The massive Newfoundland is a strikingly large, powerful working dog of heavy bone and dignified bearing. The sweet-tempered Newfie is a famously good companion and has earned a reputation as a patient and watchful ‘nanny dog’ for kids.
The Newfoundland is a large breed of working dog. They can be black, grey, brown, or black and white. However, in the Dominion of Newfoundland, before it became part of the confederation of Canada, only black and Landseer (white-and-black) coloured dogs were considered to be proper members of the breed. They were originally bred and used as working dogs for fishermen in Newfoundland.
Newfoundlands are known for their giant size, intelligence, tremendous strength, calm disposition, love of children and loyalty. They excel at water rescue/lifesaving because of their muscular build, thick double coat, webbed paws, and swimming abilities.
Newfoundlands (‘Newfs’ or ‘Newfies’) have webbed paws and a water-resistant coat. Males normally weigh 65–80 kg (143–176 lb), and females 55–65 kg (121–143 lb), placing them in the “Giant” weight range. Just like people, some are less in weight and more. They are healthiest when lean and muscular rather than overweight to show size.
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 huge 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 double coat makes the dog hard to groom, and also causes a lot of shedding to occur. The droopy lips and jowls make the dog drool, especially in high heat.
In the water, the Newfoundland’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 giving more power to every stroke.
The Newfoundland is known for its calm and docile nature and its strength. They are very loyal, have a mild nature, and make great working dogs. It is for this reason that this breed is known as “the gentle giant”. International kennel clubs generally describe the breed as having a sweet temper. The breed typically has a deep bark and is easy to train if started young. They are wonderfully good with children, but small children can get accidentally leaned on and knocked down. Newfoundlands are ideal companions in the world of therapy and are often referred to as “nanny dogs”. The breed was memorialised in “Nana”, the beloved guardian dog in J. M. Barrie‘s Peter Pan. The Newfoundland, in general, is good with other animals, but its size can cause problems if it is not properly trained.
A Newfoundland’s good, sweet nature is so important, it is listed in the breed standards of many countries; dogs exhibiting poor temperament or aggression are disqualified from showing and should never be used to breed.
Being educated and knowing what to do and not to do with your Newfoundland puppy while growing helps a lot when they are older, although, that is just considered maintaining what a good breeder has started by testing prior to breeding, studying genetics and pedigrees all is part of the process. Feeding your puppy all the best of nutrition, maintaining a good weight, monitoring activities, and the proper exercise. Remember before trying something new that requires pulling, it must be done on a gradual scale the same as for you trying out new exercises. Maintaining a consistent activity will be much easier on them and less chance of them getting injured.
A good balanced beef & fish diet is what works for our dogs and have had no signs of allergies and will be recommended for our puppies as that is what they will be eating here.
Our Newfoundlands eat the best of food, we feed Hurraw Dehydrated food, Farm fresh beef liver & beef (cooked) and Proplan Salmon & rice 30/20.
They should be brushed weekly and groomed on a regular basis. You will need to make time for these things to keep them healthy. A few minutes a couple of times a week depending on levels of activities and adventures will maintain the oils in the coats and keep them free from mats. Professional grooming is recommended at a young age to get them used to be groomed and less anxiety.
Frequently asked questions….
At Bonavista Newfs, we only breed when there is an interest. We do often have interested families; however, we will not sell puppies to the first person who contacts us and filled out our questionaire. Puppies are sold to people that are the best match, that took the time to communicate with us and are not frustrated with the process. The official waiting list only after the pups are born and we are sure that we have puppies for clients.
All our dogs are tested for ..........
OFA Hips
OFA Elbows
OFA Cardiac
OFA Patella
OFA Eyes
OFA Cystinuria
In Canada the only colours are black and black and white. We only breed these colours. Our dogs are DNA tested to avoid producing brown and grey puppies.
It is possible to visit but ONLY when we have puppies and when they are no longer in the risky period (above 6 weeks). Just let us know your interest and we can arrange a visit.
We ask for a non-refundable $1,000 deposit only when we are positive we have an available puppy in an actual litter.
