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Use: The Newfoundland dog breed makes an excellent guard dog or watchdog on the farm because of its an intelligence, courage and loyalty.
History: The exact lineage of the Newfoundland is unknown. It’s thought to have descended from Viking bear dogs or nomadic Indian dogs more than 500 years ago. In Newfoundland, the breed was used to pull in nets for fisherman and to haul logs for lumbermen. It has also been used in other parts of the world to do other heavy labor. The Labrador Retriever is thought to be a close relative.
Conformation: Newfoundlands have a long, coarse, flat outercoat and a dense undercoat, which are resistant to water. It comes in black, brown, gray, or black and white. Males stand about 28 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh 150 pounds; females stand 2 inches shorter and weigh 30 pounds less. Newfoundlands have webbed feet; a deep, broad chest; and well-sprung ribs.
Special Considerations/Notes: The Newfoundland dog breed is prone to a form of heart disease called sub-aortic stenosis, as well as hip dysplasia. Make sure it gets regular exercise to avoid becoming overweight. The breed’s life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
