Famous Newfoundland Dogs: History, Characteristics, and Abilities

The Newfoundland dog is a breed known for its incredible history, unique characteristics, and impressive abilities. They originated in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, where they were bred to assist fishermen and help people in distress.

Newfoundlands are massive dogs, with males weighing up to 150 pounds and standing as tall as 28 inches. Their thick coats and webbed feet make them natural swimmers.

Newfoundlands are known for their gentle nature and calm demeanor, making them a popular choice as family pets and therapy dogs. Their intelligence and trainability also make them excel in roles such as search and rescue work.

In addition to their impressive physical abilities, Newfoundlands are also highly intelligent and easy to train.

Newfoundland dogs are truly massive, with males reaching a height of 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 150 pounds.

Their strong, muscular bodies are a result of their large bones and powerful musculature, which gives them the strength and stamina to take on rough ocean waves and powerful tides.

Their coats are a defining feature of the breed, with a dense, water-resistant double coat that comes in various colors, including black, brown, gray, and Landseer (black and white).

Newfoundland dogs are quite the sight to behold, with their impressive size and stature. Males can reach a height of 28 inches at the shoulder.

Their strong, muscular bodies are covered in a dense, water-resistant double coat that comes in various colors, including black, brown, gray, and Landseer (black and white).

Newfoundland dogs have webbed paws, which make them strong swimmers. This is due to their physical characteristics, such as their flat, water-resistant coats and coarse outer coats.

Their coats are also waterproof, thanks to their oily and thick undercoats. This helps protect them from the chill of icy waters.

Males normally weigh between 65-80 kg (143-176 lb), while females weigh between 55-65 kg (121-143 lb). Some Newfoundlands have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb).

Their extremely large bones give them mass, while their large musculature gives them the power they need to take on rough ocean waves and powerful tides.

You might like: Dog Names for Strong Dogs

Newfies are a big furry blend of a bunch of breeds, related to the Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, and the now-extinct St. John's Water Dog, among others.

Their size is quite impressive, making them a great companion for active singles or families with or without kids, who don't mind dog hair.

They're known to be loyal, loving, intelligent, easy to train, and friendly, which makes them an excellent addition to any family.

Newfies originally bred to be cold-water working dogs, proving excellent at retrieving fishing nets, passing messages, and even rescuing overboard sailors.

Related reading: Newfoundland Dog and Golden Retriever

The Newfoundland breed has a rich history that spans centuries. Originally bred and used as a working dog for fishermen in Newfoundland, the breed was first described in the early 1880s by fishermen and explorers from Ireland and England.

The breed was known to have two main types: the greater Newfoundland, which was heavily built and large with a longish coat, and the lesser Newfoundland, or St. John's water dog, which was medium-sized and smooth-coated. The greater Newfoundland was used to haul carts and other equipment, while the lesser Newfoundland was used to pull fishnets.

It's believed that the original Newfoundland was smaller in size and was bred with mastiffs when sold to the English, resulting in the larger breed we know today. This theory suggests that the smaller landrace was popularized to become what is thought of as a Newfoundland.

The breed's existence faced a threat in the late 18th century due to government-imposed restrictions that mandated Canadian families to pay taxes on the one dog they were allowed to keep. This led to a near-extinction of the breed until Professor Albert Heim of Switzerland identified and described the Newfoundland, contributing to its preservation.

The breed's future was further solidified when the Honorable Harold MacPherson, governor of Newfoundland, chose the Newfoundland as his preferred breed. The breed was officially registered with the American Kennel Club in 1879, and by 1883, the first American Newfoundland champion had earned its title.

Newfoundlands have a long history of traveling across the ocean from France to Eastern Canada aboard fishing boats, and it's believed that the breed descends from Pyrenees sheepdogs and black, curly-coated retrievers. This history is evident in the breed's excellent swimming abilities and its original purpose as a working dog.

Consider reading: Food Alternatives for Dogs

Newfoundlands are known for their sweet and gentle nature, but they also have a protective side. They're not considered watchdogs, but they will defend their loved ones, including children.

Their imposing size and deep, loud bark make them perfect guardians. However, they need supervision to avoid accidentally knocking small kids over.

Newfies are naturally protective of their family, and they'll often go to great lengths to keep them safe. This is why they're often referred to as a "nanny dog" - they're patient and even-tempered, making them an ideal companion for families with kids.

Early socialization is crucial for Newfoundlands to develop their protective instincts in a positive way. This means exposing them to various people, environments, and experiences from a young age.

Newfies are eager to please, which makes them easy to train. By focusing on positive reinforcement, you can help them become polite and well-mannered companions.

As a Newfoundland owner, you'll quickly realize that grooming is a big part of their care. Newfies have a thick, water-resistant double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year, especially during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Regular brushing is a must, and we recommend using a sturdy double-sided brush with metal pins to tackle thick mats and tangles.

To keep your Newfoundland's coat looking its best, brush them two to three times a week, and bathe them every one to two months. Don't forget to trim their nails monthly to prevent painful tears and other issues. Regular ear checks are also essential to identify redness, odor, or signs of infection.

Newfoundlands are prone to certain health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and obesity. Regular veterinary checkups and preventive care are crucial to maintaining their overall health. Here are some common health issues to be aware of:

Newfoundlands have a thick, water-resistant double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year, especially during the spring and fall shedding seasons.

