Who Should Own A Newfoundland?

It might be a giant, but despite its large size, the Newfoundland is one of the friendliest of all dog breeds, loving both its family and any other pets that might live in its home.

The breed is patient and loving with children, and as long as visitors are welcome, the Newfoundland is quick to make friends with guests, as well. But its huge size makes the gentle giant a great guard dog, and if the family it loves is threatened, the Newfoundland will be quick to come to the rescue, placing itself between its family and what it perceives as danger.

History and Origination

Born on the coast of Newfoundland, this working dog got its start helping fisherman who worked the Canadian coastline. The dogs worked hauling nets, carrying boat lines to shore and retrieving items that fell overboard, including boat passengers. The breed has become distinguished as a water rescue dog, and has been called the St. Bernard of the water for its skills. After a 1919 incident, a Newfoundland earned a medal of honor for pulling a lifeboat carrying 20 shipwrecked passengers to safety.

Activity levels

Because of that coastal history, the web-footed Newfoundland loves to swim, and would be happiest living somewhere near water. If you don’t live near a lake or pond, providing a child’s plastic pool could provide the water fun your dog craves. Although the Newfoundland adores swimming, it doesn’t have the high energy levels of some other breeds, so your pet would be perfectly happy living in an apartment, as long as there were regular walks outside. The breed tends to move rather slowly because of its large size.

Health and appearance

The Newfoundland has a heavy, water-repellant coat and a thick undercoat that requires regular grooming. It can range in color from black with white markings to bronze, with solid black being the most common. Because of the heavy coat, the Newfoundland can tolerate cold well, but is sensitive to heat, so if you live in a warm climate, make sure your pet has ample shade and water nearby. A children’s plastic pool would be great, but an air-conditioned home where your pet can be cool and comfortable would be ideal.

Because of their large size, Newfoundlands are prone to several health problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as heart defects, so regular visits to the vet are recommended. In adulthood, this large breed can weigh from 100 to 150 pounds.

Notable Newfoundlands:

A Newfoundland named Mother Teresa starred in the recent movie “Must Love Dogs.” Other famous members of the jovial breed include Nana, the Darling family pet in the classic book “Peter Pan,” and Faithful, the dog of President Ulysses S. Grant, one of several presidential Newfoundlands. Lord Byron wrote about his Newfoundland, Boatswain, in the poem “Epitaph to a Dog.”

Fast facts:

• Newfoundlands have been used in water rescues, including the rescue of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was knocked overboard in rough seas and was kept afloat by the ship captain’s dog until help could arrive.
• Newfoundlands are very patient and loving with children, making the breed ideal for families.
• If the cost of feeding your Newfoundland is a concern, remember that as a puppy, the breed requires lots of food, but an adult Newfoundland only eats as much as a retriever.
• The Newfoundland sheds its undercoat twice a year, in spring and fall.

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