Dog Breed Guide

Newfoundland

Profile

Size

Extra Large

Country of origin

Canada

Origin

18th century

Bred for

Water rescue, Working dog

Height

male about 71cm (28in), female about 66cm (26in)

Weight

male about 68kg (150lb), female about 54kg (119lb)

Life span

9 - 10 years

A master swimmer with a thick, oily double coat and large webbed feet. Its tail works as a rudder in the water. Colors include black, brown, gray and Landseer, which is white with black patches.

Very gentle and patient, the Newfoundland is best loved for its kindness toward people and children. Its instinct to help is said to be so strong that it will jump in to rescue someone who has fallen into the water without being told.

It drools a lot and suffers badly in heat, so temperature control in summer is a must. It sheds heavily and its coat mats easily, so it needs frequent brushing. Heart and joint problems are concerns.

Good to know

When the Lewis and Clark Expedition set out across North America in 1803, a Newfoundland named Seaman went with them. Bought by Captain Meriwether Lewis for 20 dollars, he was the only animal to complete the entire journey of about three years.

The English poet Lord Byron also adored his Newfoundland, Boatswain. When Boatswain died of illness, Byron built a monument inscribed with the words that the dog possessed "all the Virtues of Man without his Vices," and asked to be buried beside him.

In the original Peter Pan, Nana, the dog who serves as nursemaid to the Darling children, is a Newfoundland as well. Today, in Italy and elsewhere, Newfoundlands still work as water rescue dogs, leaping from helicopters into the sea to save swimmers.