The Newfoundland is a large, impressive dog with a thick, water-repellent coat and a gentle, loyal nature. These dogs are very fond of swimming due to their history as fishermen’s helpers on the island of the same name in Canada. Newfoundlands are large dogs and therefore need plenty of space. The Newfoundland is an excellent working and family dog, known for its intelligence, patience, and strong bond with its family. The thick coat of a Newfoundland requires a fair amount of maintenance.
The Newfoundland originates from the island of Newfoundland, where it was used as a working dog for centuries. It assisted fishermen in retrieving nets and was known as an excellent rescue dog due to its strength and love of water. Its thick coat protected it from the cold, and its webbed feet made it an exceptional swimmer. In the 19th century, the Newfoundland was brought to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity as both a companion and working dog.
The Newfoundland has a gentle, patient, and social nature. It is friendly toward both people and other animals and is known for its calm and dependable temperament. While not protective in the traditional sense, it possesses a natural guarding instinct and a strong sense of responsibility towards its family. Thanks to its intelligence and eagerness to work, it learns quickly. However, due to its size, early socialisation and consistent training are essential.
The Newfoundland is a large and powerful dog with an imposing appearance. Its body is well-muscled, with a broad chest and straight back. The head is broad with a gentle expression, and the eyes are small and dark. Its thick, water-repellent coat comes in black, brown, and black-and-white, and requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Despite its calm nature, the Newfoundland needs daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A walk of 30 to 60 minutes per day is sufficient, combined with mental stimulation and playtime. Swimming is ideal for this breed due to its love of water and natural swimming ability. Strenuous activity, especially in warm weather, should be avoided to prevent overheating.
The Newfoundland has a dense, water-repellent double coat that requires regular maintenance. Weekly brushing is essential to remove mats, dirt, and loose hair, and during shedding seasons, daily brushing is recommended to reduce the amount of hair around the house. Its thick coat retains moisture easily, so it should be dried thoroughly after swimming or rain to prevent skin issues. The ears also need extra attention due to the risk of ear infections check and clean them regularly. Don’t forget to care for the teeth and keep the nails trimmed. With a consistent grooming routine, the Newfoundland will stay in excellent condition, both in appearance and health.
Like many large dog breeds, the Newfoundland is prone to certain health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common and can lead to pain and mobility problems. Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap shifts out of place, also occurs in this breed. Regular veterinary check-ups and choosing a responsible breeder who tests parent dogs for hereditary conditions are essential for ensuring your dog’s long-term health.
The Newfoundland has unique traits, but there are other breeds that are similar in appearance and character:
When buying a Newfoundland, it’s important to choose a recognised and reputable breeder. Make sure the breeder tests for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, and ask for health certificates for the parent dogs.
The price of a Newfoundland can vary depending on pedigree, health testing, and breeding conditions. Be prepared for high costs related to food and veterinary care, given the size of the breed.
It is always recommended to choose a responsible and recognised breeder who contributes to the long-term health and wellbeing of your new family member.
With its gentle and devoted nature, the Newfoundland is well-suited to a family that can provide calm, space, and engagement. Are you considering bringing a Newfoundland into your home? Then it’s important to understand the characteristics and circumstances needed to allow this large, friendly breed to thrive. Below are some key points to help determine if this dog is right for you:
The Newfoundland is a good match for owners who:
Because of its size and grooming needs, the Newfoundland is less suitable for people with limited space or little experience with large dogs.
Thanks to its calm and friendly temperament, the Newfoundland can be a good fit for both first-time and experienced dog owners. However, new owners should be aware of the breed’s grooming requirements and large size, which demand commitment and responsibility. With the right guidance and care, this dog can be an ideal companion for almost any family.
The Newfoundland is especially well-suited to owners with experience in handling large breeds and who are prepared to invest in its training, grooming, and health.
This blog article discusses 10 common large dog breeds with the most important characteristics associated with these breeds. Large dog breeds are dogs with an adult weight heavier than 25 kg. Interested in another breed not listed in our top 10? Then take a look at our dog breeds page.
The answer to the above question is subjective and depends on your own preference and that of your dog. We’ve made an overview of the most popular diets in every category, using our extensive range of dog foods.
If you've ever owned a dog, you'll know that every dog is unique. Dogs can have breed-specific characteristics, though, like joint or coat issues. To support these specific characteristics, Royal Canin has created special nutrition that meets the needs of individual dog breeds. Read all about breed-specific dog food in this article!
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