Height: 26-28 inches
Weight: 100-150 lbs.
Life Span: 8-10 yrs.
Breed Group: Guardian Dogs
Overview
While Newfoundlands are sweet-tempered, devoted companions, particularly
for children, their size and deep bark make them good guard dogs as well.
If left alone too often Newfies will develop behavioral problems, notably
home destruction. These dogs can be heavy droolers.
Appearance
The double coat is flat and water resistant. The outercoat is coarse, moderately
long, and thick, either straight or with a wave; the undercoat, thinner
in summer, is soft and dense. Coat color is black, black and white, brown,
or gray.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Newfoundlands need brushing and combing weekly, more often when shedding,
to avoid matting. They need long walks and occasional swims.
Origins
The Newfoundland was developed on its namesake island in the 18th century
to haul fishing nets and pull carts. They were also used to save people
who were shipwrecked.
Special Alerts
It is especially important to obtain a Newfoundland from a reputable breeder
and from stock whose hips have been certified by the Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals or PennHip.
Breed-related health concerns: hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, ectropion/entropion,
allergic dermatitis, hypothyroidism, pemphigus foliaceous (an autoimmune
skin disease causing ulcers and scabs to develop on the skin all over the
body), subaortic stenosis.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
