Description: The Newfoundland is a large, massive dog of immense strength. It is said that he is even stronger than dogs like the Great Dane and the English Mastiff. The Newfoundland dog is 27 to 29 inches at the withers, with the bitch 2 inches shorter. The male will weigh 130 to 150 (or more) pounds and the female will weigh 100 to 120 pounds. The Newfoundland has a long, heavy, waterproof coat that is usually black, but sometimes brown or grey. The feet of this dog are webbed, to help him swim, since he is a dog that loves water. The Newfoundland generally lives for only 8 to 10 years. It is also called Newf or Newfie.

History: Newfoundland had its beginnings in Newfoundland, Canada. It is believed to be descended from an indigenous dog, the San Juan Water Dog, and the black bear dog that the Vikings brought to the New World with them. Whatever its early ancestry, it is known to have interbred with mastiffs brought by fishermen from Portugal. Used to assist fishermen, the Newfoundland would pull heavy nets and help bring boats to shore. This dog has excelled at rescuing people from the water and is powerful enough to swim through strong tides and high waves. Lewis and Clark’s expedition was accompanied by Newfoundland, Lewis’s sailor.

Temperament: The Newfoundland is justly famous not only for his strength, but also for his loving and gentle disposition. This is a calm dog that is calm in the house. The Newfoundland is very good with children, although some care must be taken due to the dog’s large size. He is very loyal and devoted to his family and is easy to train. This dog is not likely to initiate a biting attack with an intruder, but will be content to hold the person or position himself between the intruder and his family. This is a characteristic of the Mastiff breed. The Newfoundland will get along easily with other domestic dogs or other pets.

Health Issues: Newfoundlands can be subject to hip and elbow dysplasia. This breed can also develop bladder stones, which will usually need to be removed surgically. The most serious health problem is subvalvular aortic stenosis, a serious heart condition that can affect even young dogs. As with most large dogs, the Newfoundland can suffer from bloat. A quiet moment after small meals can help prevent this, but if it does occur, the dog should be taken to a vet immediately to save its life.

Grooming: The Newfoundland’s thick coat should be carefully brushed weekly. During the spring shed, the thick undercoat should be brushed out. The volume of hair produced will often be staggering, taking up almost as much space as the dog itself. The dog should not be shampooed, as this could remove the oils that contribute to the waterproof coat.

Living Conditions: While it is said that the calm and placid Newfoundland can live in an apartment, the size of the dog and the fact that it prefers cool temperatures should give you pause. This dog is probably best suited to live in a house with a garden. While not the most active of dogs, the Newf needs daily exercise. This dog bonds strongly with his human friends and does best and is happiest when he is with his family. A family that enjoys outdoor activities, especially those that involve water, are probably the best owners for this dog. Fishermen or hunters or people who practice winter sports will find in this dog a perfect companion.