Newfoundland - just try keeping him out of water!

Newfoundland

At a Glance

Big and Tall (bordering on Super-Sized!)

A Regular Gym-Goer

The Babysitter

Beauty Queen

Famous Owners

Lord Byron (dog’s name – Boatswain)

Robert and Ethel Kennedy (dog’s name – Brumis)

Son of Ulysses S. Grant Jesse Grant (dog’s name – Faithful)

Explorers Lewis and Clark (dog’s name – Seaman)

Professional Hockey Player Mario Lemieux (dog’s name – Ben)

Breed History

No one knows for sure exactly which breeds the Newfoundland, or Newfie, is descended from. What is clear is that he originated in Newfoundland—hence the name! The Newfie originally aided fisherman by hauling nets to shore and even pulling boats. His big, strong body also made him great for hauling carts and carrying packs.

Newfoundlands Today

The Newfoundland is a huge dog standing between 26 and 28 inches and weighing up to 150 pounds. His coat is thick, dense, and water resistant, which is ideal for protecting him from icy water, but also requires a great deal of brushing. Newfies can be black, brown, gray, or white and black. He is often employed as a life-saving dog and, in 1919, a Newfoundland was given a gold medal for pulling a lifeboat holding twenty shipwrecked people to shore. In addition to his waterproof coat, he also has webbed feet to help propel him through the water—maybe his ancestors were ducks?

Personality and the Perfect Owner

The Newfoundland is one of the sweetest, most friendly breeds around. He’s fantastic with kids and loves almost everyone. The Newfie’s loving and loyal nature so inspired Lord Byron that he wrote this epitaph for his beloved companion:

“Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices.”

The Newfie is a hardy dog and is best suited to the outdoor life, especially if there’s ample water for swimming available. Newfies live to save drowning people and have a natural lifesaving ability. So, if you live on a lake, be prepared to be rescued—whether you need it or not!

Common Health Problems

Before adding a Newfoundland to your home, ask your breeder about the dog’s health history. Common Newfoundland ailments are:

· Hip dysplasia · Eyelid problems · Heart disease