Newfoundland Dog Information

The Newfoundland is a large working dog. Newfoundlands can be black, brown, white and black (called Landseer) or gray. However, in Canada, the country of their origin, the only correct colours are black (including black with white markings) and white and black (Landseer).  They were originally bred and used as a working dog for fishermen in the Dominion of Newfoundland (which is now part of Canada). They are known for their giant size, intelligence, tremendous strength, calm dispositions, and loyalty. Newfoundland dogs excel at water rescue/lifesaving because of their muscular build, thick double coat, webbed feet, and innate swimming abilities.

The Newfoundlands (‘Newfs’ or ‘Newfies’) have webbed feet and a water-resistant coat. Males normally weigh 60–70 kg (130–150 lb), and females 45–55 kg (100–120 lb), placing them in the “Giant” weight range but some Newfoundland dogs have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb) – and the largest on record weighed 120 kg (260 lbs) and measured over 6 feet (1.82 m) from nose to tail, ranking it among the biggest Molossers. They may grow up to 22–30 inches (55–71 cm) tall at the shoulder.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) standard colors of the Newfoundland dogs are: black, brown, grey and white and black (sometimes referred to as Landseer). Other colors are possible, but are not considered “rare” or more valuable; The Kennel Club (KC) permits only black, grey, brown, and white/black; while the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) permits only black and white/black. The “Landseer” pattern is named after the artist Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, who featured them in many of his paintings. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) consider the ECT Landseer (“European Continental Type”) to be a separate breed. It is a taller, more narrow white dog with black markings not bred with a Newfoundland.

The Newfoundland’s extremely large bones give it mass, while its large musculature gives it the power it needs to take on rough ocean waves and powerful tides. These dogs have great lung capacity for swimming extremely long distances, and a thick, oily and waterproof double coat which protects them from the chill of icy waters. The droopy lips and jowls make the dog drool. In the water, the dog’s massive webbed paws give it maximum propulsion. The swimming stroke is not an ordinary dog paddle. Unlike other dogs, the Newfoundland moves its limbs in a down-and-out motion. This gives it more power with every stroke.

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