Newfoundland
- SIZE: 9
- GROOMING:: 5
- EXERCISE NEEDS: 4
- GOOD WITH DOGS: 6
- WATCHDOG: 5
- BREED: Newfoundland
- COLOR(S):Black, gray, or brown. May have white markings.
DESCRIPTION
Newfoundlands are beautiful, large, stately, strong, and massive dogs with broad heavy heads. They are elegant, harmonious, agile and hardy. They love to swim; their feet are webbed for better swimming. Newfoundland puppies and dogs are outstanding instinctive water rescue dogs. They have been called the St. Bernard of the water. This breed is courageous, generous, and devoted. Newfoundland puppies and dogs are exceptionally patient; they fit into any type of household.
TEMPERAMENT
Newfoundland puppies and dogs have outstanding temperaments. This breed is patient, mild mannered, and gentle. This dog is very devoted, loyal, trustworthy, and sweet. Newfoundland puppies and dogs can become so attached to their owners that they cannot adapt to new homes. They are patient, playful, and loving with children; they are born babysitters. They are intelligent enough to act on their own when needed. Newfoundland puppies and dogs make very good watchdogs. They can recognize a dangerous situation and will generally act if the family is threatened. This breed is generally good with other animals, though some males may be aggressive with other males. This breed may be slightly difficult to train, needing calm, patient, balanced training. This dog is very sensitive to the tone of your voice. Newfoundland puppies and dogs love to swim. Newfoundland puppies and dogs drink lots of water and may be messy about it, as they love to get wet. They tend to drool, though not as much as some other giant breeds. Although Newfoundland puppies require a lot of food, adult Newfoundland dogs eat only about as much as a retriever. This is a huge dog and tends to move rather slowly; take this into account during training. These gentle giants were used for hauling in nets, carrying boat lines to shore, retrieving anything which fell overboard and rescuing shipwrecked and drowning victims; Newfoundland dogs were also used to haul lumber, pull mail sheds, deliver milk, and carry loads in packs. Newfoundland puppies and dogs will benefit from regular moderate exercise, they should have frequent opportunities to swim and frolic.
GROOMING
Flat, dense, and coarse textured double coat; oily and water resistant. Outer coat moderately long, straight or slightly wavy. Daily to weekly brushing of the thick, coarse, double coat with a hard brush is important. The undercoat is shed twice a year in the spring and fall and extra care is required at these times. Avoid bathing unless absolutely necessary, as this strips away the coat\'s natural oils, instead, dry shampoo from time to time.
HEALTH
Hip and elbow dysplaHip and elbow dysplasia, genetic heart conditions, skin allergies, and hypothyroidism. sia, genetic heart conditions, skin allergies, and hypothyroidism.
EXERCISE
Newfoundland puppies and dogs need regular, moderate exercise even though they would love to laze around. The Newfoundland loves to swim and they should be given the opportunity whenever possible. Not suited for apartment living, as they need lots of room. A large fenced yard is essential. If possible, they should have access to a pool of water, even if it is a kiddie pool. Newfoundland puppies and dogs are more suited to colder climates than hot climates, as they have heavy coats. The best owner for this breed would be an easy going owner who is not fastidious, who is living in a rural or suburban environment.
TRAINING
A calm and balanced manner of training is needed, as they are a very sensitive breed who will listen to the tone of your voice.