Newfoundland: temperament, size, care and health

About the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a giant of the working group, with a massive head, a broad chest and a thick, oily coat that sheds water. Adults stand around 26 to 28 inches tall, and big males can weigh 150 pounds. The usual color is black, though brown, gray and white-and-black (called Landseer) also appear. Webbed feet and a strong, rolling swimming stroke make it unusually capable in the water.

Fishermen on the island of Newfoundland used these dogs to haul nets and heavy loads and to pull people from the sea. Today the breed is kept as a family companion, and owners often join water-rescue trials, drafting and carting events.

Temperament and family life

The Newfoundland is famed for its sweetness. Most are patient, calm and affectionate, with an almost nanny-like attitude toward children, and they often lean heavily on the people they love. They are generally friendly to guests and other animals, which makes them poor guard dogs, though their size alone discourages trouble.

They want to be with their family and can become unhappy if left in the yard or alone for long periods. Swimming is a natural pleasure, and a Newfoundland may try to herd or rescue people at a pool or lake, sometimes gripping a swimmer's arm. Drool is a fact of life, particularly after drinking or in hot weather, and large, wet paws leave their mark.

Exercise and training

Adults need moderate daily exercise: steady walks, play in a secure yard and swimming whenever possible. They are not built for fast running or long hot-weather hikes, and overexertion in heat can be dangerous. Puppies should be kept from hard exercise on hard surfaces while their bones develop.

The breed is intelligent and wants to please, learning quickly when training is gentle and consistent. They are sensitive to harsh tones. Start loose-lead walking and polite greeting early, since a Newfoundland that pulls or jumps can injure people. Many enjoy carrying objects, pulling carts and water-retrieving tasks, which satisfy the breed's heritage.

Grooming and shedding

The long, dense coat requires serious attention. Plan on a thorough brushing and combing at least two or three times a week, down to the skin, to prevent mats behind the ears, under the legs and on the feathering. Twice a year the undercoat sheds heavily, and the hair gets into everything. Bathing every several weeks or months is common, and drying takes time.

The ears hang and can hold moisture, so clean them regularly, especially after swimming. Wipe the lips and chin, and trim the nails and the hair between the toes. In summer, provide cool floors, shade and fresh water, and avoid clipping the coat short without veterinary advice.

Health

The breed has a short life expectancy, often about 9 to 10 years. A serious inherited heart problem is subvalvular aortic stenosis, and breeders commonly use heart screening. Hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries and bloat also occur, and a metabolic condition called cystinuria, which can cause bladder stones, has a DNA test. Obesity worsens joint trouble. All of this is general information, so questions about a particular Newfoundland should go to a veterinarian.

History

The Newfoundland is generally traced to the island of Newfoundland, where it was bred as a working dog for fishermen. It later became admired in art and in stories of water rescues. A white-and-black variant took the name Landseer after the painter Edwin Landseer. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1886.

Is the Newfoundland right for you?

The Newfoundland suits a home with space, a tolerance for drool and hair and a climate that is not hot. It is a poor fit for those in warm regions, for people who dislike a constantly damp, hairy house or for anyone who wants a high-energy sport dog. Owners who like a similar nature on a slightly smaller frame often compare the Bernese Mountain Dog, while the Saint Bernard offers a comparable weight and a famous alpine history. The Leonberger is another large, shaggy family giant.