NEWFOUNDLAND
Country of Origin: Canada
Protection: F.C.I.
Usage
Sled dog for heavy loads, water dog.
Classification
FCI Group 2 (Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossers, and Swiss Mountain Dogs), Section 2.2 (Molossers and Mountain Dogs). Without working trial.
History
The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland from local dogs and the large, black “Bear Dog,” which was introduced by the Vikings after the year 1100. When fishermen from Europe began to arrive, various new breeds helped to shape and strengthen it, but its essential characteristics were preserved. By the time colonization of the island began in 1610, the Newfoundland dog already had its proper build and behavior. These traits have enabled it to withstand the harsh conditions caused by the extreme climate and rough sea when pulling heavy loads on land or working as a water dog and lifeguard.
General Appearance
A Newfoundland is massive, with a powerful body, well-muscled, and with well-coordinated movements.
Proportions
The body length from the withers to the base of the tail is the same as the distance from the withers to the ground. The body is compact. In females, the body may be slightly longer and less massive than in males. The distance from the withers to the underside of the chest (chest depth) is greater than the distance from the underside of the chest to the ground.
Behavior, Character
A Newfoundland’s expression reflects good nature and gentleness. It shows its joy in a dignified manner, is resourceful, and known for its fully reliable friendliness and calmness.
Head
Massive. The female’s head has the same general structure as the male’s but is less massive.
Skull
Broad, with a slightly arched crown and well-developed occiput.
Stop
Distinct but never abrupt.
Nose
Large, well-pigmented, with well-developed nostrils. The color is black in black and white/black dogs, brown in brown dogs.
Muzzle
Absolutely square, deep, and moderately short, covered with short fine hair and without wrinkles. The corners of the mouth are distinct but not overly pronounced.
Lips
Soft.
Bite
Scissor bite or pincer bite.
Eyes
Relatively small, moderately deep-set. They are widely spaced, and the third eyelid is not visible. The color is dark brown in black and white/black dogs. In brown dogs, lighter shades are allowed.
Ears
Relatively small, triangular with rounded tips. They are set well back on the side of the head and lie close to the head. If the ear of an adult dog is held forward, it can reach the inner corner of the eye on the same side.
Neck
Strong and muscular, well set into the shoulders, and long enough to give a dignified carriage of the head. The neck should not have too much loose skin.
Body
The bone structure is entirely massive. Viewed from the side, the body appears deep and powerful.
Topline
Level and firm from withers to croup.
Back
Broad.
Loin
Strong and well-muscled.
Croup
Broad and sloping at an angle of about 30°.
Chest
Broad, full, and deep, with well-arched ribs.
Underline
Almost level and never with a tucked-up belly.
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight and parallel, even when the dog is walking or trotting slowly.
Shoulders
Very muscular and well laid back.
Elbows
Close to the chest.
Pasterns
Slightly sloping.
Forefeet
Large and proportionate to the body, well-rounded and tight, with firm and compact toes. There is webbing between the toes.
Hindquarters
Since the driving force required to pull loads, swim, or provide effective ground-covering movement largely depends on the hindquarters, the structure of the hindquarters in a Newfoundland is of utmost importance. The pelvis must be strong, broad, and long.
Thighs
Broad and muscular.
Stifles
Well-angled, but not so much that the dog appears crouched.
Lower thighs
Strong and fairly long.
Hocks
Relatively short, well let down, set wide apart and parallel. They are neither turned in nor out.
Hind feet
Firm and tight. Any dewclaws should be removed. (Note: Removal of dewclaws is prohibited in Denmark)
Tail
The tail acts as a rudder when a Newfoundland swims, and it is therefore strong and broad at the base. When standing, the tail hangs down, possibly with a slight curve at the tip; it can reach down to or slightly past the hock joint. When the dog is in motion or excited, the tail is carried straight out with a slight upward curve, but never curled over the back or bent inward between the hind legs.
Movement
A Newfoundland’s movement has good reach in the front and powerful drive from the rear, giving an impression of effortless strength. A slight rolling of the back is natural. As the speed increases, the dog tends to move in a single track, and the topline remains level.
Coat
Hair
A Newfoundland has a water-resistant double coat. The outer coat is moderately long and straight, without curls. Slightly wavy hair is allowed. The undercoat is soft and dense, denser in winter than in summer, but always present to some extent on the croup and chest. The hair on the head, muzzle, and ears is short and fine. There are fringes on the front and back legs. The tail is completely covered with long and dense hair, but it does not form a flag. Trimming and clipping are not desirable.
Color
Black, white/black, and brown.
Black
The traditional color is black. The color should be as uniform as possible, but a slight “sunburned” shade is allowed. White markings on the chest, toes, and/or tail tip are permitted.
White/Black
This color variant is historically significant for the breed. The preferred marking pattern is a black head with - as far as possible - a white blaze extending down the muzzle, a black saddle with regular markings, and black on the croup and the upper part of the tail. The remaining parts should be white and may have minimal spots.
Brown
The brown color ranges from chocolate brown to bronze. White markings on the chest, toes, and/or tail tip are permitted.
