Newfoundland Dog Insurance

Newfoundlands are large, powerful dogs known for their sweet, gentle nature. Originating from Newfoundland, Canada, they have a thick, water-resistant double coat, usually black, brown, or gray. Renowned for their swimming ability and lifesaving instincts, they are excellent working dogs and devoted family pets, famed for their patience and affection, especially with children.

Newfoundland dogs are often described as gentle giants, known for their calm, sweet nature. They are incredibly patient and good-natured, making them excellent companions, especially for families with children. Newfoundlands are loyal and protective, yet typically not aggressive. Their intelligence and willingness to please make them trainable, though they respond best to positive reinforcement. These dogs are naturally sociable and get along well with other pets and people.

Despite their large size, they are often unaware of it and may try to be lapdogs. Newfoundlands are also known for their heroic instincts, particularly in water rescue, reflecting their courageous and benevolent temperament.

The Newfoundland is one of the largest dog breeds, but it is not typically the biggest. While Newfoundlands are large and can weigh up to 150 pounds or more, they usually don't reach the extreme sizes of the English Mastiff or the Irish Wolfhound. However, they are still considered giant breeds and are known for their huge size and strength, especially in water rescue scenarios.

They have a massive head with a sweet expression, framed by floppy ears and small, deep-set eyes. Their most notable feature is the thick, water-resistant double coat, which can be black, brown, grey, or black and white. They possess a thick, bushy tail and webbed feet, ideal for swimming. Newfoundlands have a broad chest and strong limbs, reflecting their power and capability, especially in water-based activities. Their overall appearance is both majestic and rugged.

Newfoundlands are prone to certain health issues, primarily due to their large size. They are at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, common in large breeds. They can also suffer from heart conditions like subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). Bloat, or gastric torsion, is a serious risk and requires immediate veterinary attention. Newfoundlands may also experience cystinuria, a kidney-related condition. 

Newfoundland dogs have webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers and natural water rescuers. This 'webbing' is not common amongst dog breeds.

Newfoundland dogs originate from the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Their history is closely tied to the region, dating back to the 17th century. These dogs were bred by local fishermen to assist with tasks such as hauling nets, retrieving overboard items, and even saving people from drowning due to their excellent swimming ability.

The breed's ancestry is not completely clear, but they are believed to be a mix of indigenous Canadian dogs and the large black "bear" dogs brought over by the Vikings in 1000 A.D. Later, European settlers likely contributed to the breed's development through their own working dogs, particularly Portuguese Water Dogs and Mastiffs introduced by Portuguese fishermen.

Originally known as "St. John's dogs" or "lesser Newfoundlands," they were smaller than the "greater Newfoundlands" (now extinct). Over time, the breed was refined to the large, gentle, and capable water dog we know today, valued both for its working abilities and its gentle, friendly nature.