Giant physical structure of the Newfoundland dog automatically gives rise to an awe inspiring feelings. His large size is equally accompanied with striking power and thick bone formation.
This dog possesses a revered bearing and gentle soul. The Newfoundland is from Newfoundland, Canada. It is a Working group breed suitable for daylong chores in both land and water. Nowadays, he is more devoted to his family than anything else.
Newfoundland dog personality:
Contrary to his appearance, the Newfoundland is an unmatched nanny dog. His love and affection for children places him on a higher ground in a family prospect. This is truly a natural and sweet part of his character. This calm and placid aspect of his character often lulls him into couch potato status.
But he needs his due participation in exercise to stay physically and mentally sound. The Newfoundland drools a lot and requires cleaning far too often.
He is a fantastic family companion. But you cannot brush aside his working capacity in any way. If you employ him in a job, he will become more than happy to assist.
On the other hand, he will not mind sitting out the day in an opportune moment. You are actually the key to unlocking his potentials. His breeding records are very much connected to water because of his tremendous swimming skills.
In this regard, webbed feet surely help the dog a lot. Swelling Newfie energy stock allows miles of swimming at a stretch.
Measure Newfoundland smartness:
How much a dog can really accomplish? Well, a dog can be child friendly, gentle companion, outstanding worker and whatever you can train him for. The Newfoundland dog has got it all.
So, this dog has captured the 34th spot in the dog intelligence ranking prepared by Professor Stanley Coren. Put aside overall measurement and you will scarcely find a dog doing what a Newfie offers instantly. This dog has even been credited with life saving actions. He possesses a mellow temperament. He is a wonderful family dog. This dog is watchful of his surroundings because of an innate alert nature.
His loyalty, sweetness and intelligence makes him a smart dog.
What & how to feed:
A Newfoundland dog really loves his food. Highly active adult Newfie needs 5-6 cups of daily intake. Serve him two meals respectively in the morning and in the evening.
Obviously, food amount is a dynamic issue and there will always remain a difference in amount from dog to dog. This quantity actually relies on age, sex, activities, health and so many other aspects of an individual dog. You can determine the amount of food the dog requires as you continue feeding him for a long time.
Luckily, the Newfoundland dog can finely match up with both homemade and commercial products as long as they fulfill his energy necessities. You can feed him large sized dog foods. You should not free feed the dog. It brings forth some bad outcomes such as wasting and obesity. Newfoundland meals should be rich in protein and fat ingredients.
At least, 18-26 percent of proteins in each meal will provide him with ample energy. Beef, chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, dairy items and lamb are excellent sources of proteins. Barley, cereals, vegetables and oats will give him some plant proteins. But vegetable proteins are not proficient in amino acid which is vital for the health of a dog.
On the other hand, flaxseed oil, safflower oil, olive oil and fish oil will supply the dog with necessary fat. Fat prevents an injury by protecting the internal organs by setting up a protective layer. Bone and joint strength also derives from it.
Tapioca, brown rice, sweet potatoes, fruits, beetroot, pumpkin and vegetables serve him with carbohydrates and fibers. Carbohydrate is the source of long term strength. Vegetables should not go beyond 1-2% of his total diet.
Meanwhile, a commercial item has to be free of preservatives, dyes and flavors for the sake of his good health. In this respect, you may want to follow the guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Clean water is a vital necessity for the dog.
Irrelevant use of treats causes overweight which is a great concern for the Newfoundland.
Escape a few health issues:
The Newfoundland dog promises sound health. But a number of health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) will clear the dog out of a list of major physical conditions. Ophthalmological, DNA and BAER screenings are of vital interest for the Newfoundland.
Of course, cystinuria is a kidney stone issue. It is a breed specific issue for the Newfoundland, Dachshund and English Bulldog. Kidney and its conjoined tubes are affected by cystine stones. This condition is termed as urolithiasis. Frequent urination and difficulty in urination are symptoms of this disease.
