Information on AKC Newfoundland Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Newfoundland
A large dog and a true workhorse, the Newfoundland is a master at long-distance swimming and has true lifesaving instincts in the water. He is large and strong, possessing a heavy coat to protect him from icy waters. Equally at home in the water and on land, today’s Newfoundland competes in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, draft and water tests, and carting. His coat can be black, brown, gray, or white and black.
A Look Back
There are many conflicting stories as to the origin of the Newfoundland – some say he descended from the Great Pyrenees or a "French hound" – but nearly all agree that he originated in Newfoundland and his ancestors were brought there by fisherman from the European continent. In Newfoundland he was used as a working dog to pull nets for the fishermen and to haul wood from the forest. He also did heavy labor, such as powering the blacksmith's bellows.
Right Breed for You?
The Newfoundland’s sweet disposition makes him a good fit for families. Although he appears somewhat docile, he is an active dog and will need daily exercise. Regular brushing is important to maintain his plush coat. Newfs are also an intelligent breed and are readily trained.
If you are considering purchasing a Newfoundland puppy, learn more here.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1886.
- Ranging in size from 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and 100 to 150 pounds.
- Multipurpose dog; water rescue.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Newfoundland Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Newfoundland is a sweet-dispositioned dog that acts neither dull nor
ill-tempered. He is a devoted companion. A multipurpose dog, at home on
land and in water, the Newfoundland is capable of draft work and possesses
natural lifesaving abilities.
The Newfoundland is a large, heavily coated, well balanced dog that is deep-bodied,
heavily boned, muscular, and strong. A good specimen of the breed has dignity
and proud head carriage.
The following description is that of the ideal Newfoundland. Any deviation from
this ideal is to be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Structural and
movement faults common to all working dogs are as undesirable in the Newfoundland
as in any other breed, even though they are not specifically mentioned herein.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Average height for adult dogs is 28 inches, for adult bitches, 26 inches. Approximate
weight of adult dogs ranges from 130 to 150 pounds, adult bitches from 100 to
120 pounds. The dog's appearance is more massive throughout than the bitch's.
Large size is desirable, but never at the expense of balance, structure, and
correct gait. The Newfoundland is slightly longer than tall when measured from
the point of shoulder to point of buttocks and from withers to ground. He is
a dog of considerable substance which is determined by spring of rib, strong
muscle, and heavy bone.
Head
The head is massive, with a broad skull, slightly arched crown,
and strongly developed occipital bone. Cheeks are well developed. Eyes
are dark brown. (Browns and Grays may have lighter eyes and should be penalized
only to the extent that color affects expression.) They are relatively small,
deep-set, and spaced wide apart. Eyelids fit closely with no inversion.
Ears are relatively small and triangular with rounded tips.
They are set on the skull level with, or slightly above, the brow and lie
close to the head. When the ear is brought forward, it reaches to the inner
corner of the eye on the same side. Expression is soft and
reflects the characteristics of the breed: benevolence, intelligence, and
dignity. Forehead and face are smooth and free of wrinkles. Slope of the stop is moderate
but, because of the well developed brow, it may appear abrupt in profile. The
muzzle is clean-cut, broad throughout its length, and deep. Depth
and length are approximately equal, the length from tip of nose to stop being
less than that from stop to occiput. The top of the muzzle is rounded, and the
bridge, in profile, is straight or only slightly arched. Teeth meet in a scissors
or level bite. Dropped lower incisors, in an otherwise normal
bite, are not indicative of a skeletal malocclusion and should be considered
only a minor deviation.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is strong and well set on the shoulders and is long enough
for proud head carriage. The back is strong, broad, and muscular
and is level from just behind the withers to the croup. The chest is full and
deep with the brisket reaching at least down to the elbows. Ribs are well sprung,
with the anterior third of the rib cage tapered to allow elbow clearance. The
flank is deep. The croup is broad and slopes slightly. Tail--Tail
set follows the natural line of the croup. The tail is broad at the base and
strong. It has no kinks, and the distal bone reaches to the hock. When the dog
is standing relaxed, its tail hangs straight or with a slight curve at the end.
When the dog is in motion or excited, the tail is carried out, but it does not
curl over the back.
Forequarters
Shoulders are muscular and well laid back. Elbows lie directly below the highest
point of the withers. Forelegs are muscular, heavily boned, straight, and parallel
to each other, and the elbows point directly to the rear. The distance from
elbow to ground equals about half the dog's height. Pasterns are strong and
slightly sloping. Feet are proportionate to the body in size, webbed, and cat
foot in type. Dewclaws may be removed.
Hindquarters
The rear assembly is powerful, muscular, and heavily boned. Viewed from the
rear, the legs are straight and parallel. Viewed from the side, the thighs are
broad and fairly long. Stifles and hocks are well bent and the line from hock
to ground is perpendicular. Hocks are well let down. Hind feet are similar to
the front feet. Dewclaws should be removed.
Coat
The adult Newfoundland has a flat, water-resistant, double coat that tends to
fall back into place when rubbed against the nap. The outer coat is coarse,
moderately long, and full, either straight or with a wave. The undercoat is
soft and dense, although it is often less dense during the summer months or
in warmer climates. Hair on the face and muzzle is short and fine. The backs
of the legs are feathered all the way down. The tail is covered with long dense
hair. Excess hair may be trimmed for neatness. Whiskers need not be trimmed.
Color
Color is secondary to type, structure, and soundness. Recognized Newfoundland colors are black, brown, gray, and white and black.
Solid Colors--Blacks, Browns, and Grays may appear as solid colors
or solid colors with white at any, some, or all, of the following locations:
chin, chest, toes, and tip of tail. Any amount of white found at these locations
is typical and is not penalized. Also typical are a tinge of bronze on a black
or gray coat and lighter furnishings on a brown or gray coat.
Landseer--White base coat with black markings. Typically,
the head is solid black, or black with white on the muzzle, with or without
a blaze. There is a separate black saddle and black on the rump extending
onto a white tail.
Markings, on either Solid Colors or Landseers, might deviate considerably from
those described and should be penalized only to the extent of the deviation.
Clear white or white with minimal ticking is preferred.
Beauty of markings should be considered only when comparing dogs of otherwise
comparable quality and never at the expense of type, structure and soundness.
Disqualifications-- Any colors or combinations of colors not specifically
described are disqualified.
Gait
The Newfoundland in motion has good reach, strong drive, and gives the impression
of effortless power. His gait is smooth and rhythmic, covering the maximum amount
of ground with the minimum number of steps. Forelegs and hind legs travel straight
forward. As the dog's speed increases, the legs tend toward single tracking.
When moving, a slight roll of the skin is characteristic of the breed. Essential
to good movement is the balance of correct front and rear assemblies.
Temperament
Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most
important single characteristic of the breed.
Disqualifications
Any colors or combinations of colors not specifically described are disqualified.
Approved May 8, 1990
Effective June 28, 1990
