Newfoundland Dog These Gentle Giants Are Big And Lovable

There is much controversy over where exactly the Newfoundland dog actually originated.

Where Is The Newfoundland Dog Breed From

Is this dog from Asia by way of the black wolf crossed with an Asiatic Mastiff that entered into North America? Or is it the breed that was a cross between native wolves and Indian dogs that the Vikings brought to Newfoundland sometime around 1000 AD?

Some theories are that this Giant breed came from interbreeding sheepdogs with waterdogs in the fifteenth century and then was brought over to Newfoundland, Canada by European explorers. Then there are those that think the dog originated in Newfoundland

No matter where this magnificent breed came from, everyone that owns one or has ever known one can appreciate the fact that this breed is of a gentle nature, loves children, is intelligent, easy to train, is a very hard worker, and wants to please those that they are close to.

There are many wonderful stories written about Newfoundlanders. A true story that comes to mind is of one courageous dog by the name of Gander, a mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada, who saved the lives of many soldiers when he retrieved a grenade that was thrown at them. Sadly while he was carrying it away from the men in his mouth it went off, killing him.

These dogs are great protectors. If you have children and they are outside playing, there is no need to worry with your Newf around. My mother in law would put her daughter outside in a stroller, and their Newfoundlander would guard that baby with its life.

Fishing boats often have Newfoundlanders aboard to haul the nets out to sea, and then once the nets are full the dogs drag them back to the boats. It is always good to have one of these wonderful swimmers aboard as if someone happens to fall into the water, this dog will save you. Another of the jobs that these dogs have had, are pulling carts such as milk or mail.

The Rescue Dog

These dogs have webbed feet and very large rudder like tails. Their coat is water resistant, and they love being in the water to swim or work. There are some places that use these dogs as lifeguards, and in the video that you can see below are Newfoundlanders jumping from helicopters to save people from drowning. When it comes to saving people it is just a natural instinct with these “Gentle Giants”. Because of their powerful sense of smell you can also find these dogs searching and finding people that are drowning or have drowned.

Hip dysphasia, inherited heart problems and cystinuria are of the top three serious problems in this breed. If you are planning on bringing a Newfoundlander into your family be sure to find a breeder that screens against these health problems. Another concern is with the thyroid when these dogs get older. This can be treated with medication.

Average size for a female is 26” and weight 100 -120 pounds

Average size for a male is 28” and weight 130 – 150 pounds

Remember that is only average size.

Grooming of the Newfoundland dog needs to be done at a minimum of once a week to keep your dog looking and feeling good. Most of them like to be groomed, and love the one on one attention. If not groomed on a regular basis they will develop huge mats and knots in their fur. The fur between the pads on the bottom of their paws needs to be trimmed and kept short. This is especially important if you live in a snow region. By keeping the fur trimmed the dog will have better traction on floors and will less likely slip. The ears should be cleaned once a month with ear cleaner that you can purchase from your vet.

If you plan on getting one of these beautiful dogs be sure to research the breeders that you are buying them from. There are many excellent ones and most can be found on the Internet. Prices will vary from breeder to breeder, and depending on if you want pet stock or are thinking of showing this dog, it can cost anywhere from $600.00 to up and over $2500.00. Always make sure you visit the kennel where the dogs are kept and meet the parents of the puppy that you choose in order to see what the parent’s temperaments are like. Ask the breeder if they do health screening and what type they do.

I could really go on and on forever about these fantastic, lovable dogs. I have a male and a female that I truly adore. If anyone has any questions about these dogs please feel free to contact me or leave a comment.