Newfoundland at the withers. Newfoundland, the gentle giant

Ancient, its representatives have been living next to humans for many centuries. Despite its impressive size, this dog is one of the most popular family animals. She is smart and obedient, loves children endlessly, and at the same time is an excellent rescuer and guard.

Story

The Newfoundland is an ancient breed (all researchers agree on this), but the exact time when it appeared is not known. About two thousand years ago, North American Indians lived in the western part of this island. It was they who got these huge dogs.

It is believed that the Newfoundland breed (you see the photo below) originated from Molossians, which over the centuries were selected for working qualities, endurance, courage and strength. They were first mentioned in 1639. From the middle of the 17th century, dogs imported from Europe began to influence the formation of the breed. And a hundred years later, Newfoundlands began to be actively exported to Europe. In England they began serious selection work to improve the breed. This magnificent animal was first shown at an exhibition in 1860 in Birmingham.

Until the fifties of the last century, in the territory Soviet Union Newfoundland was very rare. The dog breed, photos of which could only be seen in special publications for professional dog handlers, was bred in the only kennel owned by the Ministry of Defense. Much later, similar institutions appeared in many major cities countries.

External features

This huge and at first glance somewhat clumsy dog ​​is actually built surprisingly proportionately. Powerful bones, round, large head with a wide and short muzzle. Small, close-fitting ears enhance its resemblance to a bear.

The height of the Newfoundland at the withers is from 66 (females) to 71 (males) centimeters. Weight reaches (and sometimes exceeds) 70 kg. The skin of this animal is elastic, thick, and colored bluish-gray.

Wool

Newfoundland is a breed that is distinguished by luxurious long hair. It covers the entire body of the animal (except for the head). The coat is a little harsh to the touch, but not rough, with a thick and very soft undercoat that does not get wet in water. It often has a brown or gray tint.

Color

With a reddish tint, brown - the colors that distinguish this Newfoundland, which is sometimes considered as a separate breed, are called Landseer. These are unusually beautiful animals with a white and black color. Their head is completely black (only a white blaze on the muzzle is allowed), there is a saddle blanket on the rump and back, smoothly transitioning to the base of the tail.

Newfoundland wool has the characteristic feature of repelling water and dirt. And the membranes located between the paw pads make these giants unsurpassed swimmers. The fur may have small white spots on the chest, tip of the tail, and toes.

Newfoundland: breed description

This furry giant, who inspires respect with his very appearance, is a very kind animal, completely devoid of aggression. But this does not mean at all that such a four-legged friend cannot stand up for himself or protect his owner.

Newfoundland is a dog breed (we posted the photo in this article) that is difficult to classify as active. However, the greatest joy for this giant is swimming. For this reason, representatives of the breed are regular and most active participants in international water dog competitions. Their love for water turned them into indispensable lifeguards. Today they often serve on various bodies of water. But more often than not, this powerful dog these days makes a great companion.

Like any dog ​​(especially this size), the Newfoundland needs early socialization, otherwise the dog can grow withdrawn and even show aggression towards strangers. Newfoundland puppies are very playful, but, again, due to their size, they can cause significant damage to their owner's property. This is a strong argument in favor of early socialization, education and training of these “kids.”

Upbringing

You need to start training a new, four-legged member of your family from the moment the puppy appears in the house. As a rule, this happens when the charming “bear cub” is 2.5-3 months old. This is the best age for learning. Training should be based on the principles of praise and reward.

If you want to teach your pet exercises on the water, then such classes should be carried out under strict supervision, and it is better to seek help from a professional trainer.

Exists important point, which everyone who has a Newfoundland in their home should know. The breed has peculiarities of physical development. Until two years of age, the animal’s skeleton is actively forming, so it is necessary to reduce heavy loads that can negatively affect the development of the spine, as well as the entire musculoskeletal system. At this time, for the dog’s normal well-being, long walks in the air and exercise on the water are sufficient. During jogging, the load should be limited.

Character

According to dog experts, Newfoundlands have an unusual character for dogs. They are thoughtful, endlessly patient, loving, calm and obedient animals. They are capable of experiencing real longing for family members and even pets who, for some reason, disappear from their lives. They easily make friends with all pets, including small dogs, cats and hamsters. Newfoundlands do not cause problems in training due to their high level of intelligence and desire to please their owner, to whom they become very attached.

These animals are sensitive to harsh tone and criticism, so their training is always based on play and affection. Newfoundland is a huge fluffy, strict, but endlessly loving and unusually gentle nanny for small children.

If this dog does not have any tasks from the owner, then it will prefer to find a cool place in the yard where it can lie quietly without disturbing the household.

Of course, a dog like the Newfoundland cannot but arouse the admiration of animal lovers. But before you decide to purchase such a beauty, you need to weigh the pros and cons. First of all, it is necessary to take into account that such a dog needs a lot of space. Even in a city apartment, she should have a separate room (or a large loggia) that is not large.

In addition, we must not forget that the luxurious wool for which this breed is famous requires regular and careful care. IN otherwise she will be everywhere. It must be combed regularly, trimmed around the perimeter of the body, and ensure that tangles do not appear.

