Newfoundland
🧠 Temperament & character
The Newfoundland is calmness itself: friendly, balanced and marked by a deep protective instinct towards 'his' people, especially towards children, which is why he is affectionately called a 'nanny'. Aggression is alien to him; he meets people and other animals calmly and in a friendly manner. Despite his size he is sensitive and wants to live close to the family – kennel keeping is not for him. His gentle disposition is paired with astonishing alertness and courage when it really matters.
📜 Origin & history
The Newfoundland takes his name from the Canadian island of Newfoundland, where he served the fishermen as a tireless helper: he hauled nets and boats, retrieved equipment that had gone overboard and rescued drowning people from the icy North Atlantic. His exact ancestry is disputed, but old European molossers and native dogs are likely to have been involved. In the 19th century the breed was further developed and refined, especially in England. To this day the Newfoundland is trained as a water rescue dog in many countries.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The dense, double-layered coat of the Newfoundland is water-repellent but sheds heavily and must be brushed several times a week, and daily during the moult, so that it does not mat. Despite his strength he is not an endurance athlete: moderate walks and above all swimming keep him fit, while overexertion and heat harm the large body. As a puppy and young dog he must not be overtaxed, in order to protect the joints. Mentally he is easy to handle, willing to learn and gentle in training – harshness is out of place with this sensitive breed. Important: he drools and likes to bring wetness and dirt into the house.
🩺 Health
Like many giant breeds, the Newfoundland unfortunately has a relatively short life expectancy of about 8 to 10 years. Among the serious health risks are hip and elbow dysplasia, a hereditary heart disease (subaortic stenosis), the metabolic disorder cystinuria and life-threatening gastric torsion. Reputable breeders examine their breeding animals for HD/ED, have the heart assessed cardiologically and cystinuria clarified by DNA test. Anyone taking on a Newfoundland should watch for heat-sensitive behaviour and know the signs of gastric torsion in order to act immediately in an emergency.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Newfoundland is a wonderful family dog for people who can offer a gentle giant plenty of space, time and closeness – a house with a garden and access to bodies of water are ideal. He is quite suitable for calm, thoughtful first-time owners, provided they are aware of the sheer size, the grooming, the drooling and the costs for food and vet. He is less suited to a small apartment or hot summers without a way to cool down. In active Switzerland with its lakes he finds plenty of opportunity to swim, but on hot days he absolutely needs shade and water.