Newfoundland

The Newfoundland (commonly called ‘Newf’ or ‘Newfie’) originated in Newfoundland, Canada, descending from a mix of indigenous breeds with either Viking dogs or the mastiffs of Portuguese fishermen. The resulting breed, present by the 1600’s, was a black dog which loved swimming in cold waters; the black and white ‘Landseer’ Newfoundland developed a century later. The Newfoundland served as a helpful assistant by pulling heavy fishing nets or other equipment and rescuing sailors who had fallen overboard. Local laws limiting dog ownership to one dog per man kept the Newfoundland’s numbers low in its home country, but it was exported to Europe, where its numbers grew as it became a popular show dog. In 1832, a Newfoundland name ‘Hairy Dog’ and its owners saved 180 Irish immigrants from the wrecked ship ‘Despatch’. A Newfoundland also reportedly saved Napoleon Bonaparte when he went overboard during his escape from Elba. Well-known Newfoundlands include ‘Sable Chief’, mascot of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and ‘Nana’ from ‘Peter Pan’. Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and James Buchanan had pet Newfoundlands. English poet Lord Byron had a pet Newfoundland for whom he wrote ‘Epitaph to a Dog’, which begins ‘Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man, without his vices. This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the memory of Boatswain, a dog.’

Newfoundlands have webbed feet and a water-resistant coat.Males weigh 60–70 kg (130-150 lb), and females 45–55 kg (100-120 lb), placing them in the "Giant" weight range. Some Newfoundland dogs have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb). The largest Newfoundland on record weighed 120 kg (260 lbs) and measured over 6 feet from nose to tail, ranking it among the biggest Molossers. They may grow up to 22-28 inches tall at the shoulder.

Newfoundland Dog Club Directory

• Catraeth Working Newfoundlands

- For members of The Northern Newfoundland Club's working section, to assist their dogs in passing water and carting tests. Includes a photo gallery and contact details. Catterick, North Yorkshire.

• Colonial Newfoundland Club

- Breed information, photos, events, breeders, and rescue. Serves Virginia, Maryland, D.C. and West Virginia.

• Columbia River Newfoundland Club

- Events, photographs, links, Newfoundland pet information, and webrings. Camas, Washington.

• Genesee Region Newfoundland Club

- Events calendar, membership application, rescue, water work, brags, and photos. New York.

• Glacier Newfoundland Club

- Organization dedicated to the breed. Features coat care, photos and membership form. Kalispell, Montana.

• Great Lakes Newfoundland Club

- Events calendar, rescue, membership application, links, mailing list. Michigan.

• Heart of America Newfoundland Club

- Calendar of events, membership, and rescue. Serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

• Mid Essex Newfoundlands Group

- Includes photograph galleries, upcoming events details and club information. United Kingdom.

• Newfoundland Club Inc. - Wellington Branch

- Organizes water trials, competitive and fun events, and ribbon parades. Includes a calendar, a list of officers, and photographs.

• Newfoundland Club of America

- The official parent club of the breed in the United States. Breed information, health, calendar, water and draft work, membership information, and photos.

• Newfoundland Club of Denmark

- Contains the 2007 Gold Cup Finals results. [Danish and English]

• Newfoundland Club of New England

- Calendar, event reports and photos, membership application, mailing list, rescue and referral.

• The Newfoundland Club of New Zealand

- Club history, calendar of events, breeder listings, membership application, and photographs.

• Newfoundland Club of Northern California

- Events calendar, show results, membership information, puppy buyers guide, and health glossary.

• Newfoundland Club of Seattle

- Events calendar, reading list, membership application, therapy dogs, tracking, water and draft work, health, rescue, and mailing list.

• Newfoundland Club of Southern California

- Breed and club information.

• The Newfoundland Club UK

- The official parent club of the breed in the United Kingdom. Guide for prospective owners, breed information and standard, membership, health, events calendar, water work, and photos.

• Newfoundland Dog Club of Canada

- The official parent club of the breed in Canada. Prospective owner FAQ, breed information and standard, breeders, calendar.