The dog needs to be bathed, but not more than once a month. The animal is accustomed to this procedure from puppyhood. Your pet, of course, loves water, but the shampoo and conditioner used during bathing may irritate him a little at first. Some breeders in last years began to use dry shampoo, which allows you to preserve the natural waterproof lubricant of the coat.

Newfoundlands are prone to obesity. Therefore, their diet and its dosage should be developed with a veterinarian. The food should be balanced, but less and less calorie-rich every year.

Health

Unfortunately, these large and kind animals do not live long. Their average life expectancy is no more than ten years. Dogs are prone to certain diseases. Eg, heavy weight Quite often it causes hip dysplasia, and thick dark fur often leads to heat stroke.

What kind of owner does a Newfoundland puppy dream of?

This is a special breed, different from many others, so the owner of such a dog can be a person who sees his four-legged friend as a full member of the family, giving him the attention and time he needs. It is important for Newfoundland to be at the center of family events. But he needs a physically strong and athletic owner, with whom he can run in the park and swim in the pond. And simply dealing with this strong animal is not easy (even if it is well-bred).

Newfoundland breed: owner reviews

Most owners of these gentle and intelligent giants believe that the main arguments against purchasing such an animal can only be the lack of the necessary territory for keeping and time to care for it. Everything else speaks only in favor of the Newfoundland - a smart and loyal friend, a gentle and caring nanny, a wonderful jogging companion. Most owners only regret that the dog is not long-lived.

The Newfoundland is considered one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Despite its enormous size, it is a very noble, kind and devoted animal to humans. Newfoundlands are often called divers, and for good reason. They love water very much, dive well and will always come to the aid of a drowning person. There is no need to teach them water rescue, since this instinct is inherent in them by nature. This breed is great for large families, but should not be kept in an apartment.

It is almost impossible to accurately determine the time of appearance of this breed. We can say with confidence that the birthplace of Newfoundland is the island of the same name, which belongs to Canada. But no one knows exactly how these giant dogs got to the island.

There are many versions put forward on this topic. One of them claims that the island has been inhabited since ancient times by huge wild dogs, which were the ancestors of the modern breed.

The second version says that Newfoundlands descended from large dogs that have long been used to hunt bears. These dogs came to the island thanks to the Vikings, who discovered new land, with a harsh climate.

Another version of the birth of this wonderful breed can be considered the one according to which giant dogs were brought to the island by the Apache Indians. Since ancient times, they had large black dogs that helped the Indians fish, hunt, and guard their homes. It is more likely that the last two versions (about the Vikings and Indians) are completely true. Some scientists believe that both types of these dogs, as a result of long-term crossing, led to the emergence of modern Newfoundlands.

The official scientific version of the formation of the breed claims that the direct ancestors of Newfoundlands are Molossians, descendants . But how they could get to the island is not clear.

After some time, the news that the Vikings and Indians had found a new land reached Europe. The British, French and Spaniards entered the struggle for promising territory. In the end, the British won and gave the island a new name - Newfoundland (newly found land).

Scientists believe that Newfoundland dogs are descended from Molossians.

Many experts believe that it was the British who brought Tibetan mastiffs to the island, which quickly assimilated with local dogs and formed a new, modern breed. Others suggest that the Newfoundland was the result of crossing Scottish Sheepdogs and French Molossians with native dogs.

The first mention of Newfoundlands as an independent breed appeared in the mid-18th century.

Important. Already in those days, the Newfoundland was considered a unique rescue dog, able to swim vast distances and never abandon a person in trouble.

Subsequently, news of the big, brave and strong dogs spread throughout Europe, where the breed gained popularity and real recognition. English researchers began selective breeding work to improve the quality of the breed back in the 19th century. Therefore, it has been definitely proven that one of the ancestors of the breed is the black French mastiff. Thanks to its unique qualities, the Newfoundland quickly won the hearts of dog breeders in Europe, and in 1886 received official recognition and detailed breed standards. Although after 20 years there were very few Newfoundlands left in England, which put the breed in danger of complete extinction.

The Newfoundland dog breed was officially adopted in 1886.

In the 1920s, Newfoundland came to the territory of the United States and Russia. But if in America the breed immediately gained incredible popularity, in Russia this did not happen immediately. A few years later, Russian breeders tried to create their own variety of the breed -. The attempt was successful, but the new breed did not become widespread. Selection work to improve the Newfoundland was continued in the post-Soviet period.

Purpose of the breed

Newfoundlands, or divers, were bred specifically to rescue drowning people. Thanks to the membranes between their toes, they are excellent swimmers, dive deep, and can jump into the water not only from the side of a boat, but even from a helicopter. They are so strong that they can easily tow a boat with passengers to the shore, or pull a sleigh with a heavy load through the snow.

Representatives of this breed love water and cold. They cannot exist in hot climates due to their thick and dense coat with a heavy undercoat. These smartest dogs excel in rescuing people from rubble and collapses, finding victims after avalanches and landslides, and serving as guides and companions for people with disabilities.

Description and characteristics of the breed with photographs

This huge, massive dog gives the impression of a lumbering giant, but this is not the case at all.

