{"id":23767,"date":"2014-10-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-21T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=23767"},"modified":"2025-07-16T00:14:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T21:14:11","slug":"newfoundland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-newfoundland","title":{"rendered":"Newfoundland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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“Their nanny was a large black Newfoundland dog named Nana. Before the Darlings employed her, she was just an ordinary dog. However, she cared deeply for children in general, and the Darlings met her in Kensington Gardens. There, she spent her leisure time peering into prams. She was intensely disliked by careless nannies, whom she would accompany home and report to their mistresses. Nana proved to be not just a nanny, but pure gold. She bathed all three children. She would spring up at night if any of them so much as stirred in their sleep. Her kennel was right in the nursery. She always unerringly distinguished a cough that was not worth bothering about from a cough that required a flannel wrapped around the throat. Nana believed in old, tried-and-tested remedies, like rhubarb leaves, and distrusted all this newfangled talk of germs. It was a joy to see her lead the young Darlings to kindergarten, lined up by height, carrying an umbrella in her mouth in case of rain. Nana was in every respect an exemplary nanny” \u2013 this is how James Barrie described the Newfoundland dog in his tales of Peter Pan.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This literary portrait perfectly captures the essence of the Newfoundland breed \u2013 a magnificent, kind, and endlessly loyal companion. This isn’t just a dog; it’s a true family member, renowned for its calm temperament and heroic history. In this comprehensive guide, prepared for you by Tvaryny<\/a>, we’ll delve into all aspects of this unique breed: from its origins and standards to the specifics of care, health, and training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Newfoundland, affectionately known as a “Newfie” or “water dog,” is a giant dog with the soul of an angel. Its majestic appearance can be deceiving, but behind that massive build lies an incredibly gentle and patient heart. This breed is ideal for large families, especially those living near water, as Newfies have a deep-seated love for swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newfoundland: Key Breed Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Black<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To get a general overview of the breed, let’s look at its key parameters in the table below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parameter<\/strong><\/td>Characteristic<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Origin<\/td>Canada, Newfoundland Island<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/td>Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), Section 2.2 (Molossoid \/ Mountain Type)<\/td><\/tr>
Life Expectancy<\/td>8\u201310 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height (at the withers)<\/td>Males: average 71 cm
Females: average 66 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/td>Males: average 68 kg
Females: average 54 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/td>Friendly, calm, majestic, patient, courageous<\/td><\/tr>
Colour<\/td>Black, brown, white and black<\/td><\/tr>
Other Names<\/td>Newfie, Water Dog, Diver Dog<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Detailed History of the Newfoundland Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Brown<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Newfoundland is closely intertwined with the Canadian island of the same name \u2013 a harsh yet picturesque land where these dogs became indispensable helpers for fishermen. The exact origin of the breed is shrouded in mystery, with several theories existing. One of the most popular suggests that the ancestors of Newfies were large black “bear dogs” brought to the island by Vikings around 1100 AD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the island was colonised by Europeans, starting from the 16th century, these native dogs interbred with various breeds brought by fishermen and traders from England, Portugal, and France. It’s believed that Portuguese Water Dogs, Great Pyrenees, and other Mastiff-type breeds contributed to their lineage. The result of this mix was the emergence of a large, strong dog with a thick, water-resistant coat, webbed feet, and an innate passion for water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the island, Newfoundlands performed a wide variety of tasks<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n