Origin

This breed evolved in the Newfoundland and this was the result of the mix between many native and large dogs. All this happened in 1001 AD. This breed was mainly used by the fishermen for various types of tasks. They were used to pull boats. They were also used to retrieve any object. This breed was used for carrying weight, give milk etc. The Newfoundland are also good guard dogs.

General Description

The Newfoundland is a large breed and they have a well built muscular, bulky and heavily boned body structure. They have a big head and a square long muzzle with a black nose at the tip. Their eyes are hazel and they have long ears hanging by their head. The Newfoundland has a long muscular neck and a level backside. They have a long fluffly tail and muscular limbs and legs. They have a wide chest touching their shoulders. Their coat is covered with smooth fluffy fur and they are always found in black colour.

Character

The Newfoundland proves to be a good hunter and companion. They are very much devoted to their families and are also protective of their territory and family. They are the strongest among all the retrievers. They love nature to a great extent and are very brave and intelligent. The Newfoundland are very athletic and have a great capability of working. They have a great determination and very rough and tough. They are very friendly and obedient in nature. They are slow learners but they are really easy to train due to their intelligence. This breed is very good and gentle to children and also cool to other pets and cats. Although this is a gentle breed but it is of independent nature. They love doing what they like so they are not at all recommended for inexperienced owners. The really require firm handling. Proper training and socialization classes are very much required otherwise things may get worse. They are not similar to other retrievers. They do not mix with strangers properly and they are very slow at learning things.

Temperament

The Newfoundland is a very strong and powerful breed. They are extremely loyal and devoted to their family. These dogs are also protective of their families and territory. Very loving breed but still they require early training and socialization classes. They are good to children and other animals also. They cannot properly mix with strangers as other retrievers. Some may be aggressive toward other animals who they do not know. They are great companions and love human interaction very much. If they are left alone for a long time then they may get frustrated and destructive. The Newfoundland is a good breed but they are not at all recommended for novice owners.

Training

Newfoundlands are very intelligent breed but at the same time they may be independent in nature. For that reason firm handling is required. Early socialization and training classes are required. Rough training methods should not be used as they would not respond to that. Training should be done with consistency, firmness and fairness.

Health

This breed may be affected by hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems and PRA. Their average life span is 10-12 years.