Newfoundland Breed description: Character & Co

As the name suggests, the Newfoundland dog's home is Newfoundland, an island on the Canadian east coast. The exact roots of this dog breed are not known, but it is believed that they originated out of the crossing of the native Indian dog breed and the dogs of the first European settlers. The Indians were in this case the Micmacs and Beothuks. The Newfoundland has a dense undercoat, which indicates Arctic sledge dogs as their additional ancestors. In former times it was assumed that the black bear dog brought over by the Vikings left its traces in the Newfoundland's genetic constitution. For a while, the Vikings settled down in Newfoundland around 1100. Today, there are doubts about this theory though.

The ancestors of the Newfoundland had a great love for water, a weatherproof coat and a robust build. They helped the Indians with fishing and with all other work. As draught and water dogs they had to be able to carry heavy loads. These characteristics are also found in the Newfoundland. This dog breed was first mentioned in the 18th century in the diary of the British Captain Cartwright. Following this, the Newfoundlander became known as a strong working and rescue dog. The English and French middle and upper classes liked to acquire this dog breed from the New World. Stories were spread about the heroic Newfoundlanders who saved lives at sea. In 1860, the Newfoundlander made its first appearance at a dog show in Birmingham. In 1875, the English Kennel Club started to keep a breed registry for Newfoundlanders. Eleven years later, in 1886, the "Newfoundland Club" was founded in England.

What are the breed characteristics of the Newfoundland dog?

The cynological umbrella organisation FCI categorises the Newfoundland under group 2 "Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoids, Swiss Mountain Dogs", within the section for "Molossoids" and in the subgroup "Mountain Dogs".

1. FCI Group 2
2. Section 2.2
3. Standard No. 50
4. no work test

The impression of a slow, lethargic dog due to his massive body is deceptive. The Newfoundlander is an extremely agile working dog. If you want to buy a Newfoundlander, you should be able to offer it a large home, garden and take them on many walks. The Newfoundland loves to swim, so you should let him jump into the water from time to time. Excessive heat and sunshine do not do him any good.

Newfoundlanders were used by settlers as guard dogs, draught dogs and working dogs. They pulled sledges and guarded the camps afterwards. Thanks to their coat they survived the extreme temperatures of the north very well. They also helped with fishing by pulling the heavy nets ashore. Their long, waterproof coat protected them. Their soft undercoat kept them warm in the freezing cold winters. Their long, muscular bodies enabled the Newfoundlanders to do the work demanded of them. Their head is robust, the muzzle short and square-shaped, the ears are quite small though. Their paws have webbed skin between the toes. As a water dog, the Newfoundland has a typical oily and water-repellent coat.