Newfoundland Dog Behavior

According to the online magazine, "Dog Owner's Guide," Newfoundlands are the "teddy bear" of the giant breeds for their sweet dispositions and long, thick coats. Newfoundland males average around 150 pounds and 28 inches at the shoulder, while females average approximately 115 pounds and 26 inches at the shoulder. The origin of the breed is a bit controversial, but the American Kennel Club stands by the theory that Newfoundlands really did come from Newfoundland and that European fishermen brought their ancestors to Newfoundland.

  1. Sweet Disposition

    • While all dog breeds have variations and mistreatment can turn any dog into a problem, their sweet, gentle, even-tempered and devoted dispositions are prized characteristics of Newfoundlands. In fact, Newfoundlands are a recommended for families with children. The American Kennel Club states this sweet character is the "most important single characteristic of the breed," which often translates into endearing behavior. For example, "Newfs" are tolerant of kids' antics and like to snuggle up to all family members--even the rabbits.

    Hero Dogs

    • One well-known Newfoundland behavior is hauling trapped individuals to safety as rescue dogs. Originally bred as working dogs, Newfoundlands were so strong, big and obedient, people used them to pull fishing nets out of the water, haul firewood in from the forest and power blacksmiths' bellows. In modern times, this breeding translates not only into rescue jobs, but also in being almost irresistibly attracted to water and being perfectly happy to haul heavy loads. Their strength and agility also makes them good and willing participants in professional competitions like conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, drafting, water tests and carting.

    Training

    • Considered the most obedient of the giant breeds, Newfoundlands still need good training. Their intelligence, devotion and eagerness to please make them easy pupils, but the Newfoundland Club of America recommends starting this process at eight weeks--as soon as new owners bring the puppy home. Even untrained, gentle Newfoundlands can intimidate people by their size and the Newfoundland Club of America admits that consciously training giant dogs may be especially critical. Behaviors that may not bother people in smaller dogs can be terrifying in bigger ones, such as jumping. With training that focuses on encouragement and praise, "Newfs" learn not to use their strength against people, and to be obedient, good water dogs, proficient retrievers and excellent haulers.

    Behaviors to Restrict

    • For all their size, Newfoundlands are actually somewhat delicate as puppies. The Newfoundland Club of America (NCA) recommends not allowing puppies to do a lot of running, jumping or playing on slick surfaces, or allowing pulling on their limbs. Newfoundland joints and bones are still soft in puppyhood and these activities could damage them. The NCA recommends prohibiting heavy exercise or pulling until the dog reaches 18 months, but to encourage swimming as it is a low-impact activity.

    Avoiding Bad Behaviors

    • Proper training can prevent bad behavior in Newfoundlands. Harsh treatment or neglect can produce dangerous giant breeds--even in those with naturally gentle temperaments like the Newfoundland. However, as with any breed, some individual Newfoundlands do not have breed-standard qualities, such as a sweet disposition. The Newfoundland Club of America recommends spending time not only with the breeder of a new puppy, but also the puppy's parents; a Newfoundland offspring will often behave much like its mother and father.