What makes a newfoundland dog

It is believed that Newfoundland dogs may have been brought over by the Vikings over 1, years ago! Newfoundland dogs are calm but can be very protective and will get between their owners and a stranger if they sense danger.

Also known as a "nanny dog," Newfs are especially great with kids. Photo credit: simonallardice on VisualHunt. In , in order to promote sheep raising, the then Commodore-Governor of Newfoundland, Richard Edwards , limited the legal ownership of Newfoundland Dogs to one per household. This decree failed to help sheep raising but did drive the native Newfoundland dog to the edge of extinction. During this time many dogs were exported or destroyed and it was only due to a few newfoundlander's breaking the law for their love of the breed, that the breed survived on the island.

During the 18th Century, Newfoundland Dogs began to increase in popularity and numbers, it is around this time that the Newfoundland begins to appear in literature and journals, examples include; Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte; "I stopped a minute, looked round and listened, with an idea that a horse's hoofs might ring on the causeway again, and that a rider in a cloak, and a Gytrash -like Newfoundland dog, might be again apparent:".

Journals of the Lewis Clark Expedition to the Pacific Northwest; "Summer , Lewis oversees construction of big keelboat in Pittsburgh, then takes it down Ohio River, picking up Clark and some recruits along the way. With Lewis is a Newfoundland dog, Seaman, he has purchased for 20 dollars. Since that time white and black Newfoundlands have been named 'Landseer' in his honour.

The English botanist Sir Joseph Banks adopted several in the 18th century. A Newfoundland named Seaman was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition exploring the newly-acquired territories in the early s with his owner, Meriwether Lewis. Other famous owners include Emily Dickinson, Ulysses S. Grant, Lyndon B. Johnson, Robert F.

By the 19th century, Newfies had become popular in England. Soon after, the breed arrived in the U. Like many large breeds, their numbers suffered in the U.

There are many tales of Newfoundlands used as water rescue dogs, as well as impromptu rescues done by Newfoundlands when the dog has noted a person in distress. The Newfie has a thick, medium-long coat that serves as insulation from cold waters. This coat has a relatively high shedding rate especially in spring and fall that requires regular grooming , specifically hair-brushing two to three times per week.

You will probably need professional grooming as well to keep the dog looking good. These dogs are prone to tracking around debris and mud on their long coats, so be prepared to clean up after your dog returns from playing outside. The Newfie may naturally wear down its nails due to its large size, but be sure to check the toes and trim the nails as needed. This breed can be a drooler, so many owners prefer to keep a "slobber cloth" handy. When a Newfie shakes its head, there a good change the spit will go flying.

Newfies have a strong drive to work and protect. They need daily exercise to keep them fit and happy. They love to swim and can be a great companion in the right lake, stream, or pool. In addition, Newfies will benefit from some type of "job," such as guarding the home or obedience competitions. In general, these are usually very calm, loyal, and loving companions. Kelley Updated June 04, Breed Group Group Breed Group herding hound hybrid non-sporting none sporting terrier toy working.

Dog Size Size Dog Size extra large lbs. Other Traits Traits Other Traits apartment-friendly cold weather tolerant easy to groom easy to train good for first-time pet owners good hiking companion high potential for weight gain high prey drive highly territorial hot weather tolerant hypoallergenic loves water low prey drive prone to health issues requires lots of grooming strong loyalty tendencies tendency to chew tolerates being alone.

Temperament Temperament Temperament aggressive aloof anxious friendly gentle outgoing playful protective timid willful. Big and floofy, a Newfoundland is basically a pound teddy bear.

These gentle giants are ideal and patient companions for families, smaller animals, and kiddos. Credit: Dyrefotografi. While most Newfoundland coats are black, chocolate, or gray, you can sometimes spot a rarer black-and-white Newf.

A Newf's thick double coat keeps her warm in the cold Canadian winter. Her outer coat protects her in chilly water, too! Living Needs. Newfoundlands have big brains to match their big bodies. They're intelligent dogs and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Though swimming might be her exercise of choice, you don't have to live near water to own a Newfoundland.

She's just as happy on long neighborhood walks or easy hikes through the woods. Credit: Courtesy of Wikipedia. Fun Facts. Another notable pooch is the black-and-white Newfoundland known as the Landseer variety, named in honor of artist Sir Edwin Landseer, who celebrated this now rare color pattern of the breed in classic paintings such as A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society.

In another case of life imitating art, author J. A few Newfies have even rested their massive heads on the floors of the White House as companions of presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, Buchanan, and James A. All rights reserved. Close Sign in. Close this dialog window View image Newfoundland.