Newfoundlands: Friendly “Bears”

Newfoundland is a dog that cannot be passed by without a smile. Its mighty forms and “bearish”, somewhat frightening appearance are not able to hide a generous heart and kind disposition. Excellent character, self-esteem, incredible kindness, devotion, courage, expressive majestic appearance are the virtues that brought these dogs worldwide fame. They are heroes of many literary works, reports, participants in dangerous expeditions and hostilities. Newfoundland in the family is always an inexhaustible source of joy, warmth, and love.

Brief Information

• Breed name: Newfoundland
• Country of origin: Canada
• Weight: males ~ 68 kg, females ~ 54 kg
• Height (height at the withers): males ~ 71 cm, females ~ 66 cm
• Life span: 9-11 years

Highlights

• A distinctive feature of the breed is a passion for water. Newfoundlands are able to dive, take long swims, they are unsurpassed rescuers of drowning people.
• Newfoundlands are characterized by high socialization and genuine heroism. Many animals are in the service of the police, military units, work as guides.
• Dogs are very friendly and enjoy socializing with people, including strangers.
• Newfoundlands behave on an equal footing with adult family members. Babies are treated with patronage, protect them, and patiently endure annoying harassment.
• Tied to other family pets, from parrots to cats. They do not feel aggression towards strangers and try to establish friendly relations.
• The goodwill of the Newfoundland will not allow him to be a guard dog, he does not have an innate aggressive reaction to strangers, he needs time to assess the situation. However, sensing danger to family members and dwellings, these dogs immediately rebuff the enemy.
• They have high intelligence, excellent memory, quick-wittedness, amazingly know how to predict the desires of the owner.
• Representatives of the breed are polite and delicate, but they absolutely cannot stand criticism in relation to themselves, do not tolerate shouts and rude orders. Physical punishment of these dogs is unacceptable, the resentment will leave an indelible mark on their memory.
• Newfoundlands are characterized by a measured lifestyle, they are not too mobile, so their activity should be stimulated. The best way is to provide them with the opportunity to swim, play in the water.
• Need regular grooming for their luxurious thick coat.
• They are adapted to live in city apartments, but it is desirable that the area of ​​the premises be larger than average. The ideal conditions for keeping Newfoundland are a country house near a reservoir.

History of the Newfoundland Breed

The birthplace of the breed, which shared the name with it, is the island of Newfoundland, located off the east coast of North America and belonging to Canada. There are many legends about the origin of these dogs, and many of them, quite possibly, is not so far from the truth.

Some dog handlers suggest that the ancestors of the Newfoundlands are Berenbeitsers, common in medieval Europe pickling dogs – “Medvedev”, who is also considered the progenitors of Mastiffs. These powerful dogs allegedly ended up on the island with a team of Vikings led by the Scandinavian sailor Leif Eriksson on a ship that arrived on the coast of Newfoundland around 1000. Subsequently, the descendants of these animals went wild. When Europeans reappeared here in the 16th century, they were amazed at the sight of huge black and shaggy dogs that they met here.

Some dog handlers suggest that the formation of the breed was not without the aboriginal representatives of the canine tribe. Presumably, already in the XI century, indigenous tribes lived on the island, who were the descendants of the Paleo-Eskimo peoples, whose companions and assistants were sled dogs. Perhaps it was from them that the Newfoundlands inherited their friendly disposition and determination to come to the aid of a person under any circumstances.

The first descriptions of Newfoundland dogs began to appear at the dawn of the 18th century. The descriptions noted the excellent working qualities of these dogs, their good-natured nature, as well as the ability to dive deeply and swim far. The British began to take dogs from the island and soon began to systematically select them. The first type was used in the breeding of the Retriever breed, and the second became known as the Newfoundland. According to some reports, for the first time, in 1775, George Cartwright named his dog Newfoundland.

In 1878, the first Newfoundland was entered into the studbook of the English Kennel Club – the oldest kennel club in the world, and a year later a breed standard was developed. Gorgeous mighty dogs began to rapidly gain popularity in Europe, and in 1885 the first Newfoundland lovers’ club was founded in the USA. Today, in the eminent cynological clubs of Europe and the USA, you can buy Newfoundland puppies, leading their official pedigree since the 80s of the last century.

