The Noble Newfoundland: A Guide to Their Characteristics and Care.
Newfoundland
dogs, named after the island they originate from, are beloved by all animal
enthusiasts.
These dogs come
in two established varieties - black, white and black - although there are some
rare bronze-colored dogs as well.
Black
Newfoundland is typically black in color, but many have some white marks, and a
white marking on the chest is considered typical of the true breed.
Any white person
on the head or body would classify the dog as being in the "other than
black" variety.
The Distinctive Physical Features of Newfoundland Dogs: From Head to Toe.
The "other
than black" class may include black and tan, bronze, and white and black.
The most common
color in this class is white and black, and the beauty of the markings is
highly prized.
The head of a
Newfoundland should be broad and massive, with a short, square, and clean-cut
muzzle.
The eyes should
be deep-set, dark, small, and not show any haw.
The ears should
be small and close to the side of the head, covered with fine short hair
without any fringe.
The body should
be long, square, and massive, with strong loins and a deep, broad chest.
The legs should
be straight, powerful, and somewhat short in proportion to the length of the
body, with round bones covered in muscle.
The feet should
be large, round, and close.
Newfoundland Dog Coat and Size Standards
The coat of a
Newfoundland is of utmost importance and should be very dense, with plenty of
undercoat and somewhat harsh, straight outer coat.
The dog should
give the impression of great strength and be very active for its size.
In terms of size,
the Newfoundland Club standard specifies a weight range of 140-120 lbs for dogs
and 110-120 lbs for bitches, with an average height at the shoulder of 27 and
25 inches, respectively.
However, it's
doubtful whether dogs in proper condition conform to both requirements.
Rearing Newfoundland Puppies: Diet and Nutrition Requirements.
When rearing
Newfoundland puppies, soft food such as well-boiled rice and milk should be
given as soon as they are able to lap.
Shortly
afterwards, scraped lean meat should be introduced.
These puppies
require plenty of meat to encourage proper growth, and they should gain around
3 lbs per week.
This necessitates
a diet rich in flesh, bone, and muscle-forming foods, including both raw and
cooked meat.
Milk is also
beneficial, but it should be strengthened with casein.
Tips for Rearing Healthy Newfoundland Puppies.
To grow
full-sized dogs with plenty of bone and substance, it's essential to provide
them with a good start from birth, good feeding, warm and dry quarters, and the
freedom to move about and exercise as they wish.
Forced exercise
may cause leg problems. Newfoundland puppies should only require medication for
worms and should be dewormed soon after weaning and again when they are three
or four months old, or earlier if they aren't thriving.
Under proper
conditions of food and quarters, these puppies are quite hardy and easy to
rear.
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