Newfoundland Dog Breed Standard

Origin and Purpose

This big beautiful dog originated in Newfoundland however the precise development of the breed still remains somewhat of a mystery.  It is believed that dogs indigenous to the Island cross-bred with dogs introduced by the Vikings in 1001 A.D. These dogs were then reshaped further by European fishermen.

By the time of colonization 1610, the distinct physical characteristics and mental attributes had been established in the breed for all time.  The large size, heavy coat and webbed feet that had been developed help the Newf to withstand the extreme climate and sea while serving both as an all-round working dog including lifeguard and draft animal.

General Appearance

From the CKC breed standard: “The Newfoundland is massive, deep bodied, well muscled and co-ordinated, projecting dignity in stance and head carriage. The appearance is square in that the length of the dog, from the top of the withers to the base of the tail, is equal to the distance from the top of the withers to the ground. The distance from the top of the withers to the underside of the chest is greater than the distance from the underside of the chest to the ground. The body of the bitch may be slightly longer, and is less massive than that of the dog. A mature dog should never appear leggy or lacking substance. The Newfoundland is free moving with a slight roll perceptible. Substantial webbing of the toes is always present.  Large size is desirable but never at the expense of gait symmetry and balance. Fine bone is to be faulted.”

Temperament

A hallmark of the breed and extremely important, the Newfoundland’s expression is soft and reflects the character of the breed; intelligent and dignified yet playful and fun.   The Newfoundland is famous for their sterling gentleness and serenity.  Even if a dog is physically perfect, any show of ill-temper or timidity is a disqualification.

Size

The average height for adult male is 28 inches (71 cm), for adult females, 26 inches (66 cm). The average weight for adult male is 150 lb. (68 kg), for females, 120 lb. (54 kg).  Although Newfoundlands are known for their size, bigger is not always better.  Standards are created to make sure Newfs remain capable of fulfilling their roles as working dogs.  Newfs exceeding the standard in size will have a more difficult time working and can be prone to health issues.  

Coat

The Newfoundland has a water-resistant double coat. The outer coat is moderately long and straight with no curl, however a slight wave is not uncommon.   The undercoat is soft and dense, and acts as insulation from the elements.  The hair on the head, muzzle, and ears is short and fine.  The front and rear legs are feathered. The tail is completely covered with long dense hair, but does not form a flag.  Newfs need regular grooming to keep their coat free of mats.  The Newf’s coat also needs to be trimmed to keep them looking their best.  Trimming of the ears and paws should be done regularly with thinning shears.

Colour

The traditional colours are all black or white and black.  Black Newfs can have white markings on their chest, toes and tip of tail.  White and black Newfs, called Landseers, are mostly white with a black head, black saddle and black rump.  Black ticking on the legs is common.  Black and Landseers are the only colours recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club.

Newfounds carry recessive genes for brown and gray coats, however deliberate breeding of these colors is unethical, deemed so by the Newfoundland Dog Club of Canada and the Canadian Kennel Club.  Should a brown or gray puppy be born there are measures in place so that the dog can be registered, however they cannot be shown and must be sold on a non-breeding contract.   People who deliberately breed brown and gray Newfs are in violation of the CKC code of ethics.

The Newfoundland Dog Club of American recognizes all colours including brown and gray and all colours can be registered and shown.

Structure

The Newfoundland Head

The head is massive with a broad skull, slightly arched crown and strongly developed occipital bone. The forehead and face are smooth and free from wrinkles. The stop is not abrupt. The muzzle is clean-cut

and covered with short fine hair. It is rather square, deep and moderately short.  A narrow head, snipey or long muzzle is not desirable. Pronounced flews (upper lips) and jowls are not desirable.  The Newfoundland’s jowls should be tight and the dog should not drool excessively.

The Newf’s eyes are dark brown, relatively small and deep set.  Their expression should be soft and soulful.   A Newf’s eyes should not be ‘droopy’ like a Mastiff or Bloodhound; they should show no haw (lower eyelid).

Body

Forequarters:  When the dog is not in motion, the forelegs are straight and parallel, with the elbows close to the chest. The shoulders are well muscled and well laid back at an angle approaching 45 degrees. The pasterns are slightly sloping. Down in the pasterns is to be faulted. The feet are proportionate to the body in size, well rounded and tight, with firm compact toes (cat-foot type). Splayed toes are a fault. Toeing in or out is undesirable.

Body:  The Newfoundland’s chest is broad, full and deep, with the brisket reaching to the elbows. The back is broad, with good spread of rib, and the topline is level from the withers to croup, never roached, slack, or swayed.  The loins are strong and well muscled, and the croup is broad.  The pelvis slopes at an angle of about 30 degrees. Viewed from the side, the body is deep, showing no discernible tuck-up.   Bone structure is massive throughout but does not give sluggish appearance.

Hindquarters:  Because driving power for swimming, pulling loads or covering ground efficiently is largely dependent upon the hindquarters, the rear structure of the Newfoundland is of prime importance. The hip assembly is broad, strong and well developed.  The upper thighs are wide and muscular.  The lower thighs are strong and fairly long.  The stifles are well bent, but not so as to give a crouching appearance.  The hocks are well let down, well apart and parallel to each other. They turn neither in nor out. The feet are firm and tight.  Dewclaws, if present, should have been removed.  Straight stifles, cow-hocks, barrel legs, and pigeon toes are to be faulted.

Tail:  The tail acts as a rudder when the Newfoundland is swimming; therefore it is strong and broad at the base.  When the dog is standing the tail hangs straight down, possibly a little curved at the tip, reaching to, or slightly below the hocks; when the dog is in motion or excited, the tail is carried straight out or with slight upward curve but never curled over the back nor curved inward between the legs.  A tail with a kink or curled at the end is very objectionable.

Gait:  The Newfoundland has good reach and strong drive, giving the impression of effortless power. In motion, the legs move straight forward, parallel to the line of travel.  A slight roll is present. As the speed increases, the dog tends to single track, with the topline remaining level.  Mincing, shuffling, crabbing, too close moving, weaving, crossing over in front, toeing out or distinctly toeing-in in front, hackney action and pacing are all faults.

Faults

The following features, traits and characteristics are not acceptable in the Newfoundland;  Legginess, narrow head, long muzzle, pronounced flews (upper lips),  incorrect tail (too short/ long, with a kink or curled).  Fine bone, any show of ill temper or timidity, open coat, eyes showing pronounced haw (lower lid), round, protruding or yellow eyes, splayed feet and down pasterns, straight stifles, cow-hocks, barrel legs.  Any form of incorrect gait (mincing, shuffling, crabbing, weaving, crossing over in front, toeing out or distinctly toeing-in in front, hackney action or pacing).

Disqualifications include; Bad temperament, short flat-coat (Labrador Retriever type), markings of any other colour than white on a black dog, any colours other than the traditional black, or Landseer (white and black).