Newfoundland

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It is not known when the breed arrived in Newfoundland, but in 1732 fishermen used large bear-like dogs to help drag nets and pull carts.

The Newfoundland is a stately, strong, and massive dog with a broad heavy head. Elegant, harmonious, agile and hardy. The wide muzzle is rather short and squared-off. The small triangular ears are pendant. The small eyes are dark brown; the conjunctiva should not show as it does in the St. Bernard.

The nose is generally black except on bronze-colored dogs, which have brown noses. The feet are webbed for better swimming. Dewclaws should be removed on the hind legs. The tail hangs down. The water-repellent long outer coat is flat, oily and slightly wavy with a thick oily undercoat. Dogs that live indoors, however, tend to loose their undercoats.

The coat most often comes in black, (sometimes with a little white on the feet, end of the tail, or chest) black with blue highlights, bronze sometimes also in brown or gray and Landseer (White with black markings), note: in the USA and Great Brittan the Landseer is considered the same breed as the Newfoundland, however in some European countries the Landseer is a totally different breed than the Newfoundland.

Landseers in Europe have longer legs than newfies, Landseers are not so massive, they are more sporty dogs. In shows, they compete separately.

Temperament: Trainable, Sweet-Tempered, Gentle

Health Problems: Prone to a hereditary heart disease called sub-aortic stenosis (SAS) and hip dysplasia. Be cautious that the Newfoundland does not get fat.