Post by charmingnancy on Jan 12, 2009 17:07:52 GMT -5
Newfoundland
Group: 3- Working Dogs
Origin: Newfoundland (Canadian Province)
Purpose: The breed was always known as a working partner to fishermen and settlers. On land, the dogs worked at pulling carts and carrying packs, hauling and delivering milk for farmers, hauling wood for construction workers, and delivering mail. On the water, they hauled fishermen nets and delivered lines. They also served, and still do today, as rescue dogs, both on shore and in the water.
Description:
The Newfoundland is a large, usually black, breed of dog originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland. They are known for their sweet dispositions, loyalty, and natural water rescue tendencies. The Newfoundland dog excels at water rescue, due partly to their webbed feet and amazing swimming abilities.
Appearance- Breed Standards:
Coat and colour:
The Newfoundland has a water resistant double coat. The outer coat is moderately long and straight with no curl. A slight wave is permissible. 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. A short, flat, smooth coat (Labrador Retriever type) is a disqualification. The traditional colour is black. A sunburned black is permissible. White markings on chest, toes and/or tip of tail are permissible. Markings of any colour other than white are most objectionable and the dog is to be disqualified. The Landseer Newfoundland is white with black markings, and is of historical significance to the breed.
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. The nostrils are well developed. The bitch’s head follows the same general conformation, but is feminine and less massive. A narrow head, snipey or long muzzle is to be faulted. Pronounced flews are not
desirable. The eyes are dark brown, relatively small and deep set. They are spaced wide apart and show no haw. Round, protruding or yellow eyes are objectionable. The ears are relatively small and triangular with rounded tips. They are set well back on the side of the head and lie close. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.
Neck: The neck is strong, muscular, and well set on the shoulders. It is long enough to permit dignified head carriage, and should not show surplus dewlap.
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 (catfoot 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. Bone structure is massive throughout but does not give sluggish appearance.
Hindquarters: The hip assembly is broad, strong and well developed. The upper thighs are wide and muscular. The lower thighs are strong and fairly long. 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. 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.
Faults: Legginess, narrow head, snipey or long muzzle, pronounced flews, short tail, long tail, tail with a kink, tail with curled end, fine bone, any show of ill temper or timidity, open coat, eyes showing pronounced haw, round, protruding or yellow eyes, splayed feet, down pasterns, mincing, shuffling, crabbing, weaving, crossing over in front, toeing out or distinctly toeing-in in front, hackney action or pacing, straight stifles, cow-hocks, barrel legs, roached, slack or sway back, lack of webbing between toes, overshot or undershot or wry mouth.
Disqualifications:
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).
Size:
The average height for adult dogs is 28 inches (71 cm), for adult bitches, 26 inches (66 cm). The average weight for adult dogs is 150 lb. (68 kg), for adult bitches, 120 lb. (54 kg). Large size is desirable but it is not to be favoured over correct gait, symmetry, soundness and structure. Males weigh 60-70 kg (130-150 lb), and females 45-55 kg (120-140 lb), placing them in the "Giant" weight range. Some Newfoundland dogs have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb). The largest Newfoundland on record weighed 120kg (260lbs) and measured over 6 feet from nose to tail.
Temperament:
The Newfoundland is massive, well muscled and co-ordinated, carrying himself with dignity. His expression is one of gentleness, intelligence and serenity and should never be timid or ill-tempered. Well known for his gentleness toward children, he is a wonderful family companion. He loves the outdoors, especially if he has access to water.
Health:
The three most serious current health issues in the Newfoundland breed are hip dysplasia, inherited heart problems and a relatively new issue by the name of cystinuria. In dogs with cystinuria, the kidney transporter for cystine is defective. Subvalvular aortic stenosis, also referred to as subaortic stenosis or SAS, is a common heart defect in dogs, especially Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. Other health conditions to be aware of are inherited eye diseases, including cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), along with von Winderbrand’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, and bloat.
Average Lifespan:
The Newfoundland does not have a very long life expectancy compared to some other breeds, and the average lifespan of a healthy Newfoundland is around ten years or less.
History:
The breed originated in Newfoundland from a breed indigenous to the island, that later became known as the St. John's Dog. The speculation they may be partly descended from the big black bear dogs introduced by the Vikings in 1001 A.D. is based more in romance than in fact. It is more likely that their size results from the introduction of large mastiffs, brought to the island by many generations of Portuguese fishermen, who had been fishing the Grand Banks of Newfoundland since the 1400s. By the time colonization was permitted in 1610, the distinct physical characteristics and mental attributes had been established in the breed. In the early 1880s fishermen from Ireland and England traveled to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, where there they described two main types of working dog: one more heavily built, large with a longish coat, whereas the other was lighter in build, an active, smooth-coated water dog. The heavier one was the Newfoundland and the other was the known as the Lesser St. John's Dog, the forerunner of the Labrador Retriever. The dogs were used in similar ways to pull fishnets and heavy equipment.
In the early 1900s, a dog that is thought to have been a Newfoundland saved 92 people who were on a sinking ship in Newfoundland during a blizzard. The dog retrieved a rope thrown out into the turbulent waters by those on deck, and brought the rope to shore to people waiting on the beach. A breaches buoy was attached to the rope, and all those aboard the ship were able to get across to the shore.
An unnamed Newfoundland is also credited for saving Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815. During his famous escape from exile on the island of Elba, rough seas knocked Napoleon overboard. A fisherman's dog jumped into the sea, and kept Napoleon afloat until he could reach safety.
Further evidence of Newfoundlands' ability to rescue or support life saving activities was cited in a recent article by the BBC.
