Newfoundland Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Working Group

The Newfoundland dog is an excellent swimmer despite its large size. Some consider it the strongest of all dog breeds, even above the Irish Wolfhound, Mastiff, or Great Dane. It has a great personality and makes a great family dog for those who have a large backyard.

History

There are lots of inconsistent stories about the origins of the Newfoundland dog. Several point out he originated from the French hound or the Great Pyrenees but almost all concur that he came from Newfoundland. In Newfoundland he was utilized as a working dog to drag nets to the fishermen and also to carry wood from the woodland. He also did hefty work, like powering the blacksmith's bellows.

Physical Features

The Newfoundland is a heavily coated, large, healthy dog that's strong, muscular, heavily boned, and deep-bodied. A great specimen of a dog.

Average height for adult dogs is twenty-eight inches, for mature bitches, twenty-six inches. Estimated weight of mature dogs varies from one hundred thirty to a hundred and fifty pounds, mature bitches from a hundred to a hundred and twenty pounds.

The external coat is rough, somewhat long, and complete, and either wavy or straight. The undercoat is dense and soft, though it is typically less thick in summer.

Acceptable Newfoundland colors are black and white, black, gray and brown.

Personality

The Newfoundland is a dog having an exceptional, courageous, generous, intelligent, peaceable and sweet temperament. A patient, calm dog, who's gentle with guests, and obedient with his master. They're very trustworthy, loyal and devoted.

Common Health Problems

Susceptible to a hereditary cardiovascular disease called sub-aortic stenosis (SAS) and hip dysplasia. Be mindful that the Newfoundland doesn't get fat.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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