Newf Rescue

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Short History of the Breed

The Newfoundland dog originated in the Canadian province of the same name. Newfs were developed for heavy hauling and ship work. Eventually, they became famous for their water rescue abilities. Their thick hair coat is almost waterproof and protects them from frigid waters. Newfs love to swim and are natural retrievers.

Physical Description and Size

The Newfoundland is a giant breed dog. Males can be 28 to 32 inches tall, at the shoulders, and weigh from 120 to 180 pounds. Females are generally smaller, ranging from 24 to 28 inches tall, at the shoulders, and weighing 100 to 140 pounds. Newfs come in several colors. The recognized colors for the Newfoundland are black, brown, gray, and white and black (Landseer) as approved by the AKC standard.

Temperament

Newfoundland dogs are known for their gentle disposition. Sweetness of temperment is the Hallmark of the Newfy.

Dog Care

The Newfoundland’s thick hair coat is medium to long and should be coarse. The undercoat is very soft. They will shed their coats in the fall and again, very heavily, in the spring. Newfoundlands also drool. There will be drool on the floor, the furniture, the ceiling and every occupant of a household that has a Newf. These are not dogs for neat people. Regular grooming is a must or the coat will get out of control very quickly.

Health Issues and Life Expectancy

The average lifespan of a Newf is 8 to 10 years but many Newfs are living to 12 and beyond because of improved genetics and nutrition. They can have many health problems including hip dysplasia, heart abnormalities, allergies and cancer. However, good breeding and screening practices of both adults and puppies help to reduce to incidence of these problems. Hence the recommendation to avoid pet shops and so-called backyard breeders. Veterinary costs are often increased due to their large size. Heartworm medication, anesthesia and antibiotic costs are all dependent on the size of the dog.

Additional Resources

• Newfoundland - Online Community & Information

• Newfoundland Online Community Newfoundland Rescue Program: www.NewfRescue.com
• Newfoundland Club of America: www.NewfDogClub.org
• Free Paw Print Stickers, Coloring Page and eCards: www.LoveNewfs.com