Generally acknowledged as the world’s most powerful water dog, the courageous Newfoundland boasts a long list of attributes.
DID YOU KNOW?
The oldest recorded Newfie was Katie Lou Bugum, who lived to 15 years and nine months.
Nineteenth century artist Sir Edwin Henry Landseer painted many Newfoundlands, particularly white and black dogs, which gave the colour its name.
Top: Newfoundlands are gentle yet outgoing and curious.
They are laid-back dogs who are not overly demanding.
If you’re seeking a breed that combines immense strength with a majestic appearance and a calm, gentle nature, then look no further than the Newfoundland.
Possessing a natural life-saving instinct, these large yet active water and draught dogs also make devoted companions.
But do they need a lot of space, grooming, and exercise? This month’s breed focus reveals all…
FACT FILE
BREED GROUP: Working.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN:
Under 11 years.
PUPPY COST:
£2,500 – £3,500.
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS:
30 – 60 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
TRAINABILITY:
A quick learner, the breed is intelligent, easy to train, biddable, and eager to please.
TEMPERAMENT: Gentle, docile, outgoing, and curious.
SIZE: Height (at shoulder): Dogs: 71cm (28in); bitches: 66cm (26in). Weight: Dogs: 64 – 69kg (141 – 152lb); bitches: 50 – 54.5kg (110 – 120lb).
COAT: Coarse, oily, waterproof, double, dense, and flat.
PERMITTED COLOURS:
Dull jet black, brown (chocolate or bronze), and white and black (‘Landseer’). White on the chest, toes, and tip of the tail is acceptable for both black and brown dogs.
Newfoundland history
Despite excelling as a pack and draught animal, the Newfoundland is probably best known for working on ships in the North Atlantic — taking ropes ashore, retrieving lost fishing gear, and rescuing people.
Although his origins are uncertain, it’s possible the breed developed from the interbreeding of European dogs brought to Newfoundland by explorers from the 15th century. Another theory suggests Newfoundlands evolved from the American black wolf or other native dogs, or even the black ‘bear’ dogs the Vikings brought over around 1,000 AD.
However, the modern breed descends from dogs transported from Newfoundland Island to England in the early 19th century.
Most of today’s Newfies can trace their lineage back to Siki, an English show dog from the 1920s.
Kennel Club breed
