The Newfoundland featuring Zeus & Apollo

Wagging Tales

COAT:

A flat, water-resistant double coat. The outer coat is course and long, the undercoat is soft and dense.  Average shedding twice a year in Spring & Autumn. Requires brushing every 1-2 days. Colours are Black, Brown, Grey, and Black with white patches.  In Canada, the Newfoundland hair is spun and made into water-proof clothing. 

HEIGHT:
Male 27-29 inches (69-74cm)    Female  25-27 inches (63-69cm).

WEIGHT: Male 132-154 pounds (60-70kg)  Female  100-121 pounds (45-55kg).

LIFESPAN: 10 YEARS is average.

TEMPERAMENT:
Like a big loveable Teddy Bear, known for an outstanding sweet nature. Intelligent loyal and brave, will only bark when they need to. Firm but fair training from an early age is essential, with a calm and confident owner. Needs mental stimulation, otherwise will become bored and destructive if left alone for too long. Is happiest with people, and loves working hard. Especially gentle, patient and protective with children. 

CLASS: Working Group.

HEALTH:
Best suited to colder climates, will struggle in hot weather. Like all giant breeds, can be prone to Hip & Elbow Dysplasia. Gastric Torsion (Bloat). Hereditary heart disease call Sub Aortic Stenosis (SAS).

HISTORY:
The Newfoundland breed is affectionately known as a “Newfie”, and comes from the north eastern coastal area of Newfoundland in Canada  The dog was named after the area in the 18th century. This gentle giant has a strong work ethic, and is happy working on both land and in the water. On land they would haul loads over great distances, (alone or as part of a team) in water they were used to pull heavy nets for fishermen through the icy water. The Newfoundland is best known as a water rescue dog. A strong breast-stroke swimmer, will instinctively dive into the water to save a drowning human. Stories of this dog’s heroism are legendary. Today the Newfoundland continues to be used as a working dog on land and as a brave life saver in water.


Viewpoint of dogs owner, Paul Walker.

Paul wanted a large dog, and after much research decided on a Newfoundland, and from the Kennel Club website contacted a reputable breeder. Being responsible for a giant breed is a huge commitment, during a 3-hour conversation, the breeder explained the many challenges involved. A home inspection took place, and it was agreed child gates would be fitted to stairs, and non-slip mats added to protect long puppy legs from injury on shiny surfaces.  The appropriate collars and lead were ordered, and food purchased.  With all recommendations in place, the breeder was satisfied, the smallest of the litter Zeus aged 9 weeks weighing 13Kg (2 stones) joined the family in his new home, and soon afterwards attended puppy classes as early training and socialisation are vital for giant dog breeds.

A year later, Apollo born on Christmas day arrived as a companion for older brother Zeus. Very happy together the brothers play and swim daily, are well socialised and friendly with all other dogs. Other dog owners can be wary when these gentle giants approach, all Zeus and Apollo want is a friendly pat on the back and they are happy. Still smaller than his brothers and sisters, Zeus is 70Kg (11 stones) with a daily menu of 500g of fresh meat and 1Kg of high-protein food which contains added nutrients specially for giant breeds. Their long coats require daily brushing, and every month the dogs are taken to a professional groomer. Their coats are waterproof, and dry in just 20 minutes after swimming. Newfoundlands struggle with heat, in hot weather Zeus and Apollo cool down by wearing a made to measure “Cool” coat, which is wet and covers the dogs from neck to tail to keep them comfortable and cool.

Zeus can turn door handles, and opens kitchen cupboards and removes the contents, he has not yet mastered the large American-style fridge yet, but no doubt he will soon! One day whilst Zeus and Apollo were at home, owner Paul was 30 miles away when he received a photograph on his mobile phone from a neighbour, the dogs had escaped and were on a roof! The mischievous brothers had pushed down a safety gate, gone upstairs and climbed out through an open window onto a roof below.  After a quick dash home, both dogs were found safe and well following their roof-top adventure.

Newfoundlands do not like to be left at home for too long without their family, fortunately Zeus and Apollo are able to go to work with their owner.  This adorable pair have become a familiar sight behind Reception in Paul’s motor business, and are very popular with Staff and customers.

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