The American Kennel Club first registered the breed in 1886.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Canada's Guide to Dogs
CKC
Bearadise Newfoundlands
Kingdom of Pets
Pictures:
Photobucket
Group: 3- Working Dogs
Origin: Newfoundland (Canadian Province)
Purpose: The breed was always known as a working partner to fishermen and settlers. On land, the dogs worked at pulling carts and carrying packs, hauling and delivering milk for farmers, hauling wood for construction workers, and delivering mail. On the water, they hauled fishermen nets and delivered lines. They also served, and still do today, as rescue dogs, both on shore and in the water.
Description:
The Newfoundland is a large, usually black, breed of dog originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland. They are known for their sweet dispositions, loyalty, and natural water rescue tendencies. The Newfoundland dog excels at water rescue, due partly to their webbed feet and amazing swimming abilities.
Appearance- Breed Standards:
Coat and colour:
The Newfoundland has a water resistant double coat. The outer coat is moderately long and straight with no curl. A slight wave is permissible. 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. A short, flat, smooth coat (Labrador Retriever type) is a disqualification. The traditional colour is black. A sunburned black is permissible. White markings on chest, toes and/or tip of tail are permissible. Markings of any colour other than white are most objectionable and the dog is to be disqualified. The Landseer Newfoundland is white with black markings, and is of historical significance to the breed.
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. The nostrils are well developed. The bitch’s head follows the same general conformation, but is feminine and less massive. A narrow head, snipey or long muzzle is to be faulted. Pronounced flews are not
desirable. The eyes are dark brown, relatively small and deep set. They are spaced wide apart and show no haw. Round, protruding or yellow eyes are objectionable. The ears are relatively small and triangular with rounded tips. They are set well back on the side of the head and lie close. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.
Neck: The neck is strong, muscular, and well set on the shoulders. It is long enough to permit dignified head carriage, and should not show surplus dewlap.
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 (catfoot 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. Bone structure is massive throughout but does not give sluggish appearance.
Hindquarters: The hip assembly is broad, strong and well developed. The upper thighs are wide and muscular. The lower thighs are strong and fairly long. 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. 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.
Faults: Legginess, narrow head, snipey or long muzzle, pronounced flews, short tail, long tail, tail with a kink, tail with curled end, fine bone, any show of ill temper or timidity, open coat, eyes showing pronounced haw, round, protruding or yellow eyes, splayed feet, down pasterns, mincing, shuffling, crabbing, weaving, crossing over in front, toeing out or distinctly toeing-in in front, hackney action or pacing, straight stifles, cow-hocks, barrel legs, roached, slack or sway back, lack of webbing between toes, overshot or undershot or wry mouth.
Disqualifications:
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).
Size:
The average height for adult dogs is 28 inches (71 cm), for adult bitches, 26 inches (66 cm). The average weight for adult dogs is 150 lb. (68 kg), for adult bitches, 120 lb. (54 kg). Large size is desirable but it is not to be favoured over correct gait, symmetry, soundness and structure. Males weigh 60-70 kg (130-150 lb), and females 45-55 kg (120-140 lb), placing them in the "Giant" weight range. Some Newfoundland dogs have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb). The largest Newfoundland on record weighed 120kg (260lbs) and measured over 6 feet from nose to tail.
Temperament:
The Newfoundland is massive, well muscled and co-ordinated, carrying himself with dignity. His expression is one of gentleness, intelligence and serenity and should never be timid or ill-tempered. Well known for his gentleness toward children, he is a wonderful family companion. He loves the outdoors, especially if he has access to water.
Health:
The three most serious current health issues in the Newfoundland breed are hip dysplasia, inherited heart problems and a relatively new issue by the name of cystinuria. In dogs with cystinuria, the kidney transporter for cystine is defective. Subvalvular aortic stenosis, also referred to as subaortic stenosis or SAS, is a common heart defect in dogs, especially Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. Other health conditions to be aware of are inherited eye diseases, including cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), along with von Winderbrand’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, and bloat.
Average Lifespan:
The Newfoundland does not have a very long life expectancy compared to some other breeds, and the average lifespan of a healthy Newfoundland is around ten years or less.
History:
The breed originated in Newfoundland from a breed indigenous to the island, that later became known as the St. John's Dog. The speculation they may be partly descended from the big black bear dogs introduced by the Vikings in 1001 A.D. is based more in romance than in fact. It is more likely that their size results from the introduction of large mastiffs, brought to the island by many generations of Portuguese fishermen, who had been fishing the Grand Banks of Newfoundland since the 1400s. By the time colonization was permitted in 1610, the distinct physical characteristics and mental attributes had been established in the breed. In the early 1880s fishermen from Ireland and England traveled to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, where there they described two main types of working dog: one more heavily built, large with a longish coat, whereas the other was lighter in build, an active, smooth-coated water dog. The heavier one was the Newfoundland and the other was the known as the Lesser St. John's Dog, the forerunner of the Labrador Retriever. The dogs were used in similar ways to pull fishnets and heavy equipment.
In the early 1900s, a dog that is thought to have been a Newfoundland saved 92 people who were on a sinking ship in Newfoundland during a blizzard. The dog retrieved a rope thrown out into the turbulent waters by those on deck, and brought the rope to shore to people waiting on the beach. A breaches buoy was attached to the rope, and all those aboard the ship were able to get across to the shore.
An unnamed Newfoundland is also credited for saving Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815. During his famous escape from exile on the island of Elba, rough seas knocked Napoleon overboard. A fisherman's dog jumped into the sea, and kept Napoleon afloat until he could reach safety.
Further evidence of Newfoundlands' ability to rescue or support life saving activities was cited in a recent article by the BBC.
The American Kennel Club first registered the breed in 1886.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Canada's Guide to Dogs
CKC
Bearadise Newfoundlands
Kingdom of Pets
Pictures:
Photobucket