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Newfoundland Dog Breed
The breed standard is a criterion, or set of regulations, that determines the manifestation of breed characteristics. It is a description of the breed in technical terms, used as a guide by breeders for the evaluation and selection of puppies and adult dogs and by judges for the selection of winning dogs.
The original standard was drawn up and formally adopted in 1879. The present standard differs only slightly from the original and consists of four sections: general conformation, head, body, and movement.
The Newfoundland is a working dog. In order to fulfill his purpose as a water retriever and draft animal, he must be large, strong, sound, have webbed feet, and a heavy, water-resistant coat. As a guardian of children he must possess a gentle disposition, as evidenced by his benevolent expression and docile action. He is never shy or timid.
General Appearance
The Newfoundland is square in body (proportionate length and height) and gains his height from depth of chest, not length of leg.
Color
Most Newfoundlands are black or black and white in combination (Land-seers). Many otherwise solid black dogs have white spots on their chests, white toes, and white-tipped tails. Landseers should have black heads with a white blaze, black saddle, and black symmetrical markings on legs and tail. Brown, gray, bronze, and black dogs with gray or brown markings on toes and chest are comparatively rare and are similar to blacks in all other respects. When appearing in show competition, all colors are judged according to the same standard.
Size
Size is to be encouraged as long as symmetry and balance are maintained. Smallness is discouraged as uncharacteristic of the breed. The average adult male should stand a minimum of 28 inches high at the withers, and an adult female should be about 26 inches. Average weights at maturity approximate 150 pounds in the male, 120 pounds in the female.
Coat
The Newfoundland has a long, full, double coat which contributes to the impression of great size. The coat is of a coarse nature and resists water. The undercoat is soft and wooly and affords protection from the cold. The coat insulates against extremes of temperature in summer heat, as well as winter cold.
Head
The head of the Newfoundland is given major consideration, for it conveys that expression of benevolent dignity so characteristic of the breed. The eyes should be dark brown, set well apart, and showing no haw or redness. The skull should be broad and rounded, and the muzzle deep. No wrinkles should appear on the face. In comparison with the head of the St. Bernard, the Newfoundland head does not have well-defined stop, and the nose is rounded, rather than square. The ears are triangular in shape and lie close to the head. They are never long or pricked. The teeth should be set in either a level or scissors bite.
Body
The body of the Newfoundland shows a broad muscular neck well set onto the shoulders. The chest should be broad, reaching just below the elbow as viewed from the side. Body length, as measured from sternum to point of tail, should roughly equal the distance from the shoulder (withers) to the ground. The back is broad, strong, and straight, contributing to the square appearance. Rear and front legs should be straight and well muscled. The tail should be long, reaching to the hock. It should be straight, carried with a slight curve when the dog is in motion, but never curled over the back.
Movement
Movement, or gait, is given great emphasis. Symmetry and balance may be apparent in the standing dog, but will disappear as he moves unless he is structurally sound. The dog should move with freedom and ease, legs moving in straight lines when viewed from the front and rear. A characteristic roll will be evident at the trot.
The above description describes in brief the perfect Newfoundland and the aim of breeders. Many dogs possess minor faults but make ideal pets because they have the true Newfoundland disposition. You may never find the dog that ideally expresses the Standard in all respects, but we trust that you will experience the faithful devotion and sweet companionship that are yours when you are owned by a Newfoundland.
Housebreaking Puppies
As soon as you get your puppy you can begin to housebreak him but until he is five months old or so. A baby puppy just cannot control himself, so it is best to give him an opportunity to relieve himself before the need arises.
Don’t let the puppy wander through the whole house; keep him in one or two rooms under your watchful eye. If he sleeps in the house and has been brought up on newspapers, keep a couple of pages handy on the floor. When he starts to whimper, puts his nose to the ground or runs around looking restless, take him to the paper before an “accident” occurs. After he has behaved, praise him and let him roam again. It is much better to teach him the right way than to punish him for misbehaving. Puppies are naturally clean and can be housebroken easily, given the chance. If a mistake should occur, and mistakes are bound to happen, wash it immediately with tepid water, followed by another rinse with water to which a few drops vinegar have been added. A dog will return to the same place if there is any odor left, so it is important to remove all traces.
If your puppy sleeps outside, housebreaking will be even easier. Remember that the puppy has to relieve himself after meals and whenever he wakes up, as well as sometimes in between. So take him outside as soon as he shows signs of restlessness indoors, and stay with him until he has performed. Then praise and pat him, and bring him back inside as a reward. Since he is used to taking care of himself outdoors, he will not want to misbehave in the house, and will soon let you know when he wants to go out.
You can combine indoor paper training and outdoor housebreaking by taking the puppy out when convenient and keeping newspaper available for use at other times. As the puppy grows older he will be able to control himself for longer periods. If he starts to misbehave in the house, without asking to go out first, scold him and take him out or to his paper. Punishment after the fact will accomplish nothing; the puppy cannot understand why he is being scolded unless it is immediate.
The older puppy or grown dog should be able to remain overnight in the house without needing to go out, unless he is ill. If your dog barks or acts restless, take him out once, but unless he relieves himself right away, take him back indoors and shut him in his quarters. No dog will soil his bed if he can avoid it, and your pet will learn to control himself overnight if he has to.
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