YAN WEN

One of the largest dogs of the canine world, the Newfoundland, is also one of those pooches that people refer to as the ‘gentle giant.’ This means that they are true sweethearts, despite their formidable size and strength.

This breed is calm, peaceful and patient, showering their humans with love and affection and protecting them from harm. They are extremely courageous and would risk their life to protect their owners, though they are not vicious or aggressive by any means. As a matter of fact, they are more likely to hold someone suspicious at bay than to attack them, preventing them to get anywhere near their humans. However, if the intruder shows signs of violence, the Newfoundland will not hesitate to react accordingly. Keep in mind that they are very smart dogs that are able to figure out if someone is a real threat.

When their humans are not threatened, the Newfoundland is exceptionally kind and loving, getting along well with friendly humans, kids, and other animals. You will have no problem whatsoever inviting guests over, as the Newfoundland will enjoy the attention and welcome your friends with ”open paws.” They will also be amazing companions to kids of all ages, though they can unintentionally knock over a small child. On the other hand, there’s not a thing they wouldn’t do for their tiny humans, which means that they aren’t strangers to rough play or kids riding them all day long.

As for other dogs, the Newfoundland usually likes the company of canine friends. However, you need to introduce the two dogs properly, correcting unwanted behaviors and praising wanted behaviors.

Another thing to pay attention to is that, even though they tend to move slowly, the Newfoundland loves spending time outdoors. They particularly enjoy swimming and playing in the water, so you should take them to the beach every now and then.

Since they were bred to be working dogs, they obviously have what it takes to perform all sorts of tasks for hours on end. But, if they don’t have a job, they will be happy just hanging out around the house and cuddling with their humans. They might not be willing to exercise on a regular basis, but you need to take them on daily walks so that they wouldn’t become obese.

Despite their fondness for nature, they still need to be with their family, meaning they are pet dogs that require a small yard to thrive and stay physically active. The Newfoundland will do fine in an apartment, provided they get enough daily exercises. Fortunately, they are pretty lazy indoors, so they won’t make a mess of your home. They do drool a lot, though, but that’s something you’ll have to get accustomed to. The Newfoundland is not the worst drooler out there, and they are pretty messy drinkers.

Just remember that they are ideal dogs for colder climates and that they should have access to cool water and lots of shade at all times.

As far as training is concerned, the Newfoundland may be a bit difficult to train. They are highly intelligent dogs but smart pups usually tend to be stubborn. To successfully train them, you need to be calm, confident and firm. You have to establish yourself as the pack leader and show the dog that they have to follow your rules and obey your commands. It’s essential to teach them to heel either beside or behind you, as well as to enter and exit rooms after you. There’s just one more thing, the Newfoundland is very sensitive to the tone of their human’s voice, so try to remain as calm and firm as possible while training them.

Before you adopt a Newfoundland, you should also know that they are heavy shedders. Their undercoat sheds two times a year, requiring extensive care in the spring and fall. During the rest of the year, you should brush them once or twice per week.

Finally, the Newfoundland can live anywhere between 9 and 15 years, with 10 being the average. To prolong their lifespan, take them for regular veterinary check-ups, feed them only high-quality dog food and keep them physically and mentally stimulated.