The Newfoundland, which is much larger than normal large dogs, can be very agile, fast and harmonious. He has excellent control of his body and can show remarkable agility.

Males are much larger than females, their height at the withers is about 70-75 cm, and their weight is 65-70 kg. The girls are slightly smaller: height 62-68 cm, and weight 45-55 kg. The main distinguishing features of the breed are very large, massive dimensions, but without excess weight.

The description of the breed is strictly regulated:

Color and coat type

Newfoundland wool is very dense and thick, and has water-repellent properties. The undercoat is double, very soft, and the guard hair is slightly wavy and long. The hair on the muzzle, ears and front side of the paws is much shorter, and the back of the paws and tail have long feathering.

There are three standard colors for this breed:

• black – monochromatic and rich, with small white spots on the tail, paws and chest, but in summer, the color may fade to a dark brown shade;
• brown, dark chocolate color, solid color, although small white markings are allowed;
• black and white color is characterized by predominance white, with large black spots on the back and face.

The undercoat is renewed annually during molting, but is never completely shed.

Newfoundland dogs come in three colors: brown, black and black and white.

Newfoundland character and temperament

A characteristic feature of the breed is considered to be the desire to save people, heroism and selflessness inherent at the genetic level. This is an incredibly kind, balanced and calm dog that, without hesitation, is ready to help any person. The Newfoundland is infinitely devoted to its owner, and is simply incapable of loving someone else as much.

The character of the breed is truly unique. This is not just a smart dog, but a dog with high intelligence. She does not follow commands, but understands what her owner wants from her, without even hearing the request to the end. The Newfoundland is able to determine only by the voice of the owner what mood he is in and what he wants in this moment. Dogs very rarely bark and are able to independently assess the degree of threat to the owner.

Dogs of this breed are completely devoid of aggression, they are slightly phlegmatic, patient and balanced. Thanks to your kindness and limitless patience, great for families with children.

Important. Children should not be allowed to ride a dog, because due to the structural features of the skeleton, the spine can be seriously damaged.

Newfoundland dogs have very high intelligence.

Much attention should be paid to proper training of the dog. Having such a huge size, she will simply drag her owner along with her, and it is impossible to stop her without a command.

Training and raising a dog

It is necessary to socialize your dog from a very early age. By the age of three months, the baby should already clearly know the basic commands. As a rule, this process is not very simple, because Newfoundlands, thanks to their intelligence, strive to make independent decisions and assess the situation.

Important. Under no circumstances should you shout at the dog or demand anything in a commanding tone. The dog will simply stop responding to the owner's voice.

All classes should be easy and relaxed, in the form of a game. After each (even small) success, the dog is rewarded with a treat. Newfoundlands sense the mood of their owner very well and distinguish between real and imaginary danger. When training, it is very important to interest the dog, because if it gets bored, it will lose interest in classes.

Care and maintenance

The thick coat of Newfoundlands requires regular grooming.

Do not forget that during the molting period, the dog loses most undercoat, which in turn leads to the fact that all objects in the house will be covered with a thick layer of wool. A special metal brush is suitable for combing, and the process itself will take about 40-50 minutes. Some owners, in order to minimize grooming, prefer to cut their dog's hair. But you shouldn’t do this yourself. It is better to seek help from professionals.

Despite the fact that Newfoundlands love water, they should be bathed (with shampoo) as rarely as possible, only when their coat is heavily soiled. It is best to keep a dog in a private home, but not on a chain or in a fenced enclosure. The Newfoundland needs constant communication with its owner, and restricting freedom can lead to serious health problems. The ideal option would be to have a pond near your home. As a last resort, a large bathtub filled with water will do. Do not forget that dogs tend to drool profusely. Therefore, after eating, the dog’s face should be wiped with a rag.

Dogs need moderate but daily physical activity. The ideal exercise for them would be a leisurely morning and evening run. With age, Newfoundlands become less active, i.e. jogging can be replaced by leisurely walks.

Feeding and nutritious diet

It is preferable to feed your Newfoundland with special food for giant breeds.

Important. It is necessary to strictly control the pet's weight, because obesity is detrimental to it.

If the owner has chosen to feed natural food, then you need to know that at least 35-40% daily norm should be lean meat or boiled fish. In addition, the diet should include rice, barley and buckwheat, stewed and raw vegetables(beets, zucchini, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes). The dog is fed strictly at the same time, twice a day.

You should never give Newfoundlands bones, even the largest and strongest ones. With its strong jaws, the dog can bite through them, thereby damaging the intestines. The menu can only include soft cartilage or special treats for cleaning teeth.

Health and diseases of the breed

Due to their gigantic size, Newfoundlands are often susceptible to a number of common diseases.

Most often, dogs suffer from the following common ailments:

In addition, dogs of this breed are very difficult to tolerate high temperatures, which can lead to heat stroke.

Newfoundlands do not live very long, on average, about 8-10 years.

It is advisable to buy a Newfoundland puppy from a specialized nursery. This guarantees that the baby will be purebred, healthy, and vaccinated. To avoid deception, you need to carefully study all the documents of the puppy itself and its parents, ask for a passport and pedigree.

