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Newfoundland dog

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog newfoundland dog!

Here, you will find all the useful information about newfoundland dog. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

Originally from the North American continent, the exact origins of the Newfoundland dog remain largely mysterious. The necessary crossbreeding for its development remains rather unclear. Its name is inherited from its place of origin, the island of Newfoundland, situated off the Canadian coast.

Several accounts suggest that it descends from the Great Black Bear Dog, a breed introduced to the American continent by Vikings around the 12th century. Over the centuries, humans selected and refined this breed to give rise to the Newfoundland dog we know today. In the 17th century, its primary role was to retrieve heavy fishing nets filled with fish near ports, facilitating the work of sailors. Subsequently, it found its place as a guard or herding dog.

Today, the Newfoundland dog is primarily raised as a companion animal, but its tracking talents are utilized for mountain rescue operations. Its thick coat and airy undercoat allow it to easily float on the water's surface, and its swimming abilities make it an efficient rescuer in aquatic environments.

In 1923, an initial standard was established and officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), followed by the International Canine Federation, which registered it as a distinct breed on August 4, 1954. The current standard was last revised on October 29, 1996.

The Newfoundland dog belongs to the category of giant-sized dogs. Its measurements are impressive, and its stature is imposing. It is a robust and solidly built animal, from its nose to the tip of its tail. Its body length is equal to its height at the withers, giving it a square silhouette. However, in females, a slight increase in body length can be observed. Its limbs are thick, powerful, and straight, with broad and muscular shoulders, coupled with a deep, ample chest and well-sprung ribs.

Its head is massive and round, with a square and moderately long muzzle. The nose is strong, and the stop is visible but not excessive. Its relatively small, triangular ears are positioned on the sides of its domed skull, with rounded tips. Its tail is broad and thick at the base, descending along its hind legs. It rises and forms a plume when in motion. Its coat is long, waterproof, and abundant, with a silky texture. The coat is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and is always accompanied by a dense undercoat. The three colors allowed according to the breed standard are black, white and black, as well as brown.

Above all, the Newfoundland dog is an excellent working dog, designed and developed to be useful. It is remarkably close to humans and fully engages in all tasks entrusted to it. Robust, courageous, and enduring, it is a dynamic and reliable partner, endowed with a strong protective instinct. This quality makes it an expert in rescue and guarding. Calm and obedient, its training is easy to implement. Always attentive to its owners, it is an extraordinary family companion.

The Newfoundland dog harbors unconditional affection for its loved ones. Consequently, it struggles with solitude and the absence of its owners. The need to be surrounded is a significant characteristic of its personality. Despite its extraordinary dimensions, it remains benevolent and gentle, especially with children, whom it watches over attentively without ever being harsh.

An excellent guard dog, its mere presence is dissuasive due to its imposing size, causing potential intruders to think twice before approaching. Benevolent and closely bonded with its family, it might be cumbersome, but it is also incredibly endearing.

As adults, Newfoundland dogs weigh between 60 kg (132.2 lb) and 80 kg (176.3 lb) for males, and between 55 kg (121.2 lb) and 65 kg (143.3 lb) for females. Their average height at the withers is around 71 cm (28 inches) for males and 66 cm (26 inches) for females.

Origins

The Newfoundland is a breed of dog originating from the island of Newfoundland, located off the east coast of Canada. The ancestors of the Newfoundland are likely working dogs brought by European settlers in the 17th century. These dogs were crossed with local breeds to produce a sturdy dog capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and demanding tasks. The Newfoundland was originally used to assist fishermen, particularly in pulling fishing nets, carrying heavy loads, and rescuing people from drowning. Its double waterproof coat and strong build make it an excellent swimmer and tireless worker in the water. Today, the Newfoundland is recognized for its skills in water rescue, gentle temperament, and loyalty to its family.

History

The history of the Newfoundland dates back several centuries, when European fishermen established colonies on the island of Newfoundland. Used for their exceptional abilities in the water, these dogs helped retrieve fishing nets and save stranded sailors. In the 19th century, the Newfoundland gained popularity in Europe, particularly in England, where it was appreciated for its rescue abilities and friendly temperament. Several famous figures, including British writer Sir Walter Scott and painter Edwin Landseer, contributed to the breed's reputation through their works and writings. The Newfoundland also played a significant role in both world wars by helping save soldiers and transport supplies. Today, the breed is recognized for its aquatic rescue skills and is often used by rescue teams.

Standard

The standard of the Newfoundland breed is defined by several international canine clubs, including the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). According to this standard, the Newfoundland is a large dog, with a strong and robust constitution. Males typically measure between 71 and 76 cm at the withers, while females measure between 66 and 71 cm. The weight ranges from 50 to 70 kg for males and from 45 to 60 kg for females. The Newfoundland has a massive head with a square muzzle, small dark eyes, and triangular, hanging ears. Its coat is double, with a dense undercoat and a waterproof outer layer. Accepted colors include black, brown, gray, and black and white. The standard emphasizes the balance between power and gentleness, a characteristic of this breed.

