The Newfoundland is a large breed of dog that originates, as its name suggests, from Newfoundland.  These dogs love the water and were at one time used on boats and to bring in fishnets.

    Newfoundlands are gentle, giant sized dogs.  Males weigh between 130-150 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, but still weigh 100-120 pounds.  They also have webbed feet to help them when swimming.  Their coat is water-resistant and normally is either solid brown or solid black.  Another color is referred to as the Landseer, which is a black and white variation; in some countries the Landseer is considered to be a different breed.  White and gray Newfoundlands also exist, however they are quite rare.

    The exact origin of the Newfoundland is disputed, some believe they were developed from dogs brought by the Vikings around 1000 A.D.  Others believe they were developed by a mixture of dogs brought in the 15th and 16th century by European explorers.  Whatever the case these dogs were a staple for fishermen on and off land.  These dogs were responsible for pulling nets in from land, save drowning men, and were even used to bring a line into land from a boat if the sea was too choppy to land safely.  Oddly enough the dog we know today finished its development in Europe.  In 1780 Newfoundland passed a law making it so only one dog could be owned per household, this almost led to the breeds extinction.

    Despite their size the Newfoundland makes a poor watchdog.  The official AKC description calls this breed sweet.  They are gentle giants, and protective of children.  The dog Nana in Peter Pan was not a St. Bernard, as she is often portrayed, but a Newfoundland.

    As with most large breeds the Newfoundland is prone to Hip dysplasia, and other genetic disorders include Elbow dysplasia, sub-aortic stenosis, and cystinuria.