Its cost ranges from 20,000 to 70,000 rubles. The cheaper option is dangerous due to the presence of congenital diseases and pathologies. When choosing a puppy, you need to carefully observe its behavior. If the baby is cheerful, cheerful and active, then you can safely purchase it.

IN modern world It can be difficult to find a truly loyal, reliable friend. Finding such a companion is easy among dogs. The Newfoundland is ready to become a delightful four-legged companion with an attractive appearance, good-natured disposition and impressive size.

It often happens that the history of the origin of many dog ​​breeds remains a mystery. Newfoundland is no exception. Researchers different countries cannot come to a consensus and adhere to the chosen priority version. Canadians believe that the Newfoundland could have originated from the crossing of black wolves with Asian mastiffs, or Viking dogs with local wolves; the possibility of the participation of water dogs and shepherd dogs is not excluded. American breeders are of the opinion that the breed originates from Great Pyrenees dogs. In Russia, it is considered to be a feral species of island dogs, consisting mainly of huskies and English Molossians.

At the same time, there is information about the origin of the Newfoundland confirmed by many years of research:

• their homeland is an island of the same name;
• by the 17th century, a clear description of appearance had developed;
• acquired a generally recognized name in the second half of the 18th century.

It is interesting to note that during the last quarter of the 15th century. The breed was on the verge of extinction due to the publication of the corresponding decree. The act prohibited a family from keeping more than one dog.

Newfoundland appearance

Newfoundland is a truly beautiful and proud breed. This is a powerful dog with a strong, durable body, perfectly coordinated movements, a large massive head with a wide muzzle. Their eye color is usually dark brown. The coat can be black and brown with white markings or plain. Previously, a white and black variety was acceptable, but later such representatives began to be distinguished as a separate Landseer breed. Mating of representatives of two different breeds is prohibited. There are gray dogs, but in most countries such dogs are considered breeding grounds (with the exception of America). The Newfoundland is characterized by small triangular ears, a strong tail, and well-developed bones and muscles. In males, the height reaches 71 cm, weight 66 kg. Bitches height does not exceed 68 cm, weight 54 kg.

Newfoundland character

The character is striking in its kindness, complaisance and complete absence malice. He does not have any hunting instincts or aggression towards people or animals. Newfoundland is an incredibly smart breed and is capable of making independent decisions in unusual situations. Dogs by nature have a balanced psyche; a feeling of fear is not typical for them. Often, owners have to teach puppies to beware of moving vehicles, dangerous animals and other risks.

Their extreme sociability and the importance of constant human contact make them suitable for the difficult service of rescue dogs. Silence and patience are integral qualities of the Newfoundland breed. Incredible love and good nature contribute to the use of dogs as a wonderful nanny for children. Little robbers can do whatever they want with the dog without fear, and the big shaggy friend will be happy with constant attention and communication.

Despite its considerable size and body weight, this is a very active and agile dog, taking part in the affairs of its beloved family, any games, and activities.

Newfoundland training

Both adults and Newfoundland puppies are easy to train. An experienced owner and a beginner can cope with a representative of the breed. Of course, you shouldn’t expect lightning-fast obedience from them: after all, this is a very thoughtful dog. However, they carry out many commands quite clearly.

When choosing a sport and training, owners need to take into account the breed specifics of their dogs: any training in the protective sections of obedience is strictly contraindicated. Various manifestations of aggression are unnatural for them; It is worth remembering that its absence is the main character trait of the Newfoundland breed.

The massiveness of these animals does not interfere with teaching them elements of circus training, freestyle (dancing with dogs), taking part in competitions in these types of canine sports and showing good results.

If there is no need to conquer peaks in individual training disciplines, then for a comfortable life it will be enough to teach your pet everyday commands. At the same time, you do not need to allocate a large amount of time for classes; everything happens automatically during walks and in everyday life. Newfoundland puppies quickly remember and understand the wishes of their owners; They become completely manageable around the age of 6 months.

How to choose a puppy

Newfoundland is a breed that requires a responsible approach to choosing a puppy, guided by the following recommendations:

• Objectively assess your strengths and capabilities before deciding to purchase a four-legged friend. The size, needs, and financial component should be taken into account.
• Despite the large number of advertisements, not all offers correspond to reality; You shouldn’t take your baby based on the first advertisement that catches your eye.
• Carefully study information about nurseries, breeders and specific manufacturers. This will minimize the risk of deception and fraud.
• You definitely need to look at the living conditions of the litter and talk to both parents. Kids should look well-fed, clean, have a pleasant smell, actively play with each other, and happily run to meet new people.

Newfoundland puppies are ready to go to new house at approximately eight weeks of age. The average price of a little friend in Russia is 18,000-21,000 rubles. More high price due to high exterior characteristics and the prospect of an exhibition career.

Due to its large size, this dog requires a lot of space. If the conditions of the apartment allow you to equip the appropriate space for comfortable coexistence of family members and pets, then there are no obstacles to this. However, it often happens that living quarters are not designed to accommodate a large four-legged pet. In this regard, the best option for their life is their own home with surrounding territory.

