Newfoundland

Get to Know Newfoundlands

• Born Lifeguards: Newfoundlands are natural swimmers with webbed feet and a water-resistant coat, making them exceptional water rescue dogs. They've saved countless lives throughout history.
• Incredible Strength: They’re powerful enough to pull carts and heavy loads, and were once used by fishermen to haul in nets and gear from icy waters.
• Gentle Giants: Despite their massive size, Newfoundlands are famously gentle and patient with children, earning them the nickname "nanny dog."
• Literary Fame: A Newfoundland named "Nana" appears in J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan as the beloved dog caretaker of the Darling children.
• Presidential Pup: U.S. President James Buchanan had a Newfoundland named Lara, and Lewis and Clark brought one named Seaman on their expedition.

Breed History

The Newfoundland originated in the Canadian province of the same name, where it was bred to work alongside fishermen. Developed from a mix of local working dogs and possibly European breeds like the Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands were prized for their strength, swimming ability, and gentle nature. These dogs hauled fishing nets, pulled carts, and most famously, rescued people from drowning. Their natural swimming ability, combined with a thick, water-resistant coat and webbed feet, made them uniquely suited to cold-water work. Over time, their heroism and kind temperament earned them a reputation as one of the most noble and dependable giant breeds.

Personality and Behaviour

• Calm & Gentle: Newfoundlands are known for their incredibly calm demeanor, even in chaotic environments. Their quiet confidence and steady presence make them great family dogs, especially around small children.
• Protective but Not Aggressive: While not aggressive, Newfoundlands are naturally protective and deeply loyal to their families. They tend to be watchful and may place themselves between their loved ones and perceived threats, using their sheer size as a deterrent rather than force.
• Affectionate Companions: These dogs crave human connection and prefer being close to their family members. They are sensitive and emotionally intuitive, often responding to moods and offering comfort with their presence.

Care

• Exercise: Despite their size, Newfoundlands don’t need intense activity, but they do benefit from daily walks and light play to stay fit and healthy. They excel in water activities—swimming is an excellent, low-impact form of exercise that suits their body and instincts perfectly. Due to their heavy build and risk of joint issues, high-impact exercise should be avoided, especially in hot weather. Keep activity slow and steady.
• Grooming: Newfoundlands shed a lot, especially during seasonal coat blows. Expect to brush them several times a week—daily during shedding season. Their double coat can mat easily, especially around the ears, legs, and tail. Regular grooming is essential to prevent tangles and skin issues. They tend to drool, and their large, furry bodies easily bring in dirt and debris, so frequent cleaning of the dog, and your home, is part of the deal.
• Training: Newfoundlands are intelligent and capable of learning quickly, but they can also be independent thinkers. Gentle, patient training works best. Because of their size, it’s crucial to socialize and train them early to prevent pushy or overly shy behavior as adults. They have a strong desire to make their humans happy, which makes them generally responsive to positive reinforcement, especially with praise or food rewards.