Description of the Breed

Newfoundlands are classified as giant breeds. They are large, they have thick long hair. The height of males reaches 75 cm, and females average 68 cm.

The muzzle in dogs is pronouncedly square, deep, and rather short. Soft short hair on the head. The eyes of the representatives are small, deep-set. Eye color in black and black and white dogs is usually dark brown, while brown dogs have a lighter shade. The ears are relatively small, triangular in shape with rounded ends.

As for the trunk, the neck is strong and muscular, the body is deep and strong. The chest is wide, voluminous, and deep. The muscles are very well developed on the shoulders, the elbows fit tightly to the chest.

The front feet are large, the toes are strong and compact. The pelvis and hind legs are strong, broad, and muscular. The tail is wide at the base. When the dog is standing, it is lowered and slightly curved at the end. The coat consists of long and short hairs, very soft to the touch.

Colors

The classic color is black. It is desirable that the color be as intense as possible; a brownish tint is acceptable when it burns out in the sun. For the brown color of the Newfoundland, shades are allowed: from chocolate to bronze. With these two monochrome colors, white markings on the chest, fingers, tip of the tail are acceptable.

For black and white color, the following option is most preferable: black head with a white spot descending to the muzzle, black spots on the saddle, in the croup, and at the base of the tail. The dominant color should be white.

Personality

Newfoundland is called a “golden” dog. He is kind, loyal, friendly, tactful, absolutely not inclined towards aggression. Using the terminology of psychics, we can say that he has good biofield. The very presence of this good-natured giant in the house creates an atmosphere of comfort, security, and benevolence.

Perhaps the Newfoundlands are the most socialized dogs in the world, the main purpose of their existence is to serve humans. They are selflessly heroic and ready to help at any moment. They are completely devoted to the work entrusted to them – whether it be a police or military mission, escorting the blind, and even transporting goods. No wonder one of the paintings of the British artist Edwin Henry Landseer, which depicts Newfoundland in all its glory, is called “A Worthy Member of Human Society.”

Divers demonstrate their excellent character traits from early childhood. The kids are not capricious at all, they quickly become attached to the owner, but they do not get bored, demanding increased attention to themselves, they do not whine, and do not bark for no reason.

Adult dogs are incredibly smart and practical. You can even say that they have an analytical mind and have their own opinion on any issue. Commands that seem meaningless to them, they can simply ignore or execute in their own way. But in order to rush to help the drowning man, this dog does not need a command at all – it will selflessly throw itself into the water in any case. Clearly and confidently Newfoundlands act in dangerous situations, for this, they also do not need special instructions. Actually, the innate quick wits and the ability to independently and quickly make the right decision under the current circumstances is a distinctive feature of the outstanding intelligence of these animals.

Newfoundlands are well versed in the intonation of the human voice and can easily determine what mood the owner is in. They understand when they need to be supported by being around, or are removed from sight. Very polite by nature, Newfoundlands are very sensitive to being rude to themselves. The dog, like a person, takes offense when they shout at him, and after a quarrel for a while he withdraws into himself, refusing to communicate with the offender.

Newfoundlands are not the best watchmen, because all people are initially friendly and open to communication. One should not expect an instant aggressive reaction to a stranger from them, since these dogs are not inclined to harsh and thoughtless actions, and they need some time to analyze the situation. Sensing danger, they first warn the enemy with a formidable bark, and then violently attack him with all their remarkable power.

Newfoundlands love family picnic outings. In the car, they behave decorously and do not worry. Playing in nature, especially near water bodies, where they can swim to their fullest, bring incredible pleasure to these dogs. Parents can be calm for their babies if there is a vigilant Newfoundland next to them. He will gladly take part in children’s games, but he will stop risky pranks – he will independently or with a loud bark notify others about the danger.

Newfoundland is a monogamous dog. Having given his heart to one family, he will forever remain faithful to her. Having changed the owners for some reason, the dog will be polite to them, but he will not be able to get rid of the longing for his home. It will be difficult for new owners to establish a trusting relationship with such a pet.

