Consider the Newfoundland when
you are thinking about adding a family pet that is
beautiful, patient and, above all, gentle. Of
course, you may want to think about the massive size
of this wonderful breed. A pet that weighs 140
pounds and stands nearly three feet tall may not be
a good fit for the smaller home.
However, if you have the room in your home and want
a great companion for hiking and camping, the
Newfoundland may be just the right dog for you.
Experienced owners of this magnificent breed enjoy
the even temper of their pet and the devotion to
family members.
Temperament
If there is a key trait in the personality of the
Newfoundland, it has to be gentleness. Just about
every story you hear from owners of this breed
contains an anecdote or two about the loving, calm
nature of this large dog. Although the Newfoundland
is huge and very strong, these traits are naturally
directed toward ensuring the safety of family
members. The breed is one of a few that seem to have
friendship as its goal in life.
Breeding and early training
are very important to the Newfoundland, as is the
case with any purebred dog. Several owners have
related stories about abused Newfoundlands they have
taken in from a rescue shelter. In the beginning,
these dogs were difficult to live with. With time
and firm, gentle treatment, the new pets became
treasured family members. In the right home, a
Newfoundland will display the gentle, loving nature
that is so much a part of the breed.
Size and Color
The Newfoundland is most often black in color but
there are individual dogs that have beautiful bronze
coats. In addition, some Newfoundlands have brown or
gray coats. The white coat with black markings (Landseer)
is considered a different breed in Europe but is
recognized as a Newfoundland by the American Kennel
Club and other organizations.
The male of this huge breed will stand from 26
inches to 29 inches tall. The female will be about
two inches shorter. Then, adult males of the
Newfoundland breed usually weigh from 130 pounds to
150 pounds, while the female generally weighs 100
pounds to 120 pounds.
Feeding and Grooming Requirements
Some of the top breeders of Newfoundlands have found
that a consistent diet of raw foods aimed at the
specific breed is very successful. For the most
part, these breeders avoid lower-priced commercial
foods that contain large amounts of grain such as
corn, wheat, and soy. Owners of many purebred dogs
report that their pets sometimes develop skin
conditions and breathing problems with cheaper
quality commercial foods.
The key is to avoid those foods that do not contain
sufficient amounts of minerals, proteins and usable
fats that dogs need. For instance, commercial foods
of the right kind can be just fine for your
Newfoundland but you may have to do some research
and shopping around to find a brand and recipe that
suits your pet. Foods with meat as the source of
protein are usually best.
When it comes to grooming your Newfoundland, weekly
brushing is a key to maintaining a healthy,
non-matted coat. Use a hard brush but employ gentle,
long strokes. The Newfoundland undercoat, which is
usually shed in the spring and fall, will need a
little extra attention at these times. This breed
spends much of its time indoors tend to lose much of
their undercoat.
It would probably be best not to bathe your
Newfoundland unless absolutely, necessary because
bathing removes some of the natural oils that
protect the dog in damp weather and when it enters
the water. Some Newfoundland owners recommend
professional grooming for the breed.
Exercise Needs
Generally, the Newfoundland will be happy in the
house and just walking around to be with family
members. However, it would be best to give your pet
some regular exercise, even if it is just a short
walk and a few minutes in the open. The Newfoundland
will be happiest if it is given some opportunity to
swim as well.
The Newfoundland has always been a working dog.
Therefore, it is common to see some dogs of this
breed still pulling a cart or carrying a pack of
supplies on a camping trip. The Newfoundland is also
an excellent water rescue dog, so be prepared to
give your new pet some time to trot about and play
in the water.
