If you've ever had the pleasure of meeting a Newfoundland, you're likely to fall in love with them. Even with their vast size, you'd be hardpressed to find a sweeter breed. They're also extremely intelligent and loyal.

Newfies can be outstanding companion dogs for the right sort of person. But with Newfoundlands, there is much more than their size that meets the eye!

Dogs originally bred in Newfoundland, an island off Canada's East Coast, are known as Newfoundland dogs. Despite the name's lack of originality, it provides a sense of the type of environment these canines needed to survive to thrive.

As a working dog, the Newfoundland was initially used by fishermen as a rescue and service dog. While they no longer work on ships, their swimming prowess is still intact.

It's not uncommon for the Newfoundland to risk their lives to save the lives of those people struggling or drowning and pulling them to safety. The webbed paws of Newfoundland dogs are one of the reasons they are excellent swimmers!

Webbed paws are not something you see in dogs every day; however, other dog breeds share this characteristic.

Newfoundland Personality

Their intelligence, devotion, and gentleness have earned them the nickname "Newfie." Despite being superb guard dogs, they are also excellent family dogs because of their kind and calm nature.

To them, it feels like an honor to sit on your lap or lean against you, and they have a habit of doing both.

Despite their fantastic attitude, the Newfie is far from faultless if care isn’t taken. Boredom or a lack of training and dogs can be obnoxious, have digging issues, counter surfing, and develop other unwanted habits no matter how sweet they are.

In addition, any dog might be a challenge for youngsters to live with, especially the size of a Newfie. Beginning around six months of age for the Newfie, the "teen" years can continue for up to two years of age.

The perfectly trained Newfoundland doesn't just happen by chance, irrespective of their incredible nature. In the end, they are the result of their upbringing and breeding.

If you're looking for a Newfie, search for one whose parents have pleasant personalities and who has been socialized from an early age.

Newfie Grooming

Doublecoated in any of the following colors. Landseer (white with black markings), black, brown, or gray. You'll need to groom their coat often, at least two to three times a week, with a steel comb and wire slicker brush to avoid matting and remove dead hair.

If you have a Newfie, daily brushing him will help reduce the amount of hair in the air. They shed profusely twice a year, known as a "blown coat," in spring and fall. Prepare yourself for brushing for an extended period to keep their hair under control.

Keep a hand towel handy for wiping your dog's mouth after meals and drinks, as Newfies are known for their drooling habit. When the Newfoundland is dirty, that’s the only time you need to bathe them.

Newfoundland Health

The massive size of Newfies means that they are more prone to joint and bone issues. Keeping young, growing dogs at the correct weight and preventing them from engaging in excessive exercise or eating will help prevent injuries and problems that can be crippling in the long run.

Because obesity increases the risk of developing bone and joint problems, which can be incredibly painful and debilitating if they arise, all Newfoundland owners should keep their dogs within the correct weight range.

A Newfie can develop hip or elbow dysplasia; despite their parents being free of the ailment. For this reason, several tests may be necessary while a puppy's bones are still developing to make a definitive diagnosis.

Even if a Newfoundland puppy exhibits no signs of lameness or stiffness, it makes sense to have their hips and elbows xrayed by the time they are two years of age. Early diagnostic testing is a recommendation for dogs that show signs of lameness before that age.

Conclusion

What can you say about the Newfoundland dog? They are massive, make fabulous family companions, and have the sweetest disposition. Of course, as mentioned, they need training and socializing correctly and from a very young age.

Even though they love children, they might not be suitable for households with very young children. Mainly because of their size and the risk of knocking a young child flying.

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