Breed: The first dogs - fishermen and sailors helpers, possessing a passion for the water - came to the western Europe from the island of Newfoundland in the first half of the XIX century. This breed naturally appeared about three hundred years ago in the rugged northern island, which borders the peninsula of Labrador in the eastern coast of Canada.

By the time when the Europeans met Newfoundland dogs, the breed was already fully formed: large black or black and white dogs were remarkably clever and strong, but the main thing - they were tireless swimmers, without any hesitation, jumping into the water to help drowning people.

Very soon the Newfoundland dog have won universal love and acceptance. Thanks to his innate intelligence, this fishermen and sailor's reliable partner, the ship dog, confidently stepped from the deck of a fishing boat to the soft carpets of the imperial palaces and the green lawns of ancestral homes.

Innate sense of dignity, strength, coupled with kindness and generosity made him one of the most welcome friends in the most aristocratic houses. George Gordon Byron - English Lord and a great poet - imprinted in the poetry the memory of his favorite Boatswain. Napoleon Bonaparte during his escape from Elba nearly drowned in the sea during a storm, but was rescued by a Newfoundland dog.

One of the most important features, attracting most of the breed fanciers is the nature of a Newfoundland. In all it's manifestations, the dog "soul" of Newfoundland is so original, that we are talking, of course, about the breed characteristics, rather than about just a random set of isolated facts.

Let's try to find a solution to the surprising nature of a Newfoundland dog in the history of the breed. All breeds of dogs were created for some certain?? particular purposes. Already in the ancient times existed a quite conscious selection of those animals, that are more responsive to the needs of man. In this case, the external features of the dogs were not taken into account - the features of their mentality, temperament and character were allot more important.

As a result, all the ancients breeds, including a Newfoundland dog, genetically consolidated the specific features of their character. Of course, there are always some exceptions from the rules, but if many generations of ancestors had a very definite character, then it is more likely that the same type of character will be common to most of their descendants.

Specific purposes, sometimes more or less universal, often rather narrow, were reflected on the nature of most breeds of dogs.

Breed idiosyncrasies of a Newfoundland dogs are also inextricably linked to their original purpose. The ancestors of modern Newfies have never been a hunting dogs, so the instincts of chasing a victims,?? persecution and killing are completely undeveloped in this breed. Newfoundlands tend to think of a small birds and animals as of an objects of their defense instead of chasing them.

Of course, the hunting instinct - still dormant in each member of the dogs family - may wake up and make the young Newfie to chase the running cat, but there is nothing threatening for the fugitive in this case - in the worse case at the finish line she will be sniffed and licked friendly.

General Features: Newfoundland is a large, massive, but not cumbersome, proportionally built dog, very calm, affectionate and trusting people. Strong bones, black, long, thick, flowing coat, big round head with short, wide muzzle and small, tight ears makes a Newfoundland dog to look like a bear. Coat is long with the rich undercoat. Colors: black, brown and white-and-black (also called Landseer).

Temperament: It seems that the nature of a Newfoundland is completely perfect. And yet, Newfoundland?? is not a dog for everyone and everybody. In order to fully display his wonderful character, he should grow up and live in a close contact with all family members in a company of loving people. Those, who by virtue of their employment can not provide Newfoundland with proper attention, who finds no place for him in the house, because he believes that caring for a large dog takes too much time and effort, should choose another breed, not having such a fine soul organization and therefore not requiring a constant communication.

Yes, Newfoundland can spend his life, locked in a cage, but, being a yard, rather than a house dog, he will not reveal even a tenth part of his natural qualities. For this dog's happiness and well-being it is not enough just to be fed, Newfoundland needs the attention of his owner, he wants to be a full member of the family.

Those who lived for years side by side with the Newfoundland dog, knows that you can chat with him as a friend: he always listens carefully to a human speech, he is able to capture the smallest nuances of intonation of a familiar voice, catches the subtle gestures and often correctly understands what is this you want from him, even if?? you do not pronounce the standard commands.

Generally, Newfoundland responds better to a request than to an order - this quiet, well-balanced dog demands the smooth and respectful treatment. He is not jealous, but very sensitive - the rude yelling can be very hard for him. If this happens, the Newfoundland will permanently close in himself, his whole manner would demonstrate, that he does not want to talk to you.

Newfoundland dog is quiet by nature. Even in the game, he will rarely raise his voice. Meeting his owner at the door, Newfie shows his happiness by all means - but not barking. If a Newfoundland barked - then there was something extraordinary. His protective bark is very low, at first jerky, then goes into a continuous roar, as if someone hits on an empty iron barrel.

Newfoundland's short barking may express the call or solicitations, but he will never bark at other people's dogs or passers-by from "a sense of duty", as many other dogs do - suspiciousness is not in his nature, as well as nervousness and any incontinence in the manifestation of emotions.

In dealing with children Newfoundland is always gentle and patient. A young dog is always eager to play with the children, but adults tend more to take care of children rather than to fulfill their wishes, he does not listen to the kids and does not obey them absolutely.

This does not mean that Newfoundland gets along bad with children, on the contrary, he is always a welcome companion in the games, because he can never hurt a child under any circumstances, but the parents should bear in mind that not every child is physically able to cope with such a large, heavy dog.

Health problems:??

Newfoundlans are prone to a hereditary heart disease and hip and elbow dysplasia, like many molossoid breeds. Also the owner should avoid overheating of this dog.

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