Newfoundland is a breed that is not particularly picky about food. Dogs tolerate both industrial food and natural food well. White/red fish meat is suitable as a source of animal protein. The pet can get the necessary supply of carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits, which are always added to the menu. Beets, carrots, kelp and similar products should be introduced carefully: the coloring substances affect the appearance of the brown tint of the Newfoundland's coat.

When raising a puppy, you should take into account the rapid weight gain and the greater load on the joints and ligaments as a consequence of this. To avoid injury to a young animal, it is recommended to add specialized medications or natural ingredients to the menu.

Special care is required for your pet's coat, especially in the neck and chest area, due to the specific structure of the lips and high salivation. In order for the Newfoundland, the photo can be seen below, to look just as neat and tidy, you should use a pocket square before feeding.

Health and illness

This breed of dog, unfortunately, is not characterized by excellent health. The following are regularly diagnosed:

• diseases of joints and ligaments (ruptures, dysplasia, etc.);
• heart disease (aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy);
• ophthalmological pathologies (cataracts, entropion/eversion of the eyelids);
• skin problems (various dermatitis and neoplasms).

Life expectancy is low and averages 9-10 years.

To maintain health, regular veterinary examinations and compliance with all the breeder’s instructions for raising a small molosser are required. The key to keeping an animal close to its beloved owners for as long as possible is precisely this.

You should remember the Newfoundland's special love for water and control its desire to swim, especially under unfavorable climatic conditions. Otherwise, symptoms of hypothermia, cystitis and other inflammatory processes may appear.

It is important to take into account the presence of long black hair and minimize the dog’s exposure to the sun, as this can lead to overheating and even death.

Newfoundland photo

Representatives of the breed in question are very photogenic. Good nature and patience make them wonderful models. Newfoundland, photos are located just below, is often photographed with animals and birds.

Good disposition and appearance have always attracted increased interest from artists, writers and other people to representatives of the described breed. creative professions. Images of these dogs were found on stamps, and a series of coins was recently issued in New Zealand.
Features of behavior and character make representatives of the breed excellent companion dogs, ready to follow the owner always and everywhere. There are certain difficulties and specifics in keeping Newfoundlands, which does not prevent the breed from joining the ranks of fans.

Origin	Canada, Newfoundland
Dimensions	Average male sizes: 60-74 cm, 59-68 kg. Average size of female: 63-69 cm, 45-54 kg
Character	Kind, gentle, obedient, affectionate, very loyal and loving dogs
Where is it used?	Companion dog
Lives	8-12 years

Everyone knows that the Newfoundland is an affectionate diving dog that does not bark. That's what we'll talk about.

Origin story

The birthplace of Newfoundlands is considered to be Canada, or rather the island in the eastern part of Canada - Newfoundland. But there are a lot of descriptions about how exactly this breed arose. The most common is that dogs arose from the crossing of Asian mastiffs with the black wolf (now extinct).

There is also another version: the crossing of Viking dogs and local diving dogs on the island, the crossing of European dogs brought to the island and local ones. All these stories can be combined into one big one. Let's say that initially there was a crossing of mastiffs with black wolves, then Viking dogs mixed with a new breed from black wolves. Then there was a mixture of European dogs with the previous ones, and during the colonization of the island a unique type of breed was created, with characteristic features that remain to this day, with its own special character and workforce.

Since then, Newfoundlands have spread throughout the continent. And the first breed standard was approved in 1879. In Russia, the Newfoundland became popular at the beginning of the last century and was immediately loved by local owners for its impressive size and unusually gentle character. The Newfoundland is sometimes called a “diver” due to its excellent swimming abilities.

Breed characteristics

The dog is of impressive size, one of the largest breeds at the present time, the weight of an adult male is up to 70 kg, height is 69-74 cm, females are slightly smaller. They have extremely high intelligence. In ancient times they were used as draft and water dogs. That's why they got the nickname diver.

Nowadays, people prefer Newfies for their easy-going nature, boundless devotion and love for their owner. An amazing, affectionate dog of enormous size that does not bark. Gets along well in big house, and in the apartment.

Appearance and standard

Newfoundlands are large dogs with a massive, square body. They are folded very proportionally. The Newfoundland's movements are highly precise and completely coordinated. The height at the withers is not clearly standardized. But males must be no lower than 71 cm, and females 66 cm. Weight on average is 67 kg for a male, and 54-56 kg for a female.

The pride of the Newfie is its coat: thick, dense, waterproof. A Newfoundland puppy is an unforgettable sight; he looks like a small, playful and very inquisitive bear cub in your apartment.

Newfoundlands are black, brown, or black and white. White markings on toes, chest or tail are acceptable in black and brown coats. Another feature of dogs is their webbed feet, thanks to which these animals became famous as excellent swimmers and gained popularity as divers.

The breed standard does not recognize: poor unbalanced character, incorrectly formed bite or misaligned jaws, markings other than white, on black or brown color. Newfoundlands must only be black, brown or white and black. There is also a whole list of rules that the Newfoundland breed standard must comply with.

Character

Newfoundlands are amazing dogs. These are real, very devoted friends, always faithful helpers and even rescuers. Their character is soft and meek. Despite their impressive size, Newfoundlands are very meek and affectionate, calm and reliable. They have no hunting instincts, so they become a friend to any animal or child.

