Where the Newfoundland came from
The Newfoundland was developed on the island of Newfoundland in Canada as a working dog for fishermen. In the early 1800s these dogs helped pull in fishing nets and hauled carts of fish to market. They were also used as shipboard working dogs for water rescues.
Webbed paws, a dense double coat and a strong build suit them to cold water. The breed was developed further in Britain, and the painter Sir Edwin Landseer made the black and white type so famous that it is called the Landseer. Wartime food limits in 1914 and 1939 nearly wiped out the breed in the United Kingdom, but numbers have grown steadily since the 1950s.
Lord Byron's Newfoundland, Boatswain, died in 1808, and Byron built a tomb for the dog at Newstead Abbey that is larger than his own. The AKC recognized the Newfoundland in 1886. Today they are gentle family dogs, and many still compete in water rescue work.
- Early 1800s Newfoundlands help fishermen haul nets and fish carts
- 1808 Lord Byron's Newfoundland, Boatswain, dies
- 1886 AKC recognizes the Newfoundland
The job a Newfoundland was bred for
The job was hauling nets, dragging gear and pulling people from cold water. That shaped a patient, strong dog who loves water and is gentle with their people. Many Newfs will try to carry things or lean on you.
Sports that fit a Newfoundland
- Water rescue. The classic Newfoundland job
- Carting and drafting. Strong pulling dogs enjoy hauling when conditioned
- Scent work. Calm nose work suits their steady temperament
- Therapy work. Their gentle nature fits
- Dock diving. Many love to leap in, but jumping off a dock should be gentle for heavy dogs
Training tips for a Newfoundland
- Use calm, patient rewards. They are sensitive and cooperative.
- Teach drop it and retrieve games, since carrying things comes naturally.
- Introduce water slowly and make it fun.
- Practice grooming handling early because the coat needs care.
Body and health
A thick coat and heavy build make heat a danger, so keep exercise cool. Joints and hips need protection, so avoid repeated jumping.
Fun fact. Lord Byron's Newfoundland, Boatswain, has a tomb at Newstead Abbey that is larger than Byron's own.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Newfoundland is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Looking for a different breed? See what 75 breeds were bred to do.