Learn about a Dog Every Day - The Newfoundland Dog

The Newfoundland Dog, is a large dog breed, and the following is a detailed description of it:

Basic Characteristics

• Body size: The Newfoundland Dog is huge, usually weighing no less than 70 kilograms, and the shoulder height of males is usually between 66 and 71 centimeters, while that of females is also roughly in this range. Its body is strong and muscular, with heavy bones and an overall appearance of stoutness without being bulky.
• Coat: The Newfoundland's coat is divided into two layers, with the undercoat being soft and waterproof, and the outer layer being long, dense and stiff. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and white with black spots.
• Head: The head is broad and heavy, with a short, square nose and muzzle covered with short, fine hairs. The eyes are small and sunken, bronze or dark brown in color. The ears are small, with the roots of the ears at the back and lying flat.
• Body structure: Thick chest, flat back, extremely strong loin. Strong limbs, straight forelimbs, hind limbs with trimmed hair, feet large and wide with distance between toes for swimming. The tail is thick, covered with hair and somewhat curved.

 

Character characteristics

• Mild temperament: Newfoundland dogs are cheerful, gentle, elegant and soft, no bad temper, is a pacifist.
• Loyal and affectionate: very loyal to its owner, it is a affectionate companion dog and the guardian and playmate of children.
• Smart and easy to train: The Newfoundland is smart and easy to train, and the skills taught by the owner can always be easily mastered by it.

 

Origin and History

• Origin: The Newfoundland Dog is native to the island of Newfoundland on the east coast of Canada.
• Breed origin: there are many opinions about the origin of the Newfoundland dog breed, one believes that it is a cross between the local breed and the 17th century Basque fishermen brought to North America Pyrénées big dogs and breeding; another believes that its ancestor is the Great White Bear Dog or the French Hound (a kind of wild boar hunter's dog), was brought to the coast of Newfoundland by the Basque people. What is agreed upon, however, is that the home of this dog is Newfoundland, and that it was fishermen who brought its ancestors from the continent of Europe to Newfoundland.

 

Uses and Work

• Working Dogs: The Newfoundland is a multi-purpose dog that can be trained to pull and drag on land; in the water, it specializes in swimming, and was initially used to pull nets and boats, and was also used to assist in emergency rescues along the coast, where it would save anyone who fell into the water. Therefore, it is also known as the “canine lifeguard”.
• Companion Dog: Besides being a working dog, the Newfoundland is also an excellent companion dog, and its gentle personality is perfect for children.

 

Feeding and Care

• Diet: Newfoundland Dogs are very active and need a lot of meat to supplement their nutrition. At the same time, clean drinking water should be supplied for a long time.
• Coat Care: Regular combing of the coat, at least 23 times a week, is needed to help remove dead hair and prevent knots. Regular bathing, usually once every 12 months is appropriate, using a mild pet-friendly body wash.
• Exercise: Newfoundlands need enough space to move around and rest, and are not suitable to be kept in narrow spaces, such as crowded cities.
• Environment: Adapt to cold climates, but also need to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat. In summer, keep the room well ventilated and provide enough drinking water; in winter, provide a warm resting place.

 

To summarize, the Newfoundland is a large breed of dog with a huge size, gentle temperament, loyal and affectionate, intelligent and easy to train. It is an excellent working dog as well as an outstanding companion dog, and is very popular among people.