In addition to his monumental physique, his thick fur and his clumsy air, the particularity of this dog is to have webbed paws. Essential characteristics to withstand the harsh Canadian climate and icy seawater.

Poil : thick and oily coat, dense undercoat.

Size (height at the withers): 71 cm on average for males and 66 cm for females.

Weight : 68 kg on average for males and 54 kg for females.

Classification FCI : N°50.

The Newfoundland is native to the island that bears the same name, off the coast of Quebec in the Atlantic, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The breed is said to be the result of the crossing of indigenous dogs inhabiting the maritime province of Labrador-Newfoundland with European breeds imported by successive colonizations. The first crosses would have been made with the bear hunting dogs of the Vikings who landed around the year XNUMX. There is, however, a controversy over these indigenous dogs: Labradors or other nomadic dogs belonging to the First Nations? Regardless, its physical characteristics have made it the ideal animal for centuries to work in the fishing economy. He towed fishing nets on board boats and rescued fishermen who had fallen into the sea.

The Newfoundland is a soft-hearted hound and that is precisely what ensures its popularity. He is jovial, calm, docile, affectionate, patient and above all very sociable, both with humans and other animals in the house. He is therefore an ideal family dog. But for this he must be surrounded and participate in family activities, and especially not be left alone in a niche at the bottom of the garden. Note that it is not not a guard dog, even if his physique is really dissuasive.

A British study of a few hundred individuals of this breed found an average lifespan of 9,8 years. The main causes of mortality observed in this small sample were cancer (27,1%), old age (19,3%), heart problems (16,0%), gastrointestinal disorders (6,7%) . (1)

Due to its strong build, this breed is very exposed to hip and elbow dysplasia. Some of the conditions to which Newfoundland is particularly exposed are chondrodysplasia, neoplasia, myasthenia gravis, cataracts, ectropion / entropion (an inward or outward twisting of the eyelid causing infections).

Aortic stenosis is a relatively common congenital heart disease in Newfoundland and causes a narrowing of the base of the aorta which starts at the left ventricle which sends blood from the heart to the whole body. It leads to heart failure which can lead to exertion fatigue, syncope and sometimes a fatal heart attack. The presence of a heart murmur should lead to examinations (x-rays, electrocardiogram and echocardiography) to confirm the diagnosis, determine its degree and consider surgery or simple drug treatment. (2)

Cystinuria: this pathology causes the formation of kidney stones and inflammation of the urinary tract from the first months of the animal’s life and leads to serious kidney problems and premature death. A puppy is affected when both parents are carriers of the causative genetic mutation. A DNA test is used to detect carrier males (the CYST test). (3)

Primary ciliary dyskinesia: this congenital respiratory disease is to be suspected with the recurrent appearance of respiratory infections. It requires additional examinations (x-ray, fibroscopy, spermogram) to confirm the diagnosis. (4)

Many people dream of owning such a big dog, but it also means big constraints. Its coat so thick requires an almost daily maintenance in order to flush out the dirt and the ticks / fleas which could lodge there. Back from a walk in rainy weather, his first instinct will naturally be to snort. Thus, it is better to adopt such an animal to live country life in contact with nature than in a small clean apartment in the city center. Moreover, you should know that some Newfoundlanders (not all) drool a lot! Like other large dogs, the Newfoundland should not undergo intensive exercise before the age of 18 months in order to preserve its joints.