Coming Soon…

Giant Dog Week

( I currently own a St Bernard but as no one had done a Newfoundland I did that!)

Newfoundlands

Originally from Newfoundland a island in Canada Newfoundlands are a giant working breed dog. Known not only for their giant stature but their kind sweet nature and incredible swimming talents.

Due to this swimming talent they were the choice dog of countless Canadian fishermen to take aboard and work, not only for the rescue instinct for a man overboard but dragging the fishing nets and even on land with carts to market.

In more recent times a working newfoundlands are found aboard sea rescue boats and even jumping from helicopters into the water to aid in rescues.

Some of their special swimming features are their large webbed feet, double coated fur that keeps them warm and buoyant and using their tails as a rudder. This makes them the ultimate water dog.

Colours of Newfie are primarily black,brown and landseer (black and white)

but over the years there’s many variations and patterns. Coming in at a whopping 55-80kg on average and nearly 30 inches tall you may think it’s a bad dog for a family but nothing could be further from the truth. They are hugely gentle with their weight and size, great nanny dogs and their calm friendly outgoing nature with everyone makes them a great family dog.

Living with a Newfie is a pretty simple affair but you will need to be aware of some key things. They run hot, expect them to want to chill in the garden in the bad weather ( they will happily lay asleep in the snow and rain) and inside somewhere cool like the bathroom floor when it’s warm. Due to their double coat shaving them is not recommended and it does require regular thorough brushing, this fairly high maintenance grooming routine will reward you with a stunning coat.

They don’t need huge amounts of exercise and I wouldn’t even really consider walks on warmer days as they can quickly overheat, they are much happier to have a walk in the cool of a evening or taking them to a local river where they will have the best time swimming and keeping cool.

Often confused with the St Bernard possibly due to their similar stature and wet mouths they are very different in almost every other way.

Sadly with many larger breeds you never get enough time with them, the most likely lifespan of 8-10 years

I was honoured to own a Newfie called Bella we took her on at around 14 months while my fiancé was pregnant. We had several people say about having such a large dog in the house and a newborn being a terrible idea. Although we obviously paid close attention to the interactions between the two not once was there any concern, she was true to the breed trait a excellent nanny to our son as he grew up.

She was like a divining stick to water…. Honestly if there was water within 1/4 mile she would find it and be in it and as soon as her paws were wet the goofy happy smile followed. Her mouth was a tardis for toys, balls and socks once bringing me 3 tennis balls 4 sock and beaker in one mouthful it was almost as impressive as the swimming!

She spent most evenings laying out in the garden overnight and guarding the house, with a distinctive guardian bark to warn off anyone uninvited.

In short a Newfie is a excellent family dog, a true honour to own and I would recommend to anyone providing you can commit to the grooming ( and accepting your freshly groomed dog will be getting wet and muddy at EVERY opportunity!) and providing a cool space for them in the summer months.

Here is to our beautiful bear taken too soon by cancer💚🍻

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