Newfoundland

General Information - Newfoundland

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History

The early history concerning the origin of the Newfoundland is uncertain, although many claim the original dogs of this island in the Atlantic were Tibetan Mastiffs. In 1001 AD, when the Viking Leif Ericsson arrived in Newfoundland, he brought with him the Viking "bear dog." These dogs mated with the native dogs of the island and the resulting cross developed in relative isolation for the next 500 years. When European fishermen arrived in the 1600's with other dogs, some more outcrosses occurred but the breed remained relatively true to its roots. The fishermen of the island had dogs that were strong working companions: they were able swimmers even in the stormiest and coldest of waters, and many sea-rescues have been attributed to this noble breed. Today the Newf makes an excellent addition to any family with room for this large breed. He enjoys regular exercise.

Temperament

The angelic and heroic nature of the breed is one of its most appreciated qualities. Newfs are intelligent, loyal, and devoted. They are a patient and generous dog who is devoted to its family. The Newfoundland has an exceptionally gentle and docile nature.

Upkeep

This easygoing dog needs daily exercise to stay fit, either in the form of a moderate walk or short romp. It loves to swim and pull, especially in cold weather. Some breeders contend that Landseers (black and white) tend to be more active and need more exercise than solids colour coats. It does not do well in hot weather and should be kept outside only in temperate to cold weather. It is best when allowed access to both house and yard, but it needs lots of room inside to stretch out. Its coat needs combing twice weekly - more frequently when shedding. Newfs do drool and also tend to be messy drinkers.

Newfoundland

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Newfoundland

Origin: Canada

Patronage: FCI

Date of publication of the official valid standard: 29.10.1996

Utilization: Sledge dog for heavy loads, water dog
                                Group 2.2 - Molossoid breeds, Mountain type
                                Without working trial

Short historical survey: The breed originated in the island of Newfoundland from indigenous dogs and the big black bear dog introduced by the Vikings after the year 1100. With the advent of European fishermen a variety of new breeds helped to shape and reinvigorate the breed, but the essential characteristics remained. When the colonization of the island began in 1610, the Newfoundland Dog was already largely in possession of his proper morphology and natural behaviour. These features allowed him to withstand the rigours of the extreme climate and sea’s adversity while pulling heavy loads on land or serving as water and lifeguard dog.
The body of the bitch may be slightly longer and is less massive than that of the dog. The distance from the withers to the underside of the chest is slightly greater than the distance from the underside of the chest to the ground.
Skull: Broad, with slightly arched crown and strongly developed occipital bone.
Nose: Large, well pigmented, nostrils well developed.
Chest - Broad, full and deep, with good spread of ribs.
Shoulders - Very well muscled and well laid back.
Elbows - Close to the chest.
Pasterns - Slightly sloping.
Upper Thighs - Wide and muscular.
Stifle - Well bent, but not so as to give a crouching appearance.
Lower Thighs - Strong and fairly long.
Hocks - Relatively short, well let down and well apart, parallel to each other; they turn neither in nor out.
Hindfeet- Firm and tight. Dewclaws, if present, should have been removed
When the dog is in motion or excited, the tail is carried straight out with slight upward curve, but never curled over the back nor curved inward between the legs.
Hair: The Newfoundland has a water resistent double coat. The outer coat is moderately long and straight with no curl. A slight wave is permissible. The undercoat is soft and dense, more dense in winter than in summer, but always found to some extent on the croup and chest. The hair on the head, muzzle and ears is short and fine. The front and rear legs are feathered. The tail is completely covered with long, dense hair, but does not form a flag. Trimming and scissoring are not encouraged.

Colour: Black, white and black and brown.

• Black - The traditional colour is black. The colour has to be even as much as possible, but a slight tinge of sunburn is permissible. White markings on chest, toes and/or tip of tail are permissible.
• White and black - This variety is of historical significance for the breed. The preferred pattern of markings is black head with, preferably, a white blaze extending onto the muzzle, black saddle with even markings and black croup and upper tail. The remaining parts are to be white and can show a minimum of ticking.
• Brown - The brown colour goes from chocolate to bronze. White markings on chest, toes and/or tip of tail are permissible. White and black dogs and brown dogs are to be shown in the same class as blacks.

Large size is desirable, but is not to be favoured over symmetry, general soundness, power of the structure and correct gait.
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

• General appearance - Legginess, lack of substance.
• General bone structure - Sluggish appearance, fine bone.
• Character - Aggressiveness, shyness.
• Head - Narrow.
• Muzzle - Snipey or long.
• Flews - Pronounced.
• Eyes - Round, protruding, yellow eyes, showing pronounced haw.
• Back - Roached, slack or swayed back.
• Tail - Short, long, kink tail, curled tip.
• Forequarters - Down in pastern, splayed toes, toeing in or out, lack of webbing between toes.
• Hindquarters - Straight stifles, cowhocks, barrel legs, pigeon toes.
• Gait/Movement - Mincing, shuffling, crabbing, too close moving, weaving, crossing over in front, toeing:out or distinctly toeing:in in front, hackney action, pacing.
• Hair - Completely open coat. Lack of undercoat.

• Aggressive or overly shy dogs.
• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
• Overshot or undershot bite, wry mouth.
• Short and flat coat.
• Markings of any other colour than white on a black or brown dog.
• Any other colour than black or white and black or brown.

01 May 2017

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.