Physical characteristics

The Newfoundland is a large dog with a robust constitution. Males measure between 71 and 76 cm at the withers and weigh between 60 and 70 kg, while females measure between 66 and 71 cm and weigh between 45 and 55 kg. The Newfoundland's coat is dense and double, with a thick undercoat and an waterproof outer layer. This characteristic allows him to swim efficiently and withstand cold and humid climates. The most common coat colors are black, brown, gray, and black and white (also called Landseer). The Newfoundland has a massive head with a square muzzle, small dark eyes, and triangular-shaped drooping ears. His paws are webbed, which contributes to his excellent swimming abilities. All of these physical characteristics make him an imposing yet graceful dog.

Character

The Newfoundland is known for its exceptionally gentle and kind character. It is often described as a "gentle giant" due to its calm and affectionate nature. This dog is extremely loyal to its family and shows great patience, making it ideal for households with children. It is also very intelligent and easy to train, although it can sometimes be a bit stubborn. The Newfoundland is naturally protective and courageous, making it an excellent guard dog, although its friendly nature makes it non-aggressive. It generally gets along well with other pets and is known for its ability to remain calm and composed in various situations. In short, the Newfoundland is a loyal, loving, and devoted companion who brings a lot of joy to those around it.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of a Newfoundland generally ranges between 8 and 10 years, although some individuals can live longer with proper care. Like many large breeds, the lifespan of a Newfoundland is relatively short compared to smaller dogs. To maximize the Newfoundland's lifespan, it is crucial to provide balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care. Preventing common diseases and paying attention to early signs of health problems can also help extend the dog's life. Due to its size, the Newfoundland is prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart problems, and gastric torsion, requiring careful monitoring throughout its life.

Exercise and activity needs

The Newfoundland is an active dog that requires regular exercise to maintain its physical and mental health. Despite its large size, it is not hyperactive, but it needs daily walks and time to play and expend energy. Physical activity is essential to prevent obesity, a common problem in large dogs. The Newfoundland excels in aquatic activities due to its love for water and its natural swimming abilities. Regular swim sessions are ideal for him. It is also important to mentally stimulate this intelligent dog with interactive games and training sessions. In general, planning about 1 to 2 hours of activity per day, including walks and games, is recommended to meet the exercise needs of the Newfoundland.

Recommended diet

The Newfoundland requires a balanced and high quality diet to support its large size and level of activity. It is recommended to give it a large breed dog food, rich in proteins and essential nutrients. The daily ration should be divided into two or three meals to prevent digestive problems such as stomach torsion. Monthly food costs for a Newfoundland can vary between 80 and 150 euros, depending on the quality of food and the specific needs of the dog. It is crucial to monitor its weight and adjust portions accordingly to prevent obesity. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can also be beneficial for joint health, especially in older dogs.

Training and obedience

The Newfoundland is an intelligent and eager to please dog, which makes training and obedience easier. However, its imposing size and strength require consistent training and early socialization to ensure appropriate behavior. Positive training methods, based on reward and motivation, are most effective for this breed. The Newfoundland responds well to praise and treats, which can be used to reinforce desired behaviors. Patience and consistency are essential, as this dog may show some independence despite being generally easy to train. Basic obedience, leash walking, and recall commands are crucial aspects to teach from a young age. Additionally, due to its natural rescue instinct, the Newfoundland can benefit from specific training in water rescue.

Behavior with children

The Newfoundland is known for its exceptionally gentle and protective behavior towards children. This dog is often described as a "gentle giant" because of its patient and tolerant nature. It is very loyal to its family members and shows great patience towards young children, making it an excellent family companion. However, due to its large size, it is important to supervise interactions between the Newfoundland and very young children to avoid any accidental mishaps. Teaching children how to interact respectfully with the dog is also crucial for establishing a harmonious relationship. In summary, the Newfoundland is an affectionate and devoted dog, who fits perfectly into a home with children, bringing love and protection to the whole family.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Newfoundland is generally compatible with other pets thanks to its gentle and sociable temperament. It gets along well with other dogs and can peacefully coexist with cats and other small animals if properly socialized from a young age. Early socialization is essential to ensure that the Newfoundland develops appropriate behaviors towards other animals. Its working instinct and non-aggressive nature make it unlikely to provoke conflicts. However, due to its large size, it is important to monitor the initial interactions to avoid any awkward or unintentionally rough behavior. In summary, with proper socialization and introduction, the Newfoundland can be an excellent companion for other pets, contributing to a harmonious home.

Grooming needs

The Newfoundland has a dense double coat that requires regular grooming to stay healthy. It is recommended to brush its coat at least two to three times a week to prevent knots and tangles. During shedding periods, usually in the spring and fall, daily brushing may be necessary to manage hair loss. In addition to brushing, regular baths are essential to maintain the cleanliness of the coat, using shampoos specially formulated for dogs. Ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections, and nails should be trimmed about once a month. Finally, special attention should be paid to dental hygiene to prevent dental problems. Regular grooming contributes to the overall health and well-being of the Newfoundland.

