FCI CLASSIFICATION
Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossian type and Swiss Mountain
Dog. Section 2.2 Molossoid type, Mountain dog). Without working
trial.
Brief historical review
The breed originated in Newfoundland from indigenous dogs and the
local big black bear dogs had been brought by the Vikings after the
1100. With the advent of European fishermen a host of other breeds,
which have helped to shape and transform the breed, but its main
features are preserved. When, in 1610 the colonization of the
island began, Newfoundland dog had already largely acquired its own
morphology and natural behavior. These features allow them to
withstand the harsh, extreme climate and sea storms, when they
carried heavy loads in the sled, or served with water and rescue
dogs.
Appearance
Newfoundland - is a massive dog with a powerful, muscular body and
well-coordinated movements.
Significant proportions
Length of body from the withers to the base of the tail equals the
distance from the withers to the ground. The body is compact.
Housing of females may be slightly longer and less massive than that
of males. The distance from the withers to the underside of the
chest is greater than the distance from the underside of the chest
to the ground.
Behavior and temperament
The Newfoundland appearance expresses benevolence and softness.
Majestic, funny and inventive, he is known for his gentleness and
calmness.
Head
Massive. The head of the female dog has the same basic proportions
of the male dog, but less massive.
Skull
Skull: broad, with slightly arched crown and very developed inion.
Front part
Nose: large, well pigmented, nostrils are well developed. Color:
black with black and white-and-black dogs have black nose, brown -
have brown color. Muzzle: pronounced square, deep and moderately short,
covered with short, soft fur, skin on the muzzle does not form
folds, corners of the mouth are clearly expressed, but not
excessively. Cheeks: soft. Bite: scissor or pincer. Eyes: relatively
small, deep-set, widely spaced, the lids should not hang down,
exposing the red conjunctiva. Eyes color: black and black and white
dogs have dark brown, brown dogs assume a lighter shade. Ears:
relatively small, triangular with rounded ends. They are well
planted on the sides of the back of the skull and lie closely to
cheeks. If the ear of an adult dog is brought forward, it will reach
the end of the inner corner of an eye, which is located on the same
side of the head.
Neck
Strong, muscular, well set on shoulders, long enough to ensure a
noble head carriage. There should be no excessively pronounced
dewlap on the neck.
Body
The skeleton is massive everywhere. When viewed from the side of the
body it is deep and strong.
Topline
Direct and strong from withers to croup.
Back
Wide.
Loin
Strong and very muscular.
Croup
Wide with an angle of inclination of about 30 °.
Chest
Broad, extensive and deep with well sprung ribs.
Bottom line of the chest and abdomen
Nearly straight and never tucked up.
Forelimbs
Forelimbs are straight and parallel both when the dog walks at a
slow pace and at slow trot. Shoulders: are well muscled, directed
backward, make an angle of 45 ° with horizontal line. Elbows: fit
closely to the chest. Metacarpi: are slightly slanting. Front feet:
big, proportionate to the body, round and gathered into a ball with
a strong and compact toes. There are well-developed membranes
between the toes. Black and white and black dogs have black nails,
brown dogs have horn color nails. If the fingers are white, the
claws may not be black.
Back and the hind limbs
As the leading force for cargo transportation, sailing and sweeping
motions are largely depend on the hind limbs, their structure is
very important. Pelvis should be strong, broad and long. Thighs:
broad and muscular. Knee angles: well-marked, but not so much as to
give an impression of bent limbs. Shins: strong and fairly long.
Metatarsi: are set low and wide apart, rather short, parallel,
averted neither in nor out. Hind limbs: strong, well-closed. Claws
are of the same color as on the front legs. Dewclaws, if any, should
be removed.
Tail
The tail acts as a helm when the Newfoundland swims, so it must be
strong and broad at the base. When the dog stands, the tail hangs
down and is slightly bent at the end; it gets nearly to the ankle
joint or slightly below it. If the dog moves or is excited, the tail
is carried high and is slightly curved upwards, but is never curled
over the back and is never placed between the legs.
Gait/movement.
Newfoundland forelimbs move with high amplitude and hind limbs serve
as a good impetus, creating the impression of
indefatigability and power. A slight rocking of back is normal. When
speed increases Newfy tends to put his paws closer to the midline,
while the topline remains straight.
Wool
Newfoundland has a water resistant double coat. Top hair is long and
relatively straight, without any curls. Light waviness is
permissible. The undercoat is soft and dense and thicker in the
winter than in summer, but is always represented more on the croup
and chest.The hair on head, face and ears is short and soft. There
are combings on the front and hind legs. The tail is covered with
long thick hair, but not in the form of the flag.
Color
Black, white and black and brown. Black: traditional color - is
black. The color should be as rich as possible, but with fading in
the sun light, brown tint is possible. White markings on chest, toes
and (or) the tip of the tail are admitted. The white and black: this
type of the breed color has historical significance. The location of
the following spots is preferable: a black head with white blaze
that goes down to the muzzle, black saddle with evenly distributed
spots and a black spot on the croup that is also spread to the tail
base. The remaining parts should be white. Specks can be present at
a minimum number. Brown: homogeneous color from chocolate to bronze.
White markings on chest, toes and (or) the tip of the tail are
admitted. The white & black and brown dogs are exhibited in the
same class as black dogs.
Height and weight
The average height at the withers of adult males - is 71 cm (28
inches); in adult females - 66 cm (26 inches). Average weight - 68
kg for males; females - 54 kg. Large sizes are more desirable, but
harmony, good health, sturdy complexion and correct movements are
top-important.
Disadvantages
Any departure from the above mentioned points should be considered
as defects, the seriousness of which directly depends on the
degree of deviation.
General appearance: high, leggy, the lack of substance.
Skeleton: the impression of looseness, lightweight skeleton.
Character: aggressiveness, cowardliness. Head: narrow. Muzzle: long
or pointed. Lips: expressive. Eyes: round, convex, yellow, clearly
visible conjunctiva. Back: humpbacked, soft or hollow. Forelimbs:
weak metacarpi, splayed legs, paws averted in or out, no membranes.
Hindlimbs: straightened knee angles, cow hocks, barrel hocks, feet
averted inward. Tail too short, too long, the tail with a kink,
curled tail end. Gait/movement: festinating or/and shuffling gait,
crab-like sideways movements, too narrow position of limbs during
movement, lurch gait, front legs cross during movement, clear
averting of front legs outward or inward, short step, amble. Wool:
wool is completely open.
Disqualifications
A bad character. Overbite or underbite, wry mouth. Smooth hair.
Spots of any color other than white on black or brown dogs. Any
other color than black, white-&-black or brown. Notice: males
should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the
scrotum.
