Physical Attributes:
The Newfoundland is a very large dog, weighing anywhere from a hundred to a hundred and fifty pounds, and stands approximately 26-28 inches tall. The Newf has a very wide muzzle, with long droopy lips and jowls that allow them to breath while swimming with their mouth full, as they do when their rescuing people or pulling things to shore. Yes, this feature does add to their excessive drooling. Their massive bones help with buoyancy, whereas their bulky muscles provide them with power and strength to take on the largest of waves. The chest is very broad, which gives them a vast lung capacity to swim large distances, while their webbed paws generate great force for treading water.
When swimming, Newfoundland dogs have a slightly different technique for treading through water. The average dog when swimming takes long vertical, downward strokes ("the doggy paddle"). Whereas, the Newf extends it legs down and out to the side, kind of like a reformed breaststroke. This helps them to achieve a stronger, faster stroke.
The Newfoundland’s has a thick and oily, double-layer coat that helps to protect them from cold and icy waters. The Newfoundlands coat can be black, brown, grey, or white with black markings, called Landseer. The Newfs outer coat is long and straight with a slight wave to it, and the undercoat is short but very dense, which helps to keep their skin dry. Their tail is quite large in length and width. When looking at the Newfoundland you will notice that their body is a bit longer than their height.
When swimming, Newfoundland dogs have a slightly different technique for treading through water. The average dog when swimming takes long vertical, downward strokes ("the doggy paddle"). Whereas, the Newf extends it legs down and out to the side, kind of like a reformed breaststroke. This helps them to achieve a stronger, faster stroke.
The Newfoundland’s has a thick and oily, double-layer coat that helps to protect them from cold and icy waters. The Newfoundlands coat can be black, brown, grey, or white with black markings, called Landseer. The Newfs outer coat is long and straight with a slight wave to it, and the undercoat is short but very dense, which helps to keep their skin dry. Their tail is quite large in length and width. When looking at the Newfoundland you will notice that their body is a bit longer than their height.