Content
- Origin of Newfoundland
- Physical Characteristics of Newfoundland
- Newfoundland personality
- Newfoundland care
- Newfoundland education
- Newfoundland's health
The Newfoundland dog is known as "the gentle giant" this is because it is one of the biggest and kindest dogs that exists. Although there are many myths that surround this breed, in PeritoAnimal we explain to you the true story and many other details that you should know if you are thinking of adopting this wonderful dog, such as its personality, physical characteristics or the care it needs.
Find out at PeritoAnimal all about the Newfoundland dog.
Source- America
- Canada
- Group II
- Rustic
- muscular
- provided
- long ears
- toy
- Small
- Medium
- Great
- Giant
- 15-35
- 35-45
- 45-55
- 55-70
- 70-80
- more than 80
- 1-3
- 3-10
- 10-25
- 25-45
- 45-100
- 8-10
- 10-12
- 12-14
- 15-20
- Low
- Average
- High
- Balanced
- Sociable
- very faithful
- Intelligent
- Tender
- Quiet
- Docile
- Kids
- floors
- Houses
- hiking
- Surveillance
- Therapy
- Medium
- thick
Origin of Newfoundland
the origin of the Newfoundland dog lies in the Newfoundland Island, in Canada in Portuguese as "Terra Nova". It is believed that the breed developed from the native dogs of the island and from the dogs that the ancient Vikings imported, such as the "black bear dog", starting in the year 1100.
Later, in 1610 and during the colonization of the island, new breeds of dogs arrived in Newfoundland, mainly at the hands of European fishermen. From then on, although Newfoundland already had some standardized characteristics, new crosses began to be experimented which culminated in the formation and reinvigoration of the race, giving way to the modern Newfoundland, which we know today.
The Newfoundland dog, thanks to its characteristics, was able to withstand the intense climate of the island, work at sea, drag large loads (nets, lines and sleds) or work as lifeguard dogs. Terra-nova continues to be an excellent rescue dog and is considered one of the most beautiful and hard-working breeds in history.
Physical Characteristics of Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a giant dog, mighty and massive. It is longer than it is tall (rectangular body profile), but with a compact body. The topline is straight from the withers to the withers, and has a broad, strong loin. The chest is wide, deep and spacious, and the belly is not drawn in. The tail is long and must never be curled or curled between the hind legs. The fingers have an interdigital membrane.
The head of this dog is massive, wide and with the occiput well developed. Naso-frontal depression is well marked, but it is not abrupt as in São Bernardo. The nose is brown in brown dogs and black in other colors. The muzzle is square and moderately short. The eyes are moderately sunken, wide apart and without a third eyelid. Ears are small, triangular and rounded tips.
Newfoundland's fur is double-layered. The inner layer is dense and smooth. The outer layer is long and smooth, except for the head, ears and muzzle where it is shortest. can be from black, white and black, or brown color. The International Cynological Federation (FCI) recognizes a very similar breed called the Landseer that is white and black in color. Other organizations do not recognize this race and consider the Landseers to be simply black and white Newfoundland.
At measurements and approximate weight of the Newfoundland dog are:
- Males: height to the withers 71 centimeters and weight 68 kilograms
- Females: height to the withers of 66 centimeters and 54 kilograms in weight
Newfoundland personality
Despite its imposing size, the Newfoundland is a dog especially affectionate and affectionate, very sociable and easygoing. He is not overly playful, although he loves water and can spend several hours in it. In addition to being sociable with adults, the Newfoundland is incredibly tolerant of dealing with other animals and is very patient with children, whom he loves and treats with great delicacy.
The FCI describes the Newfoundland as a dog that reflects kindness and sweetness, a cheerful and creative dog, serene and gentle.
Newfoundland care
THE hair maintenance Newfoundland requires moderate effort throughout the year, although daily brushing is required. However, in the annual moulting seasons it may need a greater effort, as it loses a lot of hair. Bathing can be given approximately every two months.
Newfoundland isn't particularly active, but it's important to exercise moderately so that you don't get overweight. It is recommended to take three walks a day and regularly look for parks or woods where you can play and do some activities. Without a doubt, the best place for the Newfoundland will be where there is a beach or a lake. If we don't spend time with our Newfoundland, due to its quiet character, we can see frustration in the dog and a significant increase in weight.
It is important to note that this dog will need large amounts of food throughout your life. Remember that its weight is between 54 and 68 kilograms, so we need around 500 grams of food per day, depending on the food or the exact weight of the dog.
Don't forget that the Newfoundland tend to drool a lot and when they drink water they wet everything, so they are not the most suitable dogs for people with anxiety about cleaning. Large houses with a garden are recommended so that the dog can get in and out, exercising at the same time.
Newfoundland education
Newfoundland is a dog very intelligent and while it's not particularly suited to working canine skills, the truth is that it's an excellent aquatic rescue dog, in fact it's the most popular. It loves to swim, so it is a breed often used as an aquatic rescue dog, especially in cold waters where other dog breeds would have a higher risk of hypothermia. It responds very well to canine training done with positive reinforcement, as long as the owner is aware of the limitations and virtues that this breed has.
Although it is an especially sociable breed, it is certain that it will be very important to separate the Newfoundland dog from its mother and siblings at the correct age and to spend time socializing the dog after it is adopted. In your adult stage you should also continue to interact with other animals, people and children. Keeping them locked up and isolated for a long time, without opportunity and socializing, generates aggressive dogs.
On the other hand, it is very important to point out that they need frequent company and can develop destructive habits and even disorders related to separation when they are isolated for prolonged periods. This type of behavior is common in dogs that permanently reside in the garden.
This dog is not usually aggressive, but can act with great determination and ferocity when he has to defend his dogs from an attack. Due to its impressive size it is a good deterrent dog, which makes it a good guardian although they are generally completely harmless.
Newfoundland's health
As with all races, Newfoundland is likely to suffer from some of the genetic diseases which we explain to you below. It is important to highlight that the chances of suffering any of them are mainly due to bad practices performed by their creators, such as reproducing direct family members, but we can also find ourselves with some hereditary disease that did not manifest itself in the parents. The most common diseases are:
- hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- gastric torsion
- pulmonary stenosis
- aortic stenosis
- falls
- Von Willebrand Diseases
To look for the good health of our Newfoundland dog, it will be essential to go to veterinarian every 6 months and follow the vaccination schedule that it indicates. In addition, we must also pay attention to deworming, indoors and outdoors, with the appropriate regularity, especially in summer.