White/black and brown dogs are shown in the same class as black dogs.
Size
Average shoulder height is:
Adult males: 71 cm (28 inches)
Adult females: 68 cm (26 inches)
Average weight is:
Males: 68 kg
Females: 54 kg
Good size is desired, but it should not come at the expense of harmony, general health, bone strength, and correct movement.
Faults:
Any deviation from the preceding points is considered a fault, the significance of which should be in exact proportion to the degree of the deviation.
General Appearance
Tall, lacking substance.
General Bone Strength
Heavy and sluggish appearance, slender.
Temperament
Aggressive, shy.
Head
Narrow.
Muzzle
Slender/pointed or long.
Lips
Pronounced hanging lips.
Eyes
Round, protruding; yellow eyes; pronounced visible third eyelids.
Back
Carp back, soft or sagging back.
Front
Soft pasterns, splayed flat feet; feet turned in or out, lacking “webbing” between the toes.
Rear
Steep stifle angulation; cow-hocked; bow-legged; feet turned in.
Tail
Short, long, with a kink, curled tail tip.
Movement
Mincing, dragging, crabbing, too narrow, weaving, crossing in front; feet turned out or markedly turned in in front; hackney movement; pacing.
Coat
Completely open coat. Lack of undercoat.
Disqualifying Faults:
Bad temperament.
Over- or underbite; crooked bite.
Short and flat-lying coat.
Markings of any color other than white on black or brown dogs.
Any color other than black, white/black, or brown.
Note
Male dogs should have two normally developed testicles in the scrotum.
Standard published by FCI on November 6, 1996
Translation approved by DKK’s Standard Committee
DECEMBER 1997
NB! This edition replaces the standard issued by DKK in FEBRUARY 1997
FCI Standard
No. 50
06.11.1996 (GB)
(ORG 29.10.1996)
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There are many theories about the origin of the Newfoundland dog, some more plausible than others. What is known, however, is that in the mid-19th century, Newfoundland dogs, very similar to those of today, worked with fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. They helped pull in the nets and were excellent lifeguards. They had the strength to pull a drowning person ashore and a coat that allowed them to withstand sub-zero temperatures.
Newfoundland – Fisherman’s Friend
It almost seems as if the Newfoundland was bred from water retrievers and herding dogs. Another theory suggests it is a descendant of the Tibetan Mastiff, with which it shares similarities. How this breed made its way to Canada from the Himalayas in the 19th century remains a mystery. However, its working life is not limited to being the “Fisherman’s Friend”; due to its strength, it is also used as a drover and draft dog. In character, it is one of the most loyal and reliable dogs. Calm, peaceful, patient, and devoted to its owner or family, it acts as a self-appointed guardian and protector of those around it.
Newfoundland dogs have many admirers, such as Landseer, who liked to paint the breed and gave his name to the black-and-white variant. The poet Byron was also enthusiastic about them. The poem on the gravestone of his Newfoundland Dog, Boatswain, commemorates the qualities of this breed: “…of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices…”
Keeping a Newfoundland dog as a pet requires a lot of money and time. Although the coat is water-resistant, it needs a lot of care. Everything about this dog is enormous, from its need for food to its need for plenty of space. Its thick coat makes it difficult for it to tolerate heat. But because of its temperament and loyalty, fans will always say: There is no one who can hold a candle to it.
Appearance
The Newfoundland has a powerful, rectangular build with a broad chest and a belly that is not tucked up. Its powerful head with the short, rather square muzzle shows a not too pronounced forehead. The small, dark brown eyes are set slightly deep on the forehead. The high-set, small ears hang flat. The coat is coarse, straight, flat, oily, and impermeable, with a very dense undercoat. The coat color is black, bronze, or white with black markings. The latter is referred to as “Landseer,” but this can lead to confusion with the true Landseer breed. Its strong, bushy, and slightly curved tail is carried hanging down when at rest and raised when in motion.
Care
The dog should be brushed regularly to prevent the coat from becoming matted. Overhanging hair between the foot pads should be trimmed.
Temperament
The Newfoundland is a particularly gentle and pleasant dog, enjoying great sympathy everywhere. Lord Byron, for example, described it as follows: “He has all the virtues of man without his vices.” This brave, very even-tempered, and extremely intelligent dog is an ideal babysitter. When dealing with children, it always remains gentle and good-natured, proving to be an absolutely reliable and loyal companion.
Training
Training should be calm and gentle. Dogs have a good sense of changes in tone of voice.
Compatibility
Dogs of this breed are particularly good housemates. Other dogs, pets, children, visitors who mean no harm – all are welcomed in a friendly manner.
Living Area
It is advantageous if the animal has direct access to water, such as a stream, a lake, or the sea. However, it is also accustomed to living in the “dry,” keeping in mind that it has a very dense coat and suffers in high temperatures.
Exercise
As long as the dog is not fully grown, you should not necessarily go on day trips with it. Since Newfoundlands love to swim, the best form of physical exercise is obvious. The dense coat protects against rain and wild weather – the dogs can be kept outdoors without any problems.