Newfoundland

Family: livestock dog, sheepdog, mastiff

Origin: Canada

Date of Origin: 1700s

Breed For: all-purpose water dog and fishing aid, draft

Lifespan:

Recently Used For: water rescue

Avg Size of Male: Height: 28 Weight: 130-150

Avg Size of Female: Height:26 Weight: 100-120

Temperament:

The most important single characteristic of the Newfoundland is sweetness of temperament. The Newfoundland is calm, patient, easygoing, gentle and amiable — a friend to all. If its family is threatened, however, the Newfoundland can act protectively.

History:

As its name suggests, the Newfoundland was developed on the coast of Newfoundland. Here the agreement about its origin ceases. Although it ultimately traces back to the Tibetan mastiff, no actual record exists of Tibetan mastiffs being brought to Newfoundland. Some authorities believe that it descends from the Tibetan mastiff by way of the Great Pyrenees. In 1662, the first permanent colony at Roougnoust was settled, complete with Great Pyrenees dogs. These dogs were crossed with black English retrievers belonging to English settlers. Some Husky blood may also have been introduced. Whatever the ingredients, the result was a massive water-loving, cold-resistant dog found in either a solid black or black and white coloration. The latter "Landseer" Newfoundland was only identified in 1779. The Newfoundland name predates it only by a few years, named after an individual dog called Newfoundland. The Newfoundland distinguished itself as an all-purpose water dog, hauling heavy fishing nets through the cold water and saving many people from watery graves. Its work didn't stop on dry land; here it served as a draft dog and pack animal. European visitors were so impressed that they returned to Europe with many specimens, and it is here that the breed first entered the show ring. The export of dogs from Newfoundland, along with laws forbidding ownership of more than one dog, drove the breed's numbers down in its place of origin. The breed's stronghold switched to England, and American fanciers resorted to replenishing their stock with English dogs. After World War II, the tables turned, and American Newfoundlands were responsible for reviving the decimated English stock. Recovery in both countries is now complete, and the Newfoundland is one of the more popular of the giant breeds of dogs. Although the solid black color is most identified with the breed, the black and white Newfoundlands (dubbed Landseers after the well-known artist who first portrayed them) are also popular.

Upkeep:

This easygoing dog needs daily exercise to stay fit, either in the form of a moderate walk or short romp. It loves to swim and pull, especially in cold weather. Some breeders contend that Landseers tend to be more active and need more exercise than solids. It 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. Newfs do drool and also tend to be messy drinkers.

Health:

Major concerns: SAS, pulmonic stenosis, elbow dysplasia, CHD, gastric torsion#Minor concerns: OCD, entropion, ectropion, vWD, cataract#Occasionally seen: epilepsy#Suggested tests: hip, elbow, cardiac, blood, (eye)#Life span: 8 – 10 years