By its nature, the Newfoundland is monogamous and becomes attached to its family once and for all. If he cannot break this connection, he will not be able to establish friendly relations with the new owners, it will be almost impossible for him. If you decide to have a Newfoundland in your apartment, do not forget to read the “Newfoundland reviews”. After all, no matter how wonderful his character is, perhaps for some reason this dog is not suitable for you. You may be very busy, or caring for your dog's fur will become problematic for you.

Newfoundlands are great companion dogs for families and love family weekends and trips, especially if you're going swimming. These wonderful dogs are excellent divers and love water. There are many cases when Newfoundland became a lifeguard - a diver on the water. Very often, divers take these dogs with them for work.

Dogs are well socialized, love people and noisy companies, it is difficult to make them into watchmen. Most likely, they will treat strangers as a friend; they are devoid of aggression, so they try to build all relationships as friendly ones. But they feel bad people very well and will definitely warn you about it. And if, according to Newf, a “bad person” appears in your apartment, he will knock him to the floor with his big paws.

Advantages and disadvantages

Perhaps these dogs have much more advantages than disadvantages. They are loving and patient dogs with excellent intelligence, the best protectors, helpers, sociable, friendly, non-aggressive. Beautiful and noble in their data.

The only real drawback is their coat, which requires constant care. This is the most difficult thing, you need to comb them constantly and remove the thick fur that you will have throughout the apartment.

Due to their calm and sometimes too phlegmatic nature, they quickly gain weight, so they need constant training. Another interesting trait of the Newfoundland breed is fearlessness. He has absolutely no sense of fear; it is better to warn your pet about dangerous objects in advance, for example, an open fire.

Conditions for keeping at home

Newfoundlands need constant training, they quickly lose shape and gain excess weight. Despite their large size, dogs get along well in a large house and apartment. If such a miracle lives in your apartment, pay more attention to its physical preparation. If there is an open pond near your house, this is ideal, because this is a diver dog, and he simply needs water treatments.

The Newfoundland is such an animal that it feels good where its owner feels good. With proper care, thanks to patient and calm character, Newfoundland can live wonderfully in both an apartment and a house.

Care

This dog breed requires proper care. There is no need to wash your pet every day, this can harm his beautiful coat; it is also better to cut your Newfie’s hair no more than twice a year. Keep an eye on your claws and trim them if necessary. You need to brush your coat as often as possible, these dogs shed a lot. Don't forget about your pet's vaccinations.

Optimal diet

You need to approach Newfoundland's diet very responsibly. Because a few extra pounds already make it difficult for your pet to walk and move. Be sure to listen to your diver friend's appetite, but don't forget that you are the boss. Adult dogs should not be given a lot of food as they move less. Make sure that your diet consists of 50 percent meat and also includes all the necessary vitamins, proteins, and minerals.

Possible diseases

The most common diseases in Newfoundlands are:

• diseases of the hip joint;
• heart disease;
• diabetes;
• heatstroke;
• infectious diseases.

Newfoundland is at risk viral diseases, especially at an early age. Most often, these are hepatitis and coccidosis. Another dangerous disease is piroplasmosis. This is a very dangerous condition: the dog’s temperature rises to 40 degrees. The sooner you show it to the doctor, the greater the chance of recovery. And even after this, the dog will require long-term care and rehabilitation.

How to raise a puppy?

Soft, warm, furry bundles of happiness will soon turn into a strong and noble beast. In order for Newfoundland puppies to grow into healthy and strong dogs, you need to take care of their upbringing from the very first days. A puppy up to 4 months should be fed 5 times a day, after six months 4 times, and after a year switched to two meals a day.

Designate a place for your puppy in the apartment so that he does not climb on sofas, tables and accidentally injure himself. Remove all dangerous items from sight. If the puppy lives in an apartment, take care of soft bedding and a large tray. Get your puppy used to easy training. When the puppy grows up, take him to bodies of water where he can exercise his diving dog instinct. If you want to raise a real champion of all kinds of exhibitions, you should turn to specialists.

Education and training are slightly different concepts. Newfoundland puppies will learn manners, behavior, kindness and affection only from you. The main things in raising a Newfoundland are: kindness, love, regular communication and socialization. And, proper care and care. If you follow these simple rules, your pet will show only its best character traits inherent in this breed.

Photo gallery

Photo 1. Newfoundland in nature Photo 2. Animal near the sea Photo 3. Newfoundland walking

Video “Reliable Friend”

This video is about a Newfoundland dog. Channel — TV company Orbita.

Rescuer, assistant. Loves water and loves to swim. He has universal abilities, saves the lives of drowning people, as he senses a person’s fear well, brings game to the hunter that has fallen into the water, can be a good companion and a family favorite, faithful companion and a fisherman's assistant.

