Newfoundland

Breed Profile

The Newfoundland is massive, well muscled and co-ordinated, carrying himself with dignity. His expression is one of gentleness, intelligence and serenity and should never be timid or ill-tempered. Well known for his gentleness toward children, he is a wonderful family companion. He loves the outdoors, especially if he has access to water.

The Newfoundland Dog is a versatile working breed. With his strong life-saving instincts and excellent swimming abilities, he is a natural at water rescue — there are hundreds of documented cases of water rescues performed by Newfs. The Newfoundland is also used as a draft dog as well as a fisherman’s helper. Newfs can also be seen working as Therapy Dogs, Assistance Dogs, and in Search and Rescue.

His coat is flat, dense and water-resistant. The outer coat is moderately long and straight but can have a slight wave. The hair on the head, muzzle and ears is short and fine and he has a soft, dense undercoat. The traditional Newfoundland colour is black. He may also have white markings on the chest, toes and tip of the tail.

The Landseer Newfoundland is white with black markings. The preferred pattern of marking for the Landseer is a black head with white blaze extending onto the muzzle, black saddle, and black rump and upper tail. All remaining parts should be white with a minimum of ticking. The symmetry of markings and beauty of pattern characterize the best marked Landseers.

The Newf’s large size, dense coat and webbed feet help him withstand a harsh climate and sea.
 

A Brief History of the Newfoundland Dog

The Canadian Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Newfoundland Dog states that “the breed originated in Newfoundland from dogs indigenous to the island, and the big black bear dogs introduced by the Vikings in 1001 A.D. With the advent of European fishermen, a variety of new breeds helped to shape and re-invigorate the breed, but the essential characteristics of the Newfoundland dog remained. By the time colonization was permitted in 1610, the distinct physical characteristics and mental attributes had been established in the breed for all time.”

While the exact origin of the Newfoundland Dog is debated, the three most common theories are that the breed: a) evolved from the now extinct Black Wolf which was crossed with the Asiatic Mastiff; b) developed by crossing native dogs/wolves with the dogs the Vikings brought to Newfoundland around 1000 AD; or c) developed from interbreedings of Mastiffs, Sheepdogs and Waterdogs brought to North America by European explorers during the 15th and 16th centuries.

The name “Newfoundland Dog” was first used in 1775 when Mr. George Cartwright applied it to his own dog. Around the end of the 17th century some dogs were shipped from Newfoundland to Europe, mostly to England. During this time, there were two sizes for the breed known as the “Greater” and “Lesser” St. John’s Dog and both of these were shipped to Europe. It is believed that the dog known as the “Lesser St. John’s Dog” was used in the development of Retrievers while the larger one, the “Greater St. John’s Dog”, was further developed in England into the Newfoundland Dog as he is known today. The first breed club, the Newfoundland Club, was started in England in 1886. Today, the Newfoundland Dog is seen all over the world and most purebred Newfoundlands, even in Newfoundland, are descended from those born in England.

The breed was always known as a working partner to fishermen and settlers. On land, the dogs worked at pulling carts and carrying packs, hauling and delivering milk for farmers, hauling wood for construction workers, and delivering mail. On the water, they hauled fishermen nets and delivered lines. They also served, and still do today, as rescue dogs, both on shore and in the water. In 1894, a commemorative half-penny stamp was isseud to honour the breed and the Newfoundland Dog became the first animal to be commemorated by any country.
 

Health Issues

The Newfoundland, as with all breeds of dogs, is susceptible to certain health problems, from orthopedic to genetic disorders to life threatening diseases. If you are considering the adoption of a Newfoundland puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

• The NCA Breed Health Center
• Newfoundland Health Information – SAS Study (From the North Central Newfoundland Club)
• NCNC Health Glossary — From the Newfoundland Club of Northern California — A glossary designed to help educate the potentical Newfoundland owner about the various health problems that are common in the breed.
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) – Newfoundland Breed Requirements — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Grooming Information

The adult Newfoundland sheds twice a year — Spring and Fall. Regular grooming promotes good health and helps keep your Newf’s coat looking good.

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

The Newfoundland is naturally eager to please and intelligent which helps make training easy. As for all breeds, training should begin at a young age and be done with patience and consistency.

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.