Newfoundland (breed of dogs): photo and description

A huge dog in a luxurious fur coat resembling a bear is Newfoundland. The breed is ancient, its representatives have been living side by side for many centuries. Despite its impressive size, this dog is one of the most popular family animals. She is intelligent and obedient, loves children infinitely, and at the same time is an excellent rescuer and guard.

History

Newfoundland is an ancient breed (all researchers agree), but the exact time when it appeared on the island of Newfoundland is not known. About two thousand years ago in the western part of this island lived the North American Indians. It was they who had these huge dogs.

It is believed that the Newfoundland breed (the photo you see below) arose from the Molossians, who for centuries were selected for their working qualities, endurance, courage and strength. For the first time they are mentioned in 1639. From the middle of the XVII century, the formation of the breed was influenced by dogs imported from Europe. And a hundred years later Newfoundland began to be exported to Europe. In England, engaged in serious breeding work to improve the breed. For the first time this magnificent animal was demonstrated at an exhibition in 1860 in Birmingham.

Until the fifties of the last century, the territory of the Soviet Union very rarely met Newfoundland. The breed of dogs, the photo of which could only be seen in special editions for professional cynologists, was bred in a single nursery belonging to the Ministry of Defense. Much later, such institutions appeared in many large cities of the country.

External Features

This huge and at first glance somewhat awkward dog is actually stacked amazingly proportionately. Powerful skeleton, rounded, large, with a wide and short muzzle head. Small ears, close fitting, increase its similarity to the bear.

The growth of newfoundland at the withers is from 66 (females) to 71 (males) centimeters. Weight reaches (and sometimes exceeds) 70 kg. The skin of this animal is elastic, thick, and has a bluish-gray color.

Wool

Newfoundland is a breed that has a luxurious long coat. It covers the entire body of the animal (except the head). The wool is a bit harsh to the touch, but not coarse, with a thick and very soft undercoat that does not get wet in the water. Often it has a brown or gray hue.

Color

Black, black with a reddish tinge, brown - the colors that this breed of dogs differs from. A variety of Newfoundland, sometimes considered a separate breed, is called Landseer. These are unusually beautiful animals with a white and black color. Their head is completely black (only a white protrusion on the muzzle is allowed), on the sacrum and back there is a croup that smoothly passes to the base of the tail.

Newfoundland wool has a characteristic feature - to repel water and dirt. And the webs located between the pads make these giants unsurpassed swimmers. On the chest, the tip of the tail, fingers, the coat may have small white spots.

Newfoundland: description of the breed

This fluffy giant, who inspires respect with one of its kind, is a very kind, completely devoid of aggression animal. But this does not mean that such a four-legged friend can not stand up for himself or protect his master.

Newfoundland - a breed of dogs (photo we posted in this article) which is difficult to attribute to active. However, the greatest joy for this giant is swimming. For this reason, the representatives of the breed are the permanent and the most active participants in the international dog competition on the water. Love of water turned them into irreplaceable rescuers. Today they often serve on various water bodies. But more often than not, this powerful dog is becoming a great companion these days.

Like any dog (especially this size), Newfoundland needs early socialization, otherwise the dog can grow up closed and even show aggression towards strangers. Newfoundland puppies are very playful, but, again, because of their size, they can inflict considerable damage upon the owner's property. This is a weighty argument in favor of early socialization, education and training of these "kids".

Education

Begin to engage with a new, four-legged, member of your family from the moment the puppy appears in the house. As a rule, this happens when a charming "bear" turns 2.5-3 months old. This is the best age for training. Training should be based on the principles of praise and reward.

If you want to train your pet on water exercises, then such exercises should be conducted under strict control, and it is better to seek help from a professional trainer.

There is an important point that everyone should know in whose house Newfoundland has appeared. The breed has features of physical development. Up to two years, the skeleton of an animal is actively being formed, so it is necessary to reduce heavy loads, which can adversely affect the development of the ridge, as, indeed, the entire musculoskeletal system. At this time for the normal well-being of the dog, long walks in the air and on the water are enough. During the run, the load must be limited.

Character

According to the cynologists, Newfoundland have an unusual character for dogs. They are thinking, endlessly patient, loving, calm and obedient animals. They are capable of experiencing a real yearning for family members and even for pets that for some reason disappear from their lives. They easily make friends with all pets, including small dogs, cats and hamsters. Newfoundlands do not cause problems in training due to the high level of intelligence and the desire to make the owner pleasant, to which they attach themselves very strongly.

These animals are sensitive to sharp tone, criticism, so their training is always based on play and affection. Newfoundland is a huge fluffy, strict, but infinitely loving and extraordinarily tender nanny for young children.

If this dog does not have any tasks from the owner, then she will prefer to find a cool place in the yard where she can lie down peacefully without disturbing the household.

Content

Of course, a dog like Newfoundland can not help admiring animal lovers. But before deciding on the acquisition of such a handsome, you need to weigh the pros and cons. First of all, it is necessary to take into account that such a dog needs a large space. Even in a city apartment it should not have a large, but a separate room (or a large loggia).

In addition, we must not forget that the luxurious wool, which is famous for this breed, requires regular and thorough care. Otherwise it will be everywhere. It must be regularly combed, trimmed around the perimeter of the body, to make sure that there are no tangles.

A dog needs to bathe, but not more than once a month. To this procedure, the animal is taught from puppyhood. Your pet, of course, very fond of water, but the shampoo and conditioner used in bathing, at first a little annoy him. Some breeders in recent years have started using dry shampoo, which allows you to preserve the natural waterproof grease of wool.

Newfoundlands are predisposed to obesity. Therefore, their diet and doses should be developed with a veterinarian. The food should be balanced, but every year it's less caloric.

Health

Unfortunately, these large and kind animals do not live long. Their average life expectancy is not more than ten years. Dogs are prone to certain diseases. For example, heavy weight often becomes the cause of hip dysplasia, and thick dark hair often leads to heat strokes.

What is the owner of a Newfoundland puppy?

This is a special breed, different from many, so the owner of such a dog can be a man who sees in his four-footed friend a full member of the family, giving him the attention and time that he needs. Newfoundland is important to be at the center of family events. But he needs a physically strong and athletic master, with whom you can run in the park and swim in the pond. And simply to cope with this strong animal is not easy (even if it is well brought up).

Breed Newfoundland: reviews of the owners

Most owners of these affectionate and smart giants believe that the main arguments against the acquisition of such an animal can only be the lack of the necessary territory for the maintenance and time to care for it. Everything else speaks only in favor of Newfoundland - a clever and loyal friend, a gentle and caring nurse, a wonderful companion on jogging. Most owners regret only that the dog is not a long-liver.