Dog breed diver: photo, description, characteristics

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Good-natured, loyal, calm dog of rather large dimensions - Newfoundland. The second name of this breed of dog is a diver. They are considered one of the largest in the world. But with their impressive dimensions, they do not show aggression. And at the same time, they can guard the house. The dog was called a diver for no joke. In some countries, these animals still serve in rescue teams ashore.

Through the Ages

When exactly the breed appeared on the Newfoundland Islands, it is not known for certain. The Indians lived on the west coast of the island two thousand years ago. And some sources claim that these tribes had similar dogs.

The ancestors of diving dogs were Molossians, distinguished by endurance, working qualities, strength and courage. The first records of Newfoundlands date back to 1639. In the seventeenth century, they began to "mix in" dogs coming from Europe. Already in the eighteenth century, Newfs were taken to the Old World. The British took up the cultural selection of this breed. It was finally approved after participating in the exhibition of 1860 in the city of Birmingham. The Ministry of Defense of the Soviet Union adopted the Newfoundlands under Stalin. Later they began to appear in cities. It was at that time that the popular name of the breed, the dog diver, spread and firmly entrenched in the vastness of the Union.

Newfoundlands have inspired poets, writers and artists with their appearance and character. The famous British artist Landseer painted a picture where you can see a white Newfoundland in black spots. And he called this canvas “A worthy member of human society.”

Despite all the positive qualities, the breed is going through hard times. Less and less Newfs are being turned on, mostly by breed enthusiasts.

Description

Like all Molossians, the Newfoundland is a fairly large dog. Growth at the withers in males reaches a maximum of 74 cm, in females - from 63 to 69 cm. With such growth in dogs of the breed, the diver corresponds to the dimensions and weight, which is 60-68 kg in males, 45-54 kg in females. The dog is proportionately built, has a powerful skeleton. The head is round, large, with a wide muzzle. Many compare newfs with bears. In addition to their impressive size, this similarity is given to them by small ears that fit snugly against their heads.

Wool is long, thick, coarse, with a developed undercoat that does not get wet in water. If brushed in the wrong direction, it should return to its original position. Short hair on head only.

Newfoundlands come in four colors. The visiting card, as it appears in the description of the dogs of divers, is the coal-black color of the coat. There are also dark brown representatives, black with a hint of mahogany and brown color. Small white markings on toes, tip of tail and chest are allowed. Often the undercoat is gray or brown. There are Newfoundlands in black and white at the same time, these are also called Landseers. At exhibitions, they are evaluated separately.

Character

Among the advantages of Newfoundlands is their outstanding character. They can be safely called loving, with a large margin of patience and calmness. Intelligence and obedience, as well as a willingness to protect the family, are always entered into the characteristics of a diver dog. In addition, the Newfoundland is ready to take on any task that the owner entrusts him with.

Newfoundlands are also called barkless. It is enough to look at the photo of dogs of the diver breed to make sure that one appearance is enough to dare strangers. They are also very loyal dogs, which can make long separations uncomfortable. Moreover, they can miss not only the person, but also the animals living in the family. With such a pet, you can safely start other dogs, they will easily get along. Newfoundlands are so calm that cats sleep curled up on them. But still, when new pets appear, you need to give the dog time to socialize.

They are smart and highly trainable. But their sensitive nature does not tolerate rough, "tarpaulin" treatment. You can't go to themapply training methods with a rough increase in voice and punishment. Despite their calmness and patience, they have self-respect. They can show independence if treated inappropriately.

In a family with children, they serve as real nannies. They will endure all attacks from the smallest children. With the elders, they will be the best partners in outdoor games and long walks. Also, these animals have proven themselves as escorts, observers for the safety of children.

They are very fond of water. You can find many photos of diving dogs demonstrating the skills of animals: dogs participate in swims along the river or sea, as well as in rescue operations on the coast.

Diseases

What a diver dog looks like, you can understand by looking at the photos attached to the article. It can be assumed that these animals are simply bursting with he alth and strength. But, like many large dogs, Newfoundlands are prone to developing hip dysplasia. Also, according to the description of the breed, the diver dog is prone to bloating due to volvulus. Heat strokes due to oversight of the owners are also not uncommon. You need to make sure that the dogs do not overheat in the summer. Eye diseases occur in representatives of the breed: cataracts, inversion of the eyelid.

Contents

Newfoundland needs space, like any large dog. There is even a humorous saying that there is never a lot of newf, there is not enough space. The ideal home for a diver would be a private house with a large backyard where he canlie down freely wherever you like. His coat is warm and naturally lubricated, making it resistant to moisture, allowing him to literally walk dry out of the water. Just enough to shake it up. And at the same time, in the summer, a thick fur coat becomes a heavy burden for the dog. Care must be taken to ensure that the dog does not stay under the hot sun for a long time.

It is contraindicated to keep the Newfoundland on a chain or in a cramped enclosure. Such a balanced intelligent