Websters

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.