About Newfies

The Newfoundland Dog is one of the giant breeds weighing between 55 and 75 kg as an adult. Male Newfoundlands average 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 150 pounds. Females average 25-26 inches tall, and weigh around 115 pounds. Individuals vary in size and symmetry takes precedence over size. A Newfs eyes should be tight to keep out water and infection with now haw, the drop ears also keep out water and droopy upper lips allow them to breath while carrying something as they swim. Around 80-85% of Newfs are black with about 5% being brown. Solid colours may have splashes of white on the chest, toes and tail. Another colour combination is the Landseer, named for artist Sir Edwin Landseer, who featured this striking white and black dog, with a black head, black on the rump extending onto the tail and an evenly marked black saddle over the back. The Landseer accounts for between 10-15% of Newfies. With great strength both in the water and on land and with natural life saving instincts in the water they were once used by fishermen in North America to trawl nets and rescue sailors who fell over board in the sea. The Newfoundland has a dense, oily outer coat of moderate length and a fleecy undercoat to adapt to the harsh climate of its home island and helps keep them afloat. The oil repels water. A Newfoundland can swim for hours yet remain completely dry and warm at the skin. The breed has completely webbed feet and swims with a breaststroke using all four legs instead of a doggy paddle. The hallmark of the breed is the sweet and gentle temperament, which is why they are known as gentle giants. This combined with his devotion and eagerness to please his owner makes the Newfoundland the best working dog of the giant breeds. They can pull boats in the water by holding a rope in their mouth, save victims by holding onto the arm or hand, carry a life ring to a person in difficulty, jump from boats and quays and, in France and Italy, are being trained to jump from helicopters into the water to people in trouble. Because they are so strong they can also be used on the land, for example to pull carts and they are also excellent at tracking.