General aspect

The newfoundland is a massive dog with a powerful muscular body, but this does not obstruct him from being graceful and well coordinated in his movements

Important proportions

the length of the body, from the point of the shoulder to the croup, is bigger than the distance from the withers to the ground (height of the wither.) The body is very compact. The female may be slightly longer than the male. The height of the chest from the withers to the inferior part of the thoracic cage is slightly bigger than the distance between the inferior part of the thoracic cage and the ground.

Temperament

the newfie’s temperament is reflected in his soft expression. The breed is benevolent, intelligent and dignified but capable of having fun. They are known for their gentleness and serenity. Generations of children have taken their first toddling steps holding onto this fantastic family dog.

Head & skull

the head is very massive. The female’s head has the same general conformation but is less massive. The skull is large and has a slight elevation at the summit. The occipital bone is strongly developed. The stop is very visible but never very marked. The nose is big, containing highly developed nostrils. The nostrils are very pigmented, black for black dogs. The muzzle is very squared, large and relatively short, having no wrinkles. It is covered with short and soft fur. The lip commissure can be seen but it is not excessively pronounced. The lips are supple.

Eyes

the eyes are relatively small, well set in their orbit. They are wide apart and allow us not to see the conjunctiva. They are dark brown for black as well as black and white newfs

Ears

the ears are relatively small, triangular, and rounded at the extremities. They lay closely attached far back on each side of the head. When the ear of an adult is stretched frontward it should touch the internal commissure of the eye situated on the same side.

Neck

the neck is strong and muscular, well attached to the shoulders, and of sufficient length to permit the bear of a noble head. The neck must not present any excessive fanon.

Body

the skeleton is massive in all of its parts. From the profile, the trunk is high and vigorous. The top line is straight; the underneath is firm from the withers to the croup. The back is large. The kidneys are strong and muscular. The croup is large, oblique, and forms an angle of about 30°. The chest is very broad. The sides are very developed. The bottom line is almost horizontal.

Front hand

the anterior members are straight and remain parallel during the walk and small trot. The shoulders are very muscular and oblique. The elbows remain close to the body. The metacarpi are slightly inclined. The anterior feet are large, proportioned, well rounded and webbed.

Back hand

in order for a dog to be able to pull large cargo, to swim, or to cover a large amount of terrain, the back hand is of greatest importance because the drive depends solely on the back pace. The pelvis must be strong, large and long. The thighs are large and muscular. The stifles are in an angle, well enough so the dog does not look like it is squatting. Relatively short, the hocks are well separated and parallel. They do not turn in or out. The posterior paws are closed tightly. Dewclaws must be removed.

Tail

the tail serves as a rutter when the newfoundland swims. Consequently, the base is large and strong. While the dog is standing, the end of the tail curves slightly. The tail stops at the hocks or passes them a little. When the dog is moving or excited, the tail is worn high with a slight curve upwards. It is never rolled on top of the back or tucked inside the posterior members.

Movements + gaits

the newfoundland has good amplitude of movement with the action of its anterior members and propulsion from the back. This gives an impression of a powerful and easy gait. A slight curve in the back is natural. As the speed increases, the dog has a tendency to bring his members closer together on a median plane (straight line), while the top line stays horizontal.

Coat

the newf’s coat was designed to aid him in water work. It is flat, dense, and water-resistant, being somewhat oily. The outer coat is moderately long and straight. It may have a slight wave but no curl. The hair on the head, muzzle and ears is short and fine. There is a soft dense undercoat.

Color

black, black + white. Black: the traditional colour is black. The colour must be as uniform as possible, but a slight bronze tone is admissible. White markings on the chest, paws or the extremities of the tail are acceptable. Black + white: this variety of colour is part of an important history for the breed. We look for the following markings: a black head with preferably, a white band stretching to the muzzle, a black coat with equal amounts of white markings, a black croup and a tail having its superior area black. The other regions must be white and are allowed to have a minimum amount of flecks.

Height and weight

average height of withers: males 71cm, females 66cm. Average weight: males 68kg, females 54kg. We are searching for subjects of large height, but not too much so as to interfere with the harmony of shapes, the general qualities, the powerful construction, or the beautiful gaits.