made them increasingly popular in homes worldwide.

If you already have a Newfoundland or are thinking of bringing one into your home, keep reading! Here, we’ll cover everything from the breed’s incredible history to the essential care they need to remain happy and healthy pets.

Official Name: Newfoundland
Other Names: Terra Nova or Newfie
Origins: Originated in Canada around the 18th century
Newfoundland dog breed
Drooling Tendency:
Level of hair loss:
Care needs:
Tendencies to bark:
Compatibility with other pets:
Energy level:
Suitable for living in apartments:
Can it be alone:
Family pet:
Sociable with other animals:
Cold weather:
Hot weather:

Male

Height:
About 28 inches at the withers
Weight:
Between 130–150 lbs
Puppy age:
Up to 1 year
Adulthood:
1 to 4 years
Elderly age
8 years and older
Baby age:
Up to 8 weeks

Female

Height:
About 26 inches at the withers
Weight:
Between 110–130 lbs
Mature age:
4 to 8 years
Coat:
Long and dense
Size:
Giant
Life expectancy:
8 to 10 years

Everything you need to know about the breed

For anyone looking for a dog that combines gentleness and grandeur, the Newfoundland is the perfect choice. They have an incredible temperament, being patient, calm, and very attached to their family. Don’t be intimidated by their size—they are true gentle giants.

In addition to being excellent swimmers, these dogs love being close to their owners. They adapt well to family routines and tend to be very protective, especially around children. However, they also need space to relax and stretch out their enormous legs.

Newfoundlands are known for their intelligence and ability to learn. That said, they can sometimes be a bit stubborn, so using positive reinforcement in training is crucial. With patience and consistency, you’ll have a highly obedient companion.

It’s also essential to be prepared for the practical side: they shed a lot and require regular grooming. If you give this breed love and attention, they’ll repay you with loyalty, affection, and a constant presence by your side.

Facts About This Breed

The Newfoundland is full of unique traits that make it both fascinating and one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s their strength, love for swimming, or affectionate nature, this breed has a lot to offer. Here are some facts and curiosities:
  • Unique Swimming Ability: They’re not just good swimmers—they have a swimming motion different from most dogs. Instead of paddling, they perform a motion similar to a breaststroke, making them incredibly efficient in the water;
  • Special Feet: Their feet are webbed, a feature that enhances their swimming ability. This characteristic helps them move effortlessly in the water, making them agile and resilient swimmers. It’s as if they were specially designed for aquatic environments;
  • Golden Temperament: These dogs are incredibly calm and rarely aggressive. Their patience is admirable, especially with children and other pets. It’s as if they were programmed to spread peace and confidence wherever they go;
  • Great with Children: Many refer to Newfoundlands as “natural babysitters” due to their patience and protective instincts with children. This trait is reminiscent of the Newfoundland dog in the famous book Peter Pan;
  • Super Coat: A Newfoundland’s coat is dense and water-resistant, perfect for cold climates. It acts as a shield, protecting the dog while they brave freezing temperatures. However, it requires regular maintenance to avoid tangles and dirt buildup;
  • Impressive Size: The Newfoundland is considered one of the largest dog breeds in the world, sometimes weighing over 150 lbs (70 kg). This feature attracts many lovers of giant dogs.

History of the Breed

The Newfoundland originated on Newfoundland Island in Canada around the 17th and 18th centuries. European fishermen who settled there brought large dogs, which were then crossbred with local dogs.

The result? A strong dog, resilient to cold, that became an indispensable partner for heavy work and icy waters. From the beginning, these dogs were used for tasks like pulling fishing nets, carrying loads, and even saving lives at sea.

Their ability to swim in strong currents and endure cold temperatures made them ideal for the daily lives of fishermen. It didn’t take long for them to earn the title of “lifesaving dogs”.

Over time, the Newfoundland crossed borders and gained fame in other countries, particularly in Europe. In addition to helping with work, they won hearts with their calm and loving demeanor. Today, they are known as true gentle giants, continuing to make history as loyal companions and excellent swimmers.

Canine Anatomy

Ears:

Small and drooping, close to the head.
Head:

Large, with a broad muzzle.
Body:

Strong and muscular, ideal for heavy work.
Coat:

Long and dense, available in colors like black, brown, gray, and white with black.
Tail:

Long and thick, aiding in balance while swimming.

Things to Take Into Consideration

Owning a Newfoundland is a wonderful experience, but before making this decision, it’s essential to understand that they require special care and attention. Here are five important points to consider:

1. Calm but Protective Personality

Newfoundlands are known for their calm and friendly nature, but they are also very protective of their family. This means that while they are very affectionate, they can be cautious around strangers and will defend their home if they feel something is amiss.

2. Giant Appetite

With such a large size comes a substantial appetite! They require high-quality food in large quantities to stay healthy. Be prepared to invest in premium food and pay close attention to their nutritional needs.

3. Drooling Tendency

Newfoundlands are known for drooling a lot, especially after drinking water or physical activity. If you don’t mind a little drool here and there, that’s fine, but it’s good to keep towels handy and not be surprised by puddles around the house.

4. Sensitivity to Heat

This breed was made for the cold, and they feel uncomfortable in extreme heat. With their dense coat and body fat, they don’t handle high temperatures well. On hot days, it’s essential to ensure they have access to cool, well-ventilated spaces.

5. Overall Maintenance Costs

Maintaining a Newfoundland isn’t cheap. Besides the cost of food, you’ll need to invest in veterinary care, grooming products, and even house cleaning, as they shed a lot of hair. It’s worth planning financially before adopting one of these gentle giants.

Care for Your dog

Cleaning, Training, and Exercise Tips

Newfoundlands have dense coats that require regular brushing to prevent tangles and maintain a healthy coat. Additionally, it’s important to keep their ears clean, as moisture can lead to infections. Bathing should be done as needed, but not excessively, to preserve the natural oils in their skin.
Despite their size, they have moderate energy levels and enjoy playing and swimming, but they’re not overly active. Daily walks and water activities are ideal for burning their energy without putting too much strain on their joints. Avoid intense exercise in hot weather to prevent overexertion.
Newfoundlands are intelligent and generally easy to train, but they can be a bit stubborn. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods, so patience and consistency are crucial. Since they are gentle dogs, rewarding them with treats and affection is very effective during training.

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Newfoundland
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Samoyed
Dalmatian
Chihuahua