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Today we are going to talk about and present a few interesting facts about the Newfoundland dog. This breed has always appealed to a particular type of person who likes larger dogs with great loyalty and intelligence. The Newfoundland dog is a large breed, and is loved for their gentle nature along with a very fearless outlook.
In 2004, when the breed won Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show the responses from dog enthusiasts varied greatly. Many of the old school dog trainers and owners believed the Newfoundland dog did not deserve the award. Their way of thinking went something like this: this elite dog show does not need to give this award to a large dog that trots around slobbering all over the place. Sounds like these people were just jealous snobs if you ask me.
Others felt the breed deserved the award and were very pleased for the breed as well as the winning dog. Some breeders and trainers wondered if this was going to drive up the price of the pups so high many people could not afford to buy one. Whatever your opinion, there is little doubt these canines make wonderful pets.
There are three recognized coat colors for the Newfoundland. Black, bronze and black and white, commonly referred to as Landseer. They are affectionately called newfies and newfs. The color of your newf has little bearing on the personality of the dogs.
Before rushing out and bringing a Newfoundland puppy home there are a few things to keep in mind. One, they are very large dogs with the average weight coming in at 150 pounds. They require a lot of room so if you live in a small home you may want to wait until you have the room space this breed requires.
Two, this breed does not eat copious amounts of food as many would assume. They have a slow metabolism so it is common to over feed the dog until your vet puts him or her on a diet!
Three, the breed has a double layer coat. This is the result of selective breeding so the dogs can withstand the extreme cold of their native land. The coat requires a good daily brushing to keep from becoming a tangled mess.
The fourth thing any potential newf owner should remember the breed loves water and can swim as well as any other dog despite their large size. They even have webbed feet for more efficient movement through the water.
The Newfoundland dog craves love and attention, and in return will be a loyal and protector of you and your family.
Would you consider owning one of these great dogs? Please share your thoughts with our readers.
Carole Michael
May 3, 2014 at 5:24 pm
Isabella was our first Newfie and we loved her dearly. My favorite breed. She lived to be 11. We now have Winston and since he is a male, much larger, at 180lbs. He is a lover, a pleaser, wants to be with us everywhere we go; and we want him with us. He swims in our pool and when we go to our cabin in the mountains, he is in the cold, icy water, while my husband fishes for trout. What a joy he has given our life. He is a beauty and could easily been a show dog; but we just wanted him to have fun and love life. We love him very much. He is 4 years and I pray for him a long healthy comfortable life. What a dog!!!!!!
Mary Lou
Jul 20, 2013 at 4:07 pm
Unfortunately, this article has several errors. I encourage anyone interested in the Newfoundland to go to the Website of the Newfoundland Club of America (www.newfdogclub.org)for more complete and accurate information about the breed.
Becki
Jul 19, 2013 at 12:44 am
We love our Newfie. You can “like” her on facebook.
Jody
Jul 15, 2013 at 5:08 pm
our family added a newfie (bronze colored) puppy this past christmas. we couldn’t be more pleased with our darling girl minnetonka, “minne” for short. i wrote a piece explaining how a family of seven, already owners of an extra large golden retriever, adds another big dog. enjoy! eventhesparrow843.blogspot.com/2013/02/in-defense-of-dog.html
Cathy
Jul 15, 2013 at 2:44 pm
I’ve had newfs all my life. They are a wonderful breed but not for everyone. Anyone looking for a pup needs to do some serious research on all of the possible congenital defects puppies might inherit. There are a lot of good breeders out there but even the good ones sometimes will get lazy and breed a dog with borderline hips if he/she has other desirable qualities. Carefully check the geneology chart of any litter you are considering buying a puppy from. Also please consider rescue. There are a lot of great newfs in rescue for no reason other than that their owners didn’t know what they were getting into.
One more thing – there’s another AKC-recognized color, which is gray.
kathy sweet
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:09 am
DO THEY DROOL?? WE RECENTLY HAD TO PUT DOWN OUT BULL MASTIFF,HE WAS 12. LOVED HIM SO MUCH BUT HE SOMETIMES WOULD DROOL & THE SIGHT OF THAT WOULD SEND ME RUNNING TO THE BATHROOM.WHAT IS THE REASON FOR DROOLING??
Sandy
Jul 15, 2013 at 9:39 am
I have had dogs all my life and this is my favorite breed! They are so kind and gentle and do well with children small dogs and pups!!