Especially, causes of this condition are still unknown. So, preventive measures are unavailable as well. But timely medication can cure the dog.
Besides, cardiac issues are of greater concern for this big dog. Subvalvular aortic stenosis can be both a genetic or a developed condition. Lethargy, heart murmur, exercise intolerance and fainting are some of the symptoms. Left ventricle of his heart gets narrowed causing tremendous pressure during an exercise.
Medication and often surgery can cure the dog from it. This is occasionally responsible for sudden death.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease. It expands the ventricles causing lethargy, anorexia, panting, sudden collapse, etc.
Frankly, nutritional deficiency, genetics and infectious diseases are believed to be responsible for this condition. Then of course, you have to keep hip and elbow dysplasia in mind.
In this case, hip socket and femur ball are mismatched causing lameness and arthritis. Elbow joint development faces abnormalities due to excessive cell or bone issues. It greatly diminishes his mobility. Both these cases call for surgery in the long term.
Addison’s disease affects hormone production of the adrenal glands. Vomiting, weakness, dehydration and low blood pressure are some of the symptoms of this disease. A severe situation will demand lifelong hormone injections.
In addition, cataracts and cherry eye are ocular diseases. Large dogs are always susceptible to bloat, a life threatening stomach condition. Hypothyroidism and epilepsy can attack this large dog as well.
Insightful care program:
Water resistant double coat protects his skin and it asks for a fair share of grooming. The coat is quite heavily structured and it mats.
So, you can use a steel comb along with a slicker brush in order to put it in place. The Newfoundland sheds and it happens more in Spring and Winter. Normally, a weekly brushing session will keep the dead hair and shedding at bay. During the seasons, you must put some extra efforts to fight against his blowing coat.
As he is a Working dog breed, you may have to bathe him once a month. His coat attracts all kinds of dirt. Regular baths will maintain his cleanliness. Brush his teeth and trim the nails as needed. Drooped ears are greater concerning factors and you should examine the ears at least once a week.
Joint problems badly affect this dog and you should not allow hard surface games until he reaches maturity. Give him a fenced yard for running. Take some water while going out with the Newfie.
Proper exercise method:
This large dog demands at least half an hour of workouts per day. His coat is suitable for a colder climate and you must not over exercise him in a hot day.
You can employ many techniques for his exercise. He can run, swim, walk or jog by your side. Do not leave the exercise issue upon the dog. The Newfoundland will probably spend the whole time in a sitting posture. Give him a job as it gives him the happiest moment.
He loves to be in water and you can take him to a swimming pool. Moreover, long walks are always welcome. You can also use the dog for carting and drafting competitions. Dock jumping, rally and agility are his expert zones.
Newfoundland training cues:
The Newfoundland is a people pleaser and you do not need to worry about feeding the proper cues. He will pick up your techniques as you condition him for the training. This big dog should not be allowed to jump on the lap. The importance of socialization cannot be stressed enough. Begin this process immediately after bringing the dog home.
Take him to the park and street to shape his personality in a better way. His outgoing and intelligent mind will instantly receive the core message.
Obedience training is vital for him. Get him under a leash while going out. Crate training is also important for better initiation of potty rules. It will also help deal with separation anxiety.
Newfoundland origin:
The Newfoundland has been born and bred in Newfoundland province of Canada. Fishermen of Newfoundland had a great use of this outstandingly powerful swimmer. The ice cold water of the region does not deter this dog even one bit. European fishermen are credited for bringing the ancestors of this breed to the Canadian island.
However, no expert can point out an exact dog breed as the forefather of the Newfoundland. This gentle giant is not only an assistant to the fishermen but also a savior of his humans when an occasion arises.
Plenty of such brave stories have been circulated in the dogdom.
The AKC recognized this dog as a distinct breed in 1886. In today’s America, the Newfoundland ranks at the 40th position according to the AKC breed popularity list.
