Instructions
Look at the general appearance of the dog. the Newfoundland is a large breed that has a very heavy coat covering a well-boned, muscular body. It likes working on land and water. The males are 28 inches at the withers and weigh 130 to 150 lbs. The females are 26 inches at the withers and weigh 100 to 120 lbs. The Newfoundland has a slightly rectangular appearance: The measurement from the shoulder point to the buttocks is slightly longer than the height of the animal.
Make sure the head is proportionate with the rest of the body. The broad skull of the Newfoundland supports a massive head and highly developed occipital bone. The dark brown eyes are small, spaced widely apart and deeply set into the skull. The ears are rather small, and are triangular in shape, but have rounded tips. There should be no wrinkles on the forehead. The depth and length of the muzzle are approximately the same.
Check the strong neck and make sure it is set well on the muscular shoulders. It's a rather long neck, and allows the Newfoundland to carry its head proudly. The angulated shoulders pour into a deep, full chest that reaches the elbows. The front feet are webbed and shaped like cats' feet. The powerful rear is quite heavily boned, leading to webbed rear feet that are also catlike. The tailbones should reach the hock. At rest, the tail is carried down with a slight curve at the end; but in motion, it is carried out. The tail does not curl up over the back.
Pet the flat, water-resistant coat. It is a double coat that is coarse and of moderate length. It may be straight or have a wave to it. The undercoat is soft and quite dense, but in the summer months may be a bit thinner. There is feathering on the back of the legs, and the hair on the tail is long. The coat may be brown, black, white-and-black and gray. Some solid-color Newfoundlands may have a bit of white on the chest, toes, chin and at the tip of the tail. The Landseer Newfoundland has a white coat with black markings and a solid black head. It also has a black saddle and black on the rear, but not the tail.
How to Identify a Newfoundland
The Newfoundland's temperament is one of the things that set this breed apart from many others. This dignified dog is quite peaceable and very devoted to its family. Newfoundlands become very attached to their family, so if you plan on getting one, expect to keep it for life, as it may be difficult for it to adapt to a new home. The dog is protective, but tends to stand between family and danger rather than bark. This is a great breed to have around children.