This breed is fun, intelligent, and loving. If you want to know how to properly take care of your gorgeous Newfoundland dog or puppy, keep reading.
Breed Snapshot
• Size: They can weigh between 55 and 65 kg and they can get between 66 and 71 cm tall
• Coat: Their long, double-layered coat needs to be brushed regularly to ensure that it does not get tangled. They are prone to shedding in the warmer months and should be brushed more frequently during this time.
• Energy: Moderately energetic. You should walk your dog for at least 30 minutes a day if they do not have a large yard to run in often.
• Breed Type: Descendants of the American Black Wolf, Newfoundland have been bred to be a strong and intelligent dog that is energetic and has a passion for helping out when needed.
• Other Names: Newf or Newfie
• Great Breed For: Farm homes, Apartments, Families, Kids of all ages
What is a Newfoundland?
Newfoundlands are known for their loving and sweet personalities. Their large stature and playful demeanour can sometimes seem intimidating. However, this breed is really just lovable giants that enjoy being around people and showing affection to their family, especially kids. As you probably guessed, this breed originated from the island of Newfoundland. In the early 1800s, this breed was brought to England where it was quickly revered for its impeccable worth-ethic and easy-going temperament. Historically, Newfoundlands are great working dogs and have been used to help aid in water rescues and would also help fisherman bring their nets to shore in the North Atlantic. Today, these dogs are still used to help out with various tasks. But they also make great family pets and have been known to be gentle protectors.
What Do Newfoundlands Look Like?
Newfoundlands are large dogs that can weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 kgs. They have a muscular body and a large, rounded head that features a prominent snout. One of the things that stands out the most on this breed is its long, thick coat of fur that is usually dark in colour and is fairly course. Although this breed is quite large, they are also very loving and affectionate. They don’t seem to understand how big they are, and many owners have reported that their Newfoundland loves to climb in their laps.
What makes the Newfoundland Special?
Newfoundlands are known for their big hearts and loveable nature. They one of the most beloved dogs in the world because they seem to genuinely care about their owners and family. One thing that makes this dog so special is its incredible swimming ability. This breed is born with slightly webbed feet and can swim through turbulent water with ease.
How Often Should I Groom My Newfoundland?
The Newfoundland requires regular grooming to ensure that its coat stays healthy and tangle-free. The dog’s long hair needs to be brushed with a hard-bristle brush or comb at least once a week, especially around the ears and tail to ensure that no mats or tangles form.
During the warmer months, Newfoundlands are known to shed quite a lot. So, brushing should be done at least once a day during the shedding times. Also, it is important to have your dog’s nails trimmed regularly to help ensure that they do not grow too long and become uncomfortable.
How Often Should I Walk My Newfoundland?
Newfoundlands love to swim, play and be active. If they live at a home with a big yard, they can happily play outside for a few hours a day. However, because they have a thick coat, you need to make sure that your dog is able to have a shaded area to rest and cool off when they start to get hot. If they do not have a large yard to run in, they will remain happy and healthy as long as they are taken for a walk for at least 30 minutes a day.
How Do I Train My Newfoundland?
Newfoundlands are smart and energetic dogs that love to please their human companions. They are not known to be aggressive or timid, so while early socialization is recommended, it is not a vital part of the training process.
Newfoundlands are known to be all heart. They take it very personally when their owners are mad at them. So, during the training period, owners should use positive reinforcement and talk to them in a gentle, yet firm, tone when reprimanding. If you plan on having your dog do water work in the future, it is suggested that you start training them in the water shortly after they have turned four months old.
Quickfire Questions
How long will my Newfoundland live?
The average lifespan of a Newfoundland dog is anywhere between 8 and 10 years.
Can my Newfoundland be left at home all day long?
Newfoundlands are affectionate dogs that love to be around their family members. However, they are also mild-mannered and can usually be left to their own devices for several hours a day without causing mischief.
What kind of health risk do Newfoundlands have?
This particular breed of dog is known to be prone to getting urinary tract infections as well as heart disease and hip dysplasia. Because they have drooping ears, owners should also make sure to check their dog’s ears regularly for signs of infection, such as redness or tenderness.
Do Newfoundlands tend to bark a lot?
Like any breed, the Newfoundland is known to bark whenever they get excited or sense danger. However, they are not usually fearful of strangers, and while they are at home with their owners, they are usually calm and quiet.
Where Do I Get A Newfoundland?
Newfoundlands are extremely popular in North America, Europe, and Australia. There are several Newfoundland breeders in Australia and Canada. Because of their loving nature, this dog has become one of the most sought-after dogs in several countries. For this reason, some breeders charge a lot of money for their Newfoundland puppies. However, because they tend to cost a lot of money to feed, some owners end up relinquishing their dogs to animal shelters.
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