NEWFOUNDLAND Breed Standards
The massive Newfoundland is named for the expansive island on which it was developed, but just how that development took place is up for debate. The most popular theory is that the Newfoundland descends from Great Pyrenees dogs introduced to the island of Newfoundland by Basque fishermen during the 17th century. Others claim that the French Boarhound is the primary descendant. Crosses between Pyrenees and black English setters, and possibly Huskies, are also thought to have been part of the breed’s development.
By the 18th century, the Newfoundland had established a reputation for itself as an accomplished all purpose water dog, lifeguard and draft animal. The English were thoroughly impressed with the animal (especially with its great skill in rescuing drowning men) and began to import them in great numbers. This, along with restrictions placed on ownership of the dog on its native island, led to depressed numbers of the breed in North America during the 19th century. England became the world’s Newfoundland capital and began exporting the animals back to America, which was fortuitous since World War II largely wiped out the breed in England. Today, the Newfoundland is present in strong numbers in both the United States and England, and is among the most popular of the giant breeds.
SKILLS: The Newfoundland is a sweet-dispositioned dog that acts neither dull nor ill-tempered. He is a devoted companion. A multipurpose dog, at home on land and in water, the Newfoundland is capable of draft work and possesses natural lifesaving abilities.
The Newfoundland is a large, heavily coated, well balanced dog that is deep-bodied, heavily boned, muscular, and strong. A good specimen of the breed has dignity and proud head carriage.
The following description is that of the ideal Newfoundland. Any deviation from this ideal is to be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Structural and movement faults common to all working dogs are as undesirable in the Newfoundland as in any other breed, even though they are not specifically mentioned herein.
SIZE: Average height for adult dogs is 28 inches, for adult bitches, 26 inches. Approximate weight of adult dogs ranges from 130 to 150 pounds, adult bitches from 100 to 120 pounds. The dog's appearance is more massive throughout than the bitch's. Large size is desirable, but never at the expense of balance, structure, and correct gait. The Newfoundland is slightly longer than tall when measured from the point of shoulder to point of buttocks and from withers to ground. He is a dog of considerable substance which is determined by spring of rib, strong muscle, and heavy bone.
COAT: The adult Newfoundland has a flat, water-resistant, double coat that tends to fall back into place when rubbed against the nap. The outer coat is coarse, moderately long, and full, either straight or with a wave. The undercoat is soft and dense, although it is often less dense during the summer months or in warmer climates. Hair on the face and muzzle is short and fine. The backs of the legs are feathered all the way down. The tail is covered with long dense hair.
Excess hair may be trimmed for neatness. Whiskers need not be trimmed.
Color
Color is secondary to type, structure, and soundness.
Recognized Newfoundland colors are black, brown, gray, and white and black.
Solid Colors-Blacks, Browns, and Grays may appear as solid colors or solid colors with white at any, some, or all, of the following locations: chin, chest, toes, and tip of tail. Any amount of white found at these locations is typical and is not penalized. Also typical are a tinge of bronze on a black or gray coat and lighter furnishings on a brown or gray coat.
Landseer-White base coat with black markings. Typically, the head is solid black, or black with white on the muzzle, with or without a blaze. There is a separate black saddle and black on the rump extending onto a white tail.
Markings, on either Solid Colors or Landseers, might deviate considerably from those described and should be penalized only to the extent of the deviation. Clear white or white with minimal ticking is preferred.
Beauty of markings should be considered only when comparing dogs of otherwise comparable quality and never at the expense of type, structure and soundness.
Disqualifications - any colors or combinations of colors not specifically described are disqualified.
CARE REQUIRED: Daily to weekly brushing of the thick, coarse, double coat with a hard brush is important. The undercoat is shed twice a year in the spring and fall and extra care is required at these times. (The heaviest shedding period coming in the spring). Avoid bathing unless absolutely necessary, as this strips away the coat's natural oils. Instead, dry shampoo from time to time.
CHARACTER: Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed.
EXERCISE: This gentle giant is quite content to laze around the house, but it will benefit from regular moderate exercise. It should have frequent opportunities to swim and frolic.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They are sensitive to heat: provide them plenty of shade and cool water in warmer weather. These dogs prefer cool climates.
TRAINING: This breed may be slightly difficult to train. Training must be conducted in a calm and balanced manner. These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. This dog's huge body tends to move rather slowly. Take this into account during training.