The Legend of Newfoundland

There is a legend that God, admiring the creation of the world, noticed an island cut by storms. A small tribe of fishermen lived on it, constantly struggling with nature for survival. The Lord felt sorry for the poor people, he began to think about how to alleviate their suffering. He searched among the creatures he had created for the most suitable one. But not finding a suitable one, I decided to create it. God took the body of a bear, with powerful bones capable of withstanding a heavy load, and a thick skin would protect from any cold. The heavy body was given the smoothness of a seal, so that the new animal would swim quickly, cutting through the waves like dolphins, accompanying ships with joyful curiosity.

The Lord worked for a long time on the new creation until it became perfect. The result was a wonderful creature with shiny fur, kind eyes, strong and very gentle. It must become devoted to a person, live next to him and be ready to give his life for him. To do this, God put the heart of a dog into the creature’s chest, and a miracle happened; a Newfoundland stood in front of him. He gave it to people and promised that he would become a reliable friend and assistant, always ready to help in difficult times.

History of the Newfoundland breed

Newfoundland comes from an island of the same name with cold winters, plenty of water and constant arctic winds. Now it is difficult to say exactly when this wonderful dog appeared.

Many sources indicate that the ancestors of the Newfoundland were bear hunting dogs, brought to America by the Vikings. There is a mention of Olum, a black dog that belonged to the Viking leader Leif Eriksson.

There is another theory: the Tibetan mastiff, the ancestor of all guard breeds, came to America along with the ancestors of the American Indians. This means that the ancestor of the Newf was a large black dog of the Apache Indians. He helped them in hunting, fishing, pulled heavy carts, guarded the settlement and nursed children. Professor Otis Mason mentions these facts in his book on the American Indians.

There is truth in both versions; they describe the historical period for the genetic formation of the breed. Perhaps the Viking dogs, mixing with Indian dogs, formed a new breed, and these were the ancestors of the Newfoundland.

Newfoundland breed description

In the photo, the Newfoundland attracts the attention of passers-by

1. Body: deep, strong, compact, powerful, muscular, movements well coordinated. The length of the body from the withers to the base of the tail should correspond to the distance from the withers to the ground. In a female it is stretched out and less massive than in a male. The line of the back is straight and strong from the withers to the croup.
2. Head: massive. The skull is wide, with a slightly convex arch and a well-developed occipital protuberance.
3. Muzzle: square, deep, relative to the head, short, covered with short, thin hair. There are no folds. The outline of the lips is clearly visible.
4. Mouth: soft, tightly closed with lips.
5. Cheeks: soft.
6. Nose: large, wide, nostrils well developed. Nose color: varies depending on the color of the dog; in black and black-and-white dogs it is black, in brown dogs it is brown.
7. Bite: scissor or straight, without overshot. The teeth grow at right angles to the jaw.
8. Eyes: small, deep-set, widely spaced. The eyelids do not droop, the red conjunctiva is not visible.
9. Eye color: dark brown or light brown, according to color.
10. Ears: small, triangular, rounded at the ends. Set well on the sides at the back of the skull, close to the cheekbones. The ear of an adult is extended forward, reaching the inner corner of the eye, located on the same side of the head.
11. Neck: strong, powerfully fused with the shoulders, long enough to provide a noble carriage of the head. The dewlap should not be overly pronounced.
12. Back: wide, straight surface.
13. Loin: short, muscular.
14. Croup: wide, angle of inclination about 30°.
15. Chest: Round, low and wide, with well sprung ribs.
16. Shoulders: very well-muscled, directed backwards, forming an angle of 45° with the horizontal line.
17. Elbows: close to the body, low.
18. Paws: large, in proportion to the body, rounded, strong toes, set wide. Between the toes, like all water dogs, there are well-developed membranes. The claws are black or light.
19. Forelegs: straight, parallel.
20. Hind legs: strong, strong, well closed.
21. Gait: free, Newfoundland sways a little when moving.
22. Tail: Medium length, when swimming the Newfoundland uses it as a rudder, it is strong and wide at the base. The length, just below the ankle, reaches the hock joint. When calm, the tail is carried down and slightly curved at the end. When moving or excited, the tail is tensely extended, held high, and slightly curved upward at the end.
23. Coat: water-repellent, double coat with undercoat, smooth, thick. The guard hair is long, greasy so that it does not get wet in water, straight, without curls. The undercoat is soft and dense. The hair on the head, muzzle and ears is short and soft. The body is densely covered with hair, there is no fringe on the chest. There is fringe on the front legs. The tail is covered with long thick hair.

Newfoundland color

• Black (if it fades in the sun, light color is acceptable) brown tint)
• Black and white (Landseer, makes up 18% of the population).
• Brown (chocolate, bronze)
• Silver

Photo of Newfoundland in the snow

By nature, the Newfoundland is a gentle, loving, reliable creature, ready to please its owner. An agile swimmer, with a powerful, strong body, and a kind heart.

Has an innate instinct to save drowning and under any circumstances come to the aid of a person.

He is a good watchman, always ready to learn something new, and is very trainable. He loves children and is always ready to play and frolic with them. Newfoundland is an excellent nanny, gentle and reliable. But given the huge size, try not to leave your baby alone with the dog for a long time. Not suitable for families with very young children.

The child may be harmed by adolescence The Newfoundland has quite fragile bones, and any careless movement on the part of a person, the desire to lift by the paws, can lead to injury or dislocation.

