The Newfoundland Dog

The exact origins of the Newfoundland dog are uncertain, but many authorities believe it originates from the province of Newfoundland Canada, dating back to the 1700's. Its ancestry may include the Tibetan Mastiff and the Great Pyrenees. Most of today's Newfoundland dogs can trace their history back to the 1920's and in particular to one English show dog named Siki. Siki was an outstanding example of the breed as were most of his offspring. Three of his sons were imported to the United States and crossed with American Newfoundlands. Their offspring shaped the breed as we know it today, with most of today's Newfoundlands tracing their ancestry to Siki. This big friendly giant of a dog often resembles a teddy bear and has a warm loving temperament to match. It is one of the more popular of the larger dog breeds. It is a natural swimmer with a keen life saving instinct. It has a tendency to rescue anyone in the water, whether the person is in trouble or not! The Newfoundland makes a wonderful family dog, provided that its owners can deal with hair, slobber, and a very large dog. It must be taught good manners from young on. In history, a Newfoundland dog named Seaman, accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition. In show business, a Newfoundland dog named Nana was in the original Peter Pan.

The best description of the character of the Newfoundland dog is the epitaph written by Lord Byron inscribed on the grave of his Newfoundland:
Near this spot
are deposited the remains of one
who possessed beauty without vanity
strength without insolence
courage without ferocity
and all the virtues of man without his vices.
This praise which would be
unmeaning flattery
if inscribed over human ashes
is but a just tribute to the memory of
Boatswain, a dog
who was born at Newfoundland, May 1803,
and died at Newstead Abbey,
November 18, 1808.

Origin Newfoundland, Canada - 1700's.

Original Use Orginally used in cod fisheries to pull carts, drag boats and nets ashore, and carry heavyloads.

Use Today Companion, sea rescue

Temperament The Newfoundland dog is a very loyal, patient, even tempered and friendly dog. It needs and thrives on affection. It becomes very attached to its owner and can ve quite protective.

Acceptance of: Other Dogs - Good

Other Pets - Excellent

Strangers - Good
Children - Good

Watchdog Ability Average

Guard dog Ability Good

Ease of Training Very Good

Living Conditions A dog this size needs lots of room to exercise and is not suitable for city living. It was bred to work in the water as evidenced by its webbed feet. It does not do well in hot climates and should only be kept outdoors in temperate of cold climates.

Exercise It needs a lot of daily exercise. This can be satisfied by a long walk or run, or by working either on land or in the water.

Coat The Newfoundland dog has a long, shaggy, double coat lying flat to the body with a slight wave. The coat is slightly oily to protect it while swimming in cold water. The undercoat is soft and dense.

Grooming Its coat needs a lot of grooming to keep it in shape.

Colors The Newfoundland dog can be black, brown, or gray and may have some white coloration. Another color scheme is known as the Landseer. It is named for artist Sir Edwin Landseer, who featured a white and black dog in many of his paintings. The Landseer Newfoundland is a white dog, with a black head, rump, and tail. It has an evenly marked black saddle on its back.

Height and Weight Weight range is 110 to 150 pounds (50 to 68 kg) while the height range is 26 to 28 inches (66 to 71 cm). Variations may occur in individual animals.

Life Expectancy 11 years.

Group The AKC places the Newfoundland dog in the Working group.

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