You'll need to brush your Newfoundland regularly to prevent matting and tangling, with a sturdy double-sided brush being the best tool for the job. The brush should have metal pins for tackling thick mats and a soft side for restoring fur shine by redistributing oils.

The Newfoundland's coat color can vary, including solid black, brown, gray, or Landseer (white with black markings). Proper coat maintenance involves brushing two to three times a week, while bathing should be done every one to two months.

Muddy paws, entangled leaves or burrs, and feces on the hindquarters are just a few of the dirt and debris issues you can expect with a Newfoundland. Regular nail trimming is also essential to prevent painful tears and other issues.

Weekly ear checks are crucial to identify any signs of infection or redness, and should be done with a gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner on a cotton ball.

Newfoundlands are prone to certain health issues, and it's essential to be aware of them to ensure your furry friend lives a happy and healthy life. Regular veterinary checkups and preventive care are crucial, especially for large breeds like Newfies.

Their big appetite requires careful monitoring to prevent obesity, which can lead to various health problems. Newfies are also at greater risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate injuries, and bloat.

Some common health issues in Newfies include allergies, bloat, cataracts, cruciate injuries, cystinuria, ear infections, hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, pyometra, and skin problems. It's not a comprehensive list, but being aware of these potential issues can help you take proactive steps to prevent or manage them.

Newfies are also susceptible to certain life-threatening conditions, such as gastric torsion (bloat) and heart problems. Heart conditions, especially dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), can lead to congestive heart failure later in life.

Here are some key health issues to watch out for in Newfies:

By being aware of these potential health issues and working with a responsible breeder and veterinarian, you can help ensure the well-being of your Newfoundland companion. Regular veterinary checkups, preventive care, and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing or managing these health issues.

Newfoundlands were bred to work in water and on land, making them a versatile breed that excels in various tasks.

Their original job was to pull in nets for fishermen in their homeland of Newfoundland, and they still do this work today. They're also used for hauling wood, pulling carts, and other heavy tasks.

In fact, Newfoundlands are still used as working dogs in various capacities, and their athleticism makes them well-suited for sports like obedience, tracking, carting, and drafting.

Newfoundlands are famous for their water rescue abilities, and they were even used to rescue people who fell in the water, including a notable instance where a Newfoundland saved Napoleon Bonaparte's life.

To channel their working abilities, engaging in training and dog sports is an ideal way to keep them happy and active.

Newfoundlands have a rich history of being part of the foundation stock of other breeds, including the Leonberger and the Moscow Water Dog. They were also used to help save the St. Bernard breed from an epidemic of canine distemper in the 18th century.

Many St. Bernards have Newfoundlands in their ancestry, and they share many physical characteristics with mastiffs and Molosser-type dogs. Newfoundlands were introduced to the St. Bernard breed to help strengthen it.

Newfoundlands also share characteristics with livestock guardian dog breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, due to their strength and sturdy bone structure.

Newfoundlands have a rich history of breeding and have been influenced by other breeds over time. They share many physical traits with mastiffs and Molosser-type dogs, such as stout legs and massive heads.

The St. Bernard breed has Newfoundlands in its ancestry, and in fact, many St. Bernards have Newfoundlands as part of their pedigree. This is due to the introduction of Newfoundlands to the St. Bernard breed in the 18th century to help combat a canine distemper epidemic.

Newfoundlands also share characteristics with livestock guardian dog breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees. They were strong enough to be part of the foundation stock of the Leonberger, a breed that excelled at water rescue.

Discover more: Dog Breeds Watch Dogs

Newfoundlands have a diverse ancestry, with some breeds including the Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and the now-extinct St. John's Water Dog. They were originally bred to be cold-water working dogs, and their ancestors have played a significant role in shaping the breed's history.

Their strength and intelligence have made them a valuable asset in various roles, from retrieving fishing nets to rescuing sailors.

Napoleon the Dog was a highly trained and famous Newfoundland who lived in the mid-19th century. He was a star attraction in Van Hare's Magic Circus, performing a variety of tricks and stunts that left audiences amazed.

Napoleon was known as the "Thousand Guinea Dog Napoleon" or "Napoleon the Wonder Dog", and was trained to perform a range of tasks, including jumping, dancing, and even playing cards. He was a natural performer and quickly became a crowd favorite.

At the peak of his fame, Napoleon's performance was described in London's Illustrated Sporting News and Theatrical and Musical Review as a must-see event, with his owner, G. Van Hare, backing him at 100 to 1 on a trick card game. He even spelled out his own name and that of the Prince of Wales with letters, and performed a trick where he would disappear and reappear.

Napoleon's death was announced in several British newspapers, including the Sheffield Daily Telegraph, which praised him as a "noble specimen of the Newfoundland breed" and noted that he was being preserved and mounted by the celebrated naturalist, Mr. Edwin Ward.

There's a dog named Laika, who holds the title of "Dog of the Century" in Russia. She was a stray dog who was chosen for a space mission in 1957.

Laika's story highlights the importance of recognition in relationships. Her fame stems from her pioneering role in space exploration.

In the past, dogs were often used in space research to test the safety of space travel for humans. Laika's mission was a significant milestone in this area.

The title of "Dog of the Century" is a testament to Laika's enduring impact on society.