| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
It may become your lifelong companion: the Newfoundland dog is one of the most intelligent and loyal breeds, plus they do great with children.
The Newfoundland is a very versatile dog: It adapts to numerous types of lifestyles, but strictly speaking it is not suitable to live in an apartment. That is why you should think carefully before adopting one of these dogs: you must have enough space for your dog to be happy, and like with every large dog, it is not cheap to maintain.
But let’s go step by step, starting with the origin of this giant.
Newfoundland: Origins
There are several theories about the origins of the Newfoundland dog: according to many scholars (the majority opinion), it may have originated in Newfoundland island, in Canada, where it has been bred since the 17th century, a harsh environment, where nature severely tests every creature living on this land.
This breed has been used there for its abilities, just like the Labrador: Their job was to carry the fishing nets and the ropes of boats to the coast. Now we are able to understand how these dogs have evolved and their purpose has turned into “genes”. They have been exported all around the world with the goal of turning them into true rescue dogs.
Others think that it might be a direct descendant of the legendary Tibetan Mastiff, ancestor of every molosser-type dog, which may have arrived in America with the indigenous peoples after a difficult journey through the Bering Strait, between the Aleutian Islands and Alaska. It can be argued that both theories are plausible and they both have grounds, but one does not refute the other.
Newfoundland: Temperament
It is a loving, smart, loyal, gentle, pacific dog so it is perfect to be around children. In order to display all its qualities, this dog requires, as we already mentioned, an appropriate space, but also, it needs some of our time: a Newfoundland has to be properly educated and trained continuously in front of humans, otherwise, you might get some surprises.
It is a very sensitive four-legged friend: if you had to scold it and you were rude, your dog will not forget it (they have an excellent memory) and it is possible that you waste months of training.
The Newfoundland is a bit stubborn, that is true, but this characteristic has a positive and a negative side: if you hurt it, it will remember that. But it is such a good dog that it will forgive you everything. It loves to be part of family activities, but you should be careful with children: if they climb up to your dog’s back, they might hurt it.
It needs to be taken out for walks several times a day, or otherwise, let it hang out in the garden (or a large house). However, it is a dog with thick hair, so it is prone to heatstrokes during summer. Needless to say, this breed is not suitable for those who love cleanliness: the Newfoundland drools and sheds a lot.
It is perfect as a rescue dog, for all we had mentioned, yet it is also an excellent companion dog. Nowadays, the Newfoundland breed is subdivided according to the color of its coat in three categories:
- Black Newfoundland (the most common one)
- Brown Newfoundland
- White with Black Spots Newfoundland
Newfoundland: Weight, Diseases, Life Expectancy and Diet
It is a molosser which needs large spaces to move: it is impossible to keep it in an apartment without the opportunity of burning out its energy in a backyard. A male Newfounland can weigh between 132 to 154 lb (60 to 70 kg) and a female between 100 to 120 lb (around 45 to 55 kg). Their height may be up to 30 inches (75 cm).
Since it is a big animal, its average life expectancy is 10 years: this occurs because the Newfoundland is prone to different diseases. One of the most frequent diseases is hip dysplasia.
But you should also check for arthritis. These are common diseases among large dog breeds, so from puppyhood it should be regularly examined by a vet.
This breed might suffer from gastric torsion and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Regarding its diet, it is not complicated: it must contain high levels of proteins, it should be divided into several meals a day and you should not give them all the food at once. It should always have fresh and clean water: the Newfoundlands need their water bowl at all times, because they drool a lot and may dehydrate.
Newfoundland: Price and Breeders
A Newfoundland puppy may cost, if properly raised, no less than 1100 dollars, or 1000 English pounds. If you choose to adopt a Newfoundland, you must bear in mind that it does not tolerate loneliness. It loves to have company, either people or any other animal, because it is not a self-sufficient breed.
Although it comes from remote areas, the Newfoundland breed is very popular and loved in the United States, England, Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and Scotland.
Newfoundland: Puppies For Sale
It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive.
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
If you adopt a puppy, the reliable breeder will provide you with a veterinary certificate that states that the animal has been dewormed and is completely healthy.
You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the purity of the dog’s breed. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Dalmatian
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Bullmastiff
- Irish Wolfhound
- Havanese
- English Mastiff
- Scottish Deerhound
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
- Kai Ken
