Newfoundland - Official CKC Standard

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The breed originated in Newfoundland from dogs indigenous to the island,  and the big black bear dogs introduced by the Vikings in 1001 A.D. With  the advent of European fishermen, a variety of new breeds helped to  shape and re- invigorate the breed, but the essential characteristics of  the Newfoundland dog remained. By the time colonization was permitted  in 1610, the distinct physical characteristics and mental attributes had  been established in the breed for all time. The large size, heavy coat  and webbed feet permit him to withstand the rigours of the extreme  climate and sea while serving both as lifeguard and draft animal. 

The Newfoundland is massive, deep bodied, well muscled and coordinated,  projecting dignity in stance and head carriage. The length from the  foremost point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks minimally  exceeds the height of the dog from ground to withers, resulting in a  visually square appearance. The body of the bitch may be slightly  longer, and is less massive than that of the dog. A mature dog should  never appear leggy or lacking substance. The Newfoundland is free moving  with a slight roll perceptible. Substantial webbing of the toes is  always present. Large size is desirable but never at the expense of  gait, symmetry and balance. Fine bone is to be faulted. 

The Newfoundland’s expression is soft and reflects the character of the  breed–benevolent, intelligent, dignified but capable of fun. He is known  for his sterling gentleness and serenity. Any show of ill temper or timidity is to be severely faulted. Bad temperament is a  disqualification. 

The average height for adult dogs is 28 inches (71 cm), for adult  bitches, 26 inches (66 cm). The average weight for adult dogs is 150 lb.  (68 kg), for adult bitches, 120 lb. (54 kg). Large size is desirable  but it is not to be favoured over correct gait, symmetry, soundness and  structure. 

The Newfoundland has a water resistant double coat. The outer coat is  moderately long and straight with no curl. A slight wave is permissible.  When rubbed the wrong way, the coat tends to fall back into place. The  undercoat is soft and dense, but less dense during summer months, but  al- ways found to some extent on the rump and chest. A completely open  coat is to be faulted. The hair on the head, muzzle, and ears is short  and fine. The front and rear legs are feathered. The tail is completely  covered with long dense hair, but does not form a flag. A short, flat,  smooth coat (Labrador Retriever type) is a disqualification. The  traditional colour is black. A sunburned black is permissible. White  markings on chest, toes and/or tip of tail are permissible. Markings of  any colour other than white are most objectionable and the dog is to be  disqualified.

The Landseer Newfoundland is white with black  markings, and is of historical significance to the breed. The preferred  pattern of markings for the Landseer is black head with white blaze  extending onto the muzzle, black saddle and black rump and upper tail.  All remaining parts are to be white with a minimum of ticking. The  symmetry of markings and beauty of pattern characterize the best marked  Landseers. Landseers are to be shown in the same classes as blacks  unless special classes are provided for them. 

The head is massive with a broad skull, slightly arched  crown and strongly developed occipital bone. The forehead and face are  smooth and free from wrinkles. The stop is not abrupt. The muzzle is  clean-cut and covered with short fine hair. It is rather square, deep  and moderately short. The nostrils are well developed. The bitch’s head  follows the same general conformation, but is feminine and less massive.  A narrow head, snipey or long muzzle is to be faulted. Pronounced flews  are not desirable. The eyes are dark brown, relatively  small and deep set. They are spaced wide apart and show no haw. Round,  protruding or yellow eyes are objectionable. The ears are  relatively small and triangular with rounded tips. They are set well  back on the side of the head and lie close. When the ear of the adult  dog is brought forward, it reaches to the inner corner of the eye on the  same side. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. 

The neck is strong, muscular, and well set on the shoulders. It is long  enough to permit dignified head carriage, and should not show surplus dewlap. 

When the dog is not in motion, the forelegs are straight and parallel,  with the elbows close to the chest. The shoulders are well muscled and  well laid back at an angle approaching 45 degrees. The pasterns are  slightly sloping. Down in the pasterns is to be faulted. The feet are  proportionate to the body in size, well rounded and tight, with firm  compact toes (catfoot type). Splayed toes are a fault. Toeing in or out  is undesirable. 

The Newfoundland’s chest is broad, full and deep, with the brisket  reaching to the elbows. The distance from elbow to ground equals half  the dog’s height. The back is broad, with good spread of rib, and the  topline is level from the withers to croup, never roached, slack, or  swayed. The loins are strong and well muscled, and the croup is broad.  The pelvis slopes at an angle of about 30 degrees. Viewed from the side,  the body is deep, showing no discernible tuck-up. Bone structure is  massive throughout but does not give sluggish appearance.

Because driving power for swimming, pulling loads or covering ground  efficiently is largely dependent upon the hind- quarters, the rear  structure of the Newfoundland is of prime importance. The hip assembly  is broad, strong and well developed. The upper thighs are wide and  muscular. The lower thighs are strong and fairly long. The stifles are  well bent, but not so as to give a crouching appearance. The hocks are  well let down, well apart and parallel to each other. They turn neither  in nor out. The feet are firm and tight. Dewclaws, if present, should  have been removed. Straight stifles, cow-hocks, barrel legs, and pigeon  toes are to be faulted. 

The tail acts as a rudder when the Newfoundland is swimming; therefore  it is strong and broad at the base. When the dog is standing the tail  hangs straight down, possibly a little curved at the tip, reaching to,  or slightly below the hocks; when the dog is in motion or excited, the  tail is carried straight out or with slight upward curve but never  curled over the back nor curved inward between the legs. A tail with a  kink or curled at the end is very objectionable. 

The Newfoundland has good reach and strong drive, giving the impression  of effortless power. In motion, the legs move straight forward, parallel  to the line of travel. A slight roll is present. As the speed  increases, the dog tends to single track, with the topline remaining  level. Mincing, shuffling, crabbing, too close moving, weaving, crossing  over in front, toeing out or toeing-in in front, hackney action and  pacing are all faults.