Newfoundlands: Newfoundlands are strong, massive dogs. Their heads are broad and heavy with a slightly arched crown. Their necks and back are strong. Their wide muzzles are about as broad as it is deep, and rather short. Their noses are generally black except on bronze-colored dogs, which have brown noses. Their teeth meet in a level or scissors bite. Their deep-set, dark brown eyes are relatively small andspaced wide apart. Their triangular shape ears have rounded tips and are relatively small. Their legs are well muscled, straight and parallel. Their cat-like feet are webbed. Their tails are strong and broad at the base, hanging down. Their double coats are flat and water-resistant. Their oily outer coat is coarse and moderately long, either straight or wavy. Their undercoats are dense, and soft. Dogs that live indoors tend to loose their undercoats. Coat colors include black (most common), black with blue highlights, black with white markings, brown, gray, and white with black markings known as Landseer Newfoundlands. 

In the USA and Great Britain, Landseer Newfoundlands are considered the same breed as Newfoundlands. However, in some European countries, Landseer Newfoundlands are a totally different breed than Newfoundlansd. Landseer Newfoundlands in Europe have longer legs than Newfies, and Landseers are not so massive, they are more sporty dogs.

Newfoundlands have an outstanding, sweet temperament, and are courageous, generous, peaceable and intelligent. Calm, patient dogs, who are mild with guests, and obedient with their masters, Newfoundlands are very devoted, loyal and trustworthy. Their huge bodies tend to move rather slowly. They rarely bark, but are protective and brave when they need to be. When an intruder is caught they are more likely to hold them at bay, either by trapping them in a corner or placing themselves in-between the intruder and the family rather than an all out attack. They are smart enough to know who is a threat and who is not. Very sociable and gentle, Newfoundlands usually get along with other dogs and with other animals. Patient, playful, and loving with children, Newfoundlands enjoy the outdoors, but also need to be with their families. Newfoundlands tend to be messy and playful when drinking water, and they often drink a lot. They will drip water from their mouths after drinking (we call that "a bucket of water mouth"), but don't generally drool unless they are nervous. They love to swim, and will lay in water if they get the chance. Newfoundlands have their own pace of learning when it comes to training. Training should be conducted in a calm and balanced manner, and you should be calm, but firm, confident and consistent with Newfoundlands. These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice.

Newfoundlands may be descendants of the Viking "bear dogs" or nomadic Indian dogs. Others believe that Newfoundlands are close relativse of Labradors. This theory is based on the similarities between the two breeds and the fact that the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador are very close to each other. It is possible that Labradors, which are excellent swimmers, were able to swim the Strait of Belle Isle or cross on foot when the water was frozen. Many believe that Newfoundlands originated from crosses between Tibetan Mastiffsbrought to Canada by British or European fisherman and local dogs early in the 1700's. In any case, the resulting breed found a niche aiding fisherman off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Newfoundlands are Gentle Giants, and have been used for hauling in nets, carrying boat lines to shore, retrieving anything which fell overboard and rescuing shipwrecked and drowning victims. Newfoundlands were also used to haul lumber, pull mail sheds, deliver milk, and carry loads in packs. Newfoundlands have been, and still are, outstanding instinctive water rescue dogs. Many people owe their lives to Newfoundlands. In 1919, a gold medal was awarded to a Newfoundland that pulled a lifeboat containing twenty shipwrecked people to safety. Newfoundlands have been called the "St. Bernard of the water." During World War II, Newfoundlands hauled supplies and ammunition for the Armed Forces in blizzard conditions in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Today, Newfoundlands are considered handsome, devoted, delightful companions. They are still very good at water trials, competitive obedience, weight pulling, carting, backpacking, and as watchdogs and guarding dogs.

The Newfoundland Size:
Height: 27-29 inches
Weight: 130-150 lbs