Newfoundland Big Dogs as Loyal Companions and Family Pets

Newfoundland big dogs are natural-born companions, and it's no surprise why they've become a beloved breed for many families. They have an innate ability to form strong bonds with their owners, often becoming a loyal member of the family.

Their large size can be intimidating, but don't worry, they're gentle giants. They have a natural instinct to protect and care for their loved ones, making them an excellent addition to families with children.

Newfoundlands are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which means they can learn to obey commands and behave well in a variety of situations. With patience and consistency, they can become well-behaved and well-adjusted pets.

Their thick coats require regular grooming, but it's a small price to pay for the love and companionship they provide.

Newfoundlands are truly massive dogs, with some individuals weighing over 260 pounds and stretching 6 feet from nose to tail. Their size is a defining feature of the breed, and it's essential to consider this when caring for a Newfoundland.

In terms of weight, males typically range from 65-80 kg (143-176 lb), while females are slightly smaller, weighing between 55-65 kg (121-143 lb). However, some Newfoundlands have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb).

Newfoundlands have webbed paws, which are perfect for their water-loving nature. Their water-resistant coat is also a key feature, helping to keep them warm and dry in icy waters.

Here are the standard weight ranges for Newfoundlands:

Newfoundlands can grow up to 56-76 cm (22-30 in) tall at the shoulder, and their muscular build gives them the power they need to take on rough ocean waves and powerful tides. Their large bones also provide them with the mass they need to swim long distances.

Their coat is a thick, oily, and waterproof double coat that protects them from the chill of icy waters. This is essential for their role in water rescue and heavy labor.

Newfoundlands are prone to certain health issues, including acral lick dermatitis, hypothyroidism, and primary seborrhoea. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health.

Their large size makes them more susceptible to joint issues, such as hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament deficiency. In fact, a study found that 17.16% of Newfoundlands have hip dysplasia, the highest prevalence among all breeds.

Newfoundlands also require regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain skin health. Their thick, water-resistant coat demands attention, especially during shedding season.

A well-balanced diet is crucial for Newfoundlands, particularly during their growth phase. Adequate nutrition supports healthy bone structure and prevents joint issues, while also aiding in the prevention of obesity.

Despite their size, Newfoundlands need moderate exercise to stay healthy and content. A comfortable living space is also essential to prevent joint problems and ensure their overall well-being.

Proper nutrition can help prevent health issues common in Newfoundlands, such as hip dysplasia and obesity. A tailored nutrition plan, as advised by veterinarians, can foster the well-being of these gentle giants from puppyhood into their adult years.

If this caught your attention, see: Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems

The Newfoundland dog breed hails from Newfoundland, Canada, where they were initially bred for their strength and swimming ability to haul fishing nets.

Their lineage includes being bred from local dogs and possibly with breeds brought over by European explorers. The heavier breed, known as the greater Newfoundland, or Newfoundland, was heavily built and large with a longish coat.

The original Newfoundland that lived on the island was smaller, but it's been proposed that this smaller landrace was bred with mastiffs when sold to the English, resulting in the larger breed we know today.

See what others are reading: Terriers Originally Bred in Yorkshire

Rigel, a Newfoundland, was a canine survivor of the Titanic. He belonged to First Officer William Murdoch, who went down with the ship.

Rigel swam beside a lifeboat until the Carpathia reached the scene. He's credited with alerting the Carpathia's captain of the survivors, preventing the ship from hitting them.

The Newfoundland dog breed originated from Newfoundland, Canada, where they were bred for their strength and swimming ability to haul fishing nets.

Their early history is closely tied to the fishing industry, with fishermen and explorers from Ireland and England traveling to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland in the early 1880s.

The Newfoundland was originally bred and used as a working dog for fishermen, and two main types of working dogs were described: the heavily built Greater Newfoundland and the medium-sized St. John's water dog.

The St. John's water dog became the founding breed of modern retrievers, while the Greater Newfoundland was used to haul carts and other equipment.

It's believed that the original Newfoundland that lived on the island was smaller, but was bred with mastiffs when sold to the English, leading to the modern breed we know today.

Newfoundlands gained recognition for their remarkable rescue capabilities, loyalty, and sweet nature, embodying the spirit of the region from which they originate.

Their lineage includes being bred from local dogs and possibly with breeds brought over by European explorers, making them a unique and fascinating breed.

Consider reading: Greater Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

The Newfoundland's reputation as a courageous and lifesaving breed is well-deserved. Many tales have been told of their bravery in adventuring and lifesaving exploits, inspiring artists to portray them in various forms of art.

One famous Newfoundland, Seaman, was a true adventurer, accompanying American explorers Lewis and Clark on their three-year expedition from the Mississippi to the Pacific and back. A statue of him is included in many Lewis and Clark monuments.

The breed prospered in the UK until wartime restrictions depleted their numbers, but since the 1950s, their numbers have steadily increased in popularity.

The Newfoundland breed has a rich history of courage and heroism, with many tales of lifesaving exploits that have inspired artists to portray them in various forms of art.

Seaman, one of the most traveled dogs in history, accompanied American explorers Lewis and Clark on their three-year expedition from the Mississippi to the Pacific and back.

The breed's working role was varied, and its size and fondness for mud and water made it unsuitable as a pet for many households.

A statue of Seaman is included in many Lewis and Clark monuments, a testament to his remarkable journey and the breed's enduring legacy.

Since the 1950s, the Newfoundland's numbers and popularity have steadily increased, despite the challenges posed by its size and love of water.

The Newfoundland breed has a rich history of interbreeding with other breeds, which has contributed to its unique characteristics. This is evident in its physical traits, such as stout legs and massive heads with broad snouts, which are also found in mastiffs and Molosser-type dogs.

Newfoundlands have a strong connection to the St. Bernard breed, with many St. Bernards having Newfoundlands in their ancestry. This is due to the fact that Newfoundlands were brought to the St. Bernard breed in the 18th century to help combat a canine distemper epidemic.

Discover more: Saint Bernese Mountain Dog

Newfoundlands also share characteristics with livestock guardian dog breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees. This is likely due to their shared history of protecting and guarding.

The Newfoundland breed was used to create the Leonberger, a breed that excelled at water rescue and was imported by the Canadian government for that purpose.