Do not allow children to ride. Even though he looks big and strong, he often reminds children of a horse. But his skeleton is built differently, and the spine, unable to withstand the load, is injured. Gets along well with other pets.

If you want to buy a Newfoundland, you definitely won’t go wrong, but will get a reliable and devoted friend. The Newfoundland has a soft, affectionate, gentle and kind character. It is suitable for an elderly person and will play great with a child. As a teenager, he does not yet understand his strength, and can simply drag a person leading him on a leash. An adult, trained pet has a good sense of pace and shows understanding towards the person walking with it.

Newfoundland content

The photo shows a red Newfoundland puppy with a strict character.

The only disadvantage of the breed- large mass and large size. They do not allow keeping a Newfoundland in a small apartment; the dog needs space.

Good for people with country house and a small garden plot. The need for movement is much less than other dogs; most of the time he prefers to lie quietly. But if he wants to run, do not interfere with this, and be sure to let him move.

The place where you will keep your Newfoundland should have enough shade in the summer heat, as a dog of this size cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Provide him with a sufficient amount of water, and it is best to make a bath for him from a large basin, in which he can bathe and cool down if necessary.

He needs constant communication with a person, affection and tenderness from the owner. It is genetically important for him to feel his needs as a person, this is a working dog and one game is not enough. Newfoundland can live a happy life in rural areas, but life on the seashore is the ultimate dream for him. This is his habitat, he doesn’t feel better anywhere than near the water. At the sight of the sea, the clumsy pet bear turns into a sensitive guard, ready at any moment to rush to the aid of drowning people.

Saving drowning people is an innate instinct; a trained individual will do this, and without special training. Sometimes there are Newfoundland puppies that do not want to go into the water, and this does not mean that they have a difficult character, it’s just that the instinct is not always manifested from birth. He will definitely appear later.

Never throw into water by force, it doesn’t matter whether it’s from the shore or from a boat, with this method you can discourage him from swimming for a long time.

You should teach him to swim gradually, show him other swimming dogs, and if there are none, the owner himself can go into the water and call him to him. Turn it into a game, take your favorite ball or toy and throw it nearby so that the dog will fetch it. The main thing when training is to show patience and perseverance, only then can you achieve good results.

Newfoundland photo with a bowl

Ready-made dry food and natural food are suitable for feeding. Your veterinarian will tell you which diet to choose. You should feed 2 times a day, morning and evening. Teenagers 8 - 10 months old eat more than adults, 700 - 800g of meat per 200g of rice per day. A growing body has a much higher need for protein. The approximate portion for an adult Newfoundland is 600 grams of meat per 300 grams of rice per day.

The Newfoundland does not sweat and cools down only by breathing, which is why it pant frequently when it is hot. A bath with water is the first salvation from heatstroke. When keeping your pet in the house, provide your pet with a large space; even an old carpet will do for a lounger. Clean water place it in free access, but do not allow it to go into the bowl with its paws.

It should be remembered that this is a living, loyal creature, and not a beautiful decoration in the garden; it cannot be chained and fed twice a day.

Newfoundland care

Pictured is a Newfoundland dog diver

The Newfoundland's coat is thick with a dense undercoat and sheds seasonally 2 times a year. During this period, the fur will have to be combed more often so that the pet has a neat appearance. Usually the coat is combed every 3 days with a metal comb.

Bath when dirty.

Wipe the muzzle with a cloth after drinking or eating. The peculiarity of the breed is drooling, there is not much of it, but it is better to put on formal clothes immediately before leaving the house.

Trim nails once a month with a nail clipper for large breeds.

Inspect your eyes regularly; to prevent souring, you can wipe them with a soft cloth soaked in weak tea leaves - once a week.

Inspect your ears for any unpleasant odor or excess wax. If the inside of the ear is dirty, wipe it with a damp cloth.

Ticks and fleas

The tick is a carrier dangerous disease- piroplasmosis (babesiosis), if not detected in time, causes irreparable damage to the animal’s body, even death.

Symptoms of piroplasmosis:

• Lethargy
• Refusal of food and drink
• A sharp increase in temperature to 40-41 degrees

Remember, timely contact with the veterinarian, correct diagnosis and treatment in the first 3 days after the bite give a chance for recovery.

Newfoundland training

Newfoundland photo - training

When starting to train a Newfoundland, you should take into account its natural need for swimming, rescuing drowning people and the desire to pull them to shore.

First, teach how to do basic exercises:

1. walk on or without a leash
2. at the owner’s command, it will first learn to drag an object along the ground, and then it can be taught to pull it out of the water.
3. perform the commands “Sit”, “Lie down” and “Stand”

If you are not confident in your abilities or simply do not have enough time, it is better to seek help from training specialists. At the first contact with water, the instinct develops to save everyone who is in the water, even if they are against it. The owner, of course, suffers first.

Newfoundland diseases

• hip dysplasia
• heart diseases
• enteritis
• viral hepatitis
• coccidiosis
• piroplasmosis
• heatstroke
• eversion and inversion of the eyelid (ectropion and entropion)
• cataract
• volvulus
• hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones)

Newfoundland photo

Newfoundland video