Newfoundlander

The Newfoundlander is a calm and social dog. These dogs are very fond of swimming due to their background as helpers of fishermen on the island of the same name in Canada. Newfoundlanders are large dogs and therefore need plenty of space. They are mainly companion dogs, which benefit from a friendly but consistent upbringing. A Newfoundlander’s thick coat requires quite a lot of maintenance. They should be thoroughly brushed at least once a week to prevent tangles and to allow sufficient air to run through the coat.

Characteristics

Country of origin: Canada

Also known as:

Body build: a large, heavily built dog

Weight: 54 - 68kg

Height: 66 - 71cm

Health risks: Aortic stenosis (subvalvular), dilating cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia

Breed description Newfoundlander

Breed group: Breed group 2, ‘Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossers and Mountain Dogs’.

Colour

Newfoundlanders can be black, dark brown or white-black. In black and white-black dogs, the eyes are dark brown. The brown dogs may have slightly lighter eyes. White-black Newfoundlanders can easily be confused with the Landseer ECT. However, this Landseer is larger, has a somewhat longer snout and is more square in build.

External Characteristics

Body

The Newfoundlander is a large, heavily built dog. Its body is longer than it is tall, making it compact and muscular. Newfoundlanders have a broad back and a deep, broad chest. At rest, the tail hangs down to, or just over, the hock. When Newfoundlanders are in action, the tail is carried higher. The legs are straight and strong, the paws large, and the dog has ‘webbed feet’ between the toes; hence, the dog is an excellent swimmer.

Average Weight

A Newfoundlander male dog weighs 68 kilos on average. A female dogs weighs 54 kilos on average.

Shoulder height average

Males: 71cm

Females: 66cm

Approach to training

These dogs need a reasonable amount of exercise to stay in shape. For a young Newfoundlander, exercise should be built up slowly so that its joints are not strained too much. One of the best ways to exercise a Newfoundlander is by swimming. Since swimming is a Newfoundlander’s natural nature and they are too heavy to exercise much on land, swimming is a great alternative exercise. Newfoundlanders should be raised friendly and consistently.

Common symptoms

Aortic stenosis (subvalvular)
Dilating cardiomyopathy
Hip dysplasia

Dog sports

As indicated earlier, Newfoundlanders are not very suitable for dog sports. However, these dogs are perfectly suited for activities in the water. For example, rescuing people and dragging boats through the water are excellent activities for a Newfoundlander.