Training

Newfoundland’s comprehension and excellent memory make workout routines enjoyable. The dog catches everything on the fly and often, not having listened to the task to the end, starts up to carry it out. Commands to this dog should be given in a calm tone, without raising his voice. She simply will not respond to demanding orders and shouts. Actually, this is not required: it is enough for a Newfoundland to ask for something politely and gently, and he will readily respond to any request.

Conditions of Detention

Newfoundlands feel great both outdoors and in urban settings: they are not afraid of busy streets or traffic. Small apartments are not the best place to live for these giants, but medium-sized housing is quite suitable for them because dogs with a calm disposition do not have the habit of running around the apartment, sweeping away everything around. In a Newfoundland house, there should be a place where he will sleep or just relax. It is desirable that it be spacious and has an orthopedic base, for example, it can be a small mattress. It should be covered with a cloth that can be easily washed, as these dogs have copious salivation.

Newfoundlands do not differ in agility and tend to the passive pastime, but they need physical activity. These dogs should be walked at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening.

An ideal place to keep a Newfoundland is a country house, near which there is a pond, lake, or river. An open-air cage is not suitable for a diver – deprived of communication with people, he will yearn. Moreover, you cannot put him on a chain.

Care

The thick coat of the Newfoundland requires systematic grooming. Brushing your dog should be at least three times a week with a stiff brush, otherwise, the coat will tangle and create tangles that can poison your dog’s life and cause itching. If the circle has already formed, it is better to untangle it. They are cut out in extreme, completely neglected cases. Twice a year in the fall and spring, the Newfoundland undercoat is renewed. During this period, the dog needs to be brushed every day. To help your pet, you can also contact a grooming master who will make a facilitating haircut.

Newfoundlands do not require frequent baths, because their wool, impregnated with natural lubricant, itself repels dirt and water. The use of shampoos is very bad for the condition of the coat.

Newfoundland nails should be trimmed once a month. It is required to monitor the ears and eyes, systematically checking them for secretions that may indicate infectious diseases. Periodically, the ears and eyes should be wiped with a damp cloth.

Feeding

Feeding the Newfoundlands should be taken seriously. It should be balanced, abundant, but in moderation, since these dogs are prone to obesity.

When fed naturally, the dog’s diet should include the following foods:

• veal, beef, lamb, rabbit meat (50% of the total amount of products). It is not recommended to feed them with pork and poultry;
• from cereals – rolled oats and buckwheat, and it is better to exclude rice, barley, millet;
• sea ​​fish – raw or boiled, river fish – exclusively boiled;
• cottage cheese;
• carrots, in small quantities – beets and cabbage, scalded with boiling water parsley, nettle, dill, salad;
• bread in the form of croutons.

Potatoes, spicy and smoked foods, sweets, especially chocolate are prohibited in the feed.

Puppies should be fed 5 times a day, and the number of feeds decreases as they get older. For adult dogs, it is sufficient to give food twice a day.

Health

A number of diseases are characteristic of Newfoundlands, both common to all dogs and characteristic of this particular breed. Their massiveness creates problems for the musculoskeletal system; they often develop arthritis and dysplasia of the hip joint. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and, as a result, heart disease.

A native of the north, Newfoundland suffers from heat and may well get heatstroke. Its main symptoms are lethargy, dry warm nose, lack of appetite. On hot days, you need to ensure that the dog always has water in the bowl. In no case should you leave the dog in a closed car . In the summer, it is advisable to provide the diver with the opportunity to swim more often

How to Choose a Puppy

Newfoundland puppies should definitely be bought from a kennel or from a breeder whose integrity you are sure of. In this case, you will have guarantees that the baby is thoroughbred, has all the necessary vaccinations. In the kennel, you will be able to meet his mother, and, if you’re lucky, even with his father. This will give you the opportunity to get an idea of ​​what your grown “bear” will look like.

A small Newfoundland should have a well-proportioned physique and be a tiny copy of an adult dog. A puppy is supposed to be active, curious, moderately well-fed. His coat should be shiny and clean, without tangles, and the bite should be correct.