Newfoundland

The Newfoundland does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to your dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior.

Some Newfs gain weight easily, so watch calorie intake and body condition. Treats help with training, but too many lead to excess weight. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not, and check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet.

As a giant breed, the Newfoundland can experience bloat, a serious condition where the stomach distends and twists. The causes are not fully understood, but many experts feed multiple small meals per day and avoid vigorous exercise around mealtimes, which may help reduce the chances of it happening.

The Newfoundland's heavy double coat needs thorough brushing at least once a week. A slicker brush and long-toothed comb remove dead hair, prevent mats, and limit loose fur in the home. During shedding season, which generally comes twice a year, brushing becomes a daily task, while spayed or neutered Newfoundlands shed year-round and will likely need brushing several times a week.

Bathe a Newfoundland roughly once a month, and never more than once every two weeks, using a dog-friendly shampoo. Plan to wipe drool regularly, since it gets caught in the fur.

Trim the nails regularly, as with all breeds, since overly long nails cause discomfort and structural problems. Clean the ears with a pet-specific ear cleaner, and wipe the eyes with a soft, moist cloth or a vet-recommended eye cleaner. Brush the teeth at home and schedule professional cleanings. Excess eye discharge, squinting, cloudiness, or redness can signal eye conditions that warrant a vet exam.

The Newfoundland is a multipurpose dog, at home on land and in water. Beyond being a devoted companion, this breed is adept at draft work and has real ability in water rescue. Newfs have a moderate energy level and need at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, along with a fun activity to engage mind and body.

These dogs are meant to live indoors with their family, but they enjoy the outdoors. Walks and hikes are good options, and you can take advantage of their love of water with a swim at the lake. Many Newfs enjoy pulling a cart, and some compete in carting and drafting. Newfoundlands can take part in agility, dock jumping, flyball, herding, obedience, rally, and tracking.

Because Newfoundlands are so loving, some develop separation anxiety when left alone. Help by providing enough exercise and mental stimulation when you are together, and by leaving interactive toys when you are gone. Newfs often pull on the leash, so early leash training helps.

The Newfoundland puppy is outgoing, intelligent, and curious, never timid, skittish, or aggressive. Daily human contact is essential, and early socialization and puppy training classes help the dog grow into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. A puppy bound for water work should be carefully introduced to water by the age of four months.

Newfs are eager to please and generally easy to train. They are affectionate and trusting, and respond well to gentle guidance rather than harsh corrections. Positive reinforcement, with plenty of rewards for good behavior, is the way to train this breed, including the occasional strong-willed dog. Obedience training is essential because of their size, since Newfoundland puppies grow quickly and can overpower their people by pulling or jumping.

The Newfoundland's sweet, gentle nature makes it an outstanding family pet. Newfies get along well with children, small pets, and other dogs. As with all dogs, supervise interactions between small kids and Newfoundlands, since these dogs are gentle but big enough to accidentally knock over a young child.