The Newfoundland comes from Newfoundland’s island. It’s the descendant of the indigenous dogs and the big black bear dogs, brought by Vikings after the year 1001. The size of a dog might be a result of big mastiff dogs, which have been brought by Portuguese fishermen.

In 1610, when the island’s colonization started, the breed already had its own physical characteristics and its natural behavior. That’s how it could resist to the rough conditions. It was used to pull fishnets and heavy equipment and also to rescue people from the water.

Black: This is the original color of the Newfoundland. They are usually entirely black but they can have a little bit of white or copper tint.

White and black: This variety is called a Landseer; black head with a black and white body.

Brown: This color shades from chocolate to bronze. It can have a little bit of white.

The Newfie has a waterproof double coat. The outer coat is of a medium length and straight while the undercoat is soft and dense. On the head, the muzzle and the ears, the hairs are short and thin. The four legs are fringed. The tail is entirely recovered from long and dense hairs.

The Newfoundland has a calm, generous and gentle behavior. It is extremely intelligent, courageous and even playful at times, it is regarded as having human emotions. Entirely devoted to its family, it makes a very good watchdog; however, it does not bark or growl to scare the intruder. It tends to place its self between its family member and the intruder. It is very good with other pets and shows a great patience with kids; it is considered to be a “born babysitter”.

The Newf is prone to hip dysplasia; you must never let a Newfoundland get fat. It also has a tendency to heart problems. It is a hereditary disease called sub-aortic stenosis (SAS). The owner of a Newfoundland should have its puppy’s heart checked at 8-12 weeks of age.

This breed has to be preferably brushed daily, but a weekly brushing is also acceptable. They moult twice a year and an extra care is required at these moments. Avoid bathing.

The obedience training should start at a young age. Due to its high sensitivity, it is unnecessary to train your Newfoundland with a harsh voice; it will not respond well. It should be trained in a calm manner.

The Newfoundland is a lazy dog, but it needs moderate exercise every day. It will always enjoy to take a walk or to go swimming. It can easily live in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Even a small yard should be enough.