Health

The Newfoundland is subject to several health problems due to its large size and genetics. Common conditions include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy, and orthopedic problems such as cruciate ligament rupture. Eye disorders, like entropion and ectropion, can also affect this breed. Additionally, the Newfoundland is prone to bloat, an emergency condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Monitoring weight to avoid obesity, which can worsen joint and heart problems, is crucial. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise are essential to maintain the health of the Newfoundland. Finally, health tests before breeding are recommended to reduce the risk of transmitting hereditary conditions.

Average price

The average price of a Newfoundland puppy can vary considerably depending on various factors such as lineage, breeder reputation, and geographic location. Generally, the cost of a Newfoundland puppy ranges between 1500 and 2500 euros. Puppies from champion bloodlines or parents with health testing history can cost more, sometimes reaching up to 3000 euros. In addition to the initial purchase price, it is important to consider additional costs associated with raising a Newfoundland, such as veterinary care, food, and accessories. Adopting from a shelter or rescue organization may be a more affordable option, although Newfoundlands are rarely available for adoption due to their popularity and specific needs.

Expenses

Monthly expenses for a Newfoundland dog can vary depending on several factors, including food, veterinary care, and accessories. On average, it is reasonable to budget between 100 and 200 euros per month to cover basic costs. Quality food for a dog of this size can cost between 80 and 150 euros per month. Veterinary care, including vaccinations, parasite treatments, and regular check-ups, can add additional expenses. Professional grooming, while not mandatory, can be an additional cost, especially if the owner prefers to delegate this task. Finally, accessories such as toys, beds, and personal care products should also be taken into account in the overall budget. It is important to budget for these expenses to ensure the well-being and health of your Newfoundland.

Name ideas

Choosing a name for your Newfoundland can be a fun and creative task. Here are some ideas for names that could suit this majestic and affectionate breed: Max, Bella, Nova, Bruno, Titan, Luna, Rocky, Daisy, Zeus, Nala, Bear, Ruby, Thor, Maya, Shadow, Leo, Stella, Duke, Willow, Odin, Rosie, Hunter, Coco, Atlas, and Ellie. These names reflect the grandeur and gentleness of this breed, while being easy to pronounce and remember. When choosing a name, consider your dog's personality and physical characteristics to find the one that suits them best. A good name can strengthen the bond between you and your Newfoundland and make training easier.

Legislation and regulation

In France, the Newfoundland dog is not classified as a "dangerous" breed and therefore is not subject to specific regulations regarding ownership. However, it is essential to respect general rules concerning dogs, such as registration with the town hall and mandatory vaccination. In some countries, specific regulations may apply, particularly regarding rabies vaccination and noise control. It is always recommended to inquire with local authorities to know the legal obligations concerning the ownership of this breed. Additionally, the Newfoundland dog may be subject to specific regulations when traveling abroad, especially regarding quarantine and vaccination requirements. Make sure to comply with all current laws to ensure the well-being and legality of owning your dog.

Official recognition

The Newfoundland is recognized by several canine organizations around the world, reflecting its popularity and exceptional qualities. In France, it is recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC). In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes it as a distinct and well-established breed. The Kennel Club in the UK, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) also recognize the Newfoundland. Each organization has its own criteria and standards for the breed, but they all agree on the main physical and behavioral characteristics of the Newfoundland. Official recognition by these organizations allows owners to participate in beauty contests, work tests, and other canine activities. It also ensures that breeders adhere to high standards of health and well-being.

Pedigrees

Newfoundland pedigrees are available from various internationally recognized breed clubs. In France, the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) issues pedigrees to dogs registered in the Livre des Origines Français (LOF). In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) provides detailed pedigrees for registered dogs. The Kennel Club in the UK and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) in Canada also supply pedigrees for Newfoundlands. In addition to these national organizations, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) plays a key role in pedigree recognition at an international level. These breed clubs ensure that registered dogs come from controlled lineages and meet breed standards. Breeders must adhere to strict health and breeding criteria to obtain these pedigrees.

Destination and usage

The Newfoundland is versatile and excels in various uses, thanks to its physical capabilities and gentle temperament. Historically used as a working dog by the fishermen of Newfoundland, helping to pull nets and save people from drowning with its exceptional swimming skills. Today, the Newfoundland is often employed in aquatic rescue and search and rescue operations, demonstrating remarkable strength and endurance. In addition to its working abilities, the Newfoundland is an excellent companion dog, appreciated for its affectionate and loyal nature. It also performs well in beauty contests and working trials, including sledding and water dog competitions. Its versatility and dedication make it an extremely popular dog in many fields.

Prohibitions

In general, the Newfoundland is not subject to specific bans in most countries, as it is not considered a dangerous breed. However, some local regulations may impose restrictions on the size and weight of dogs in certain residences or communities, which could affect Newfoundland owners due to their large size. In addition, specific rules may apply when traveling internationally, especially regarding quarantine and vaccination requirements. It is therefore essential to check local and international regulations before traveling with a Newfoundland. In France, as in many other countries, it is mandatory to vaccinate and register your dog, and to comply with laws regarding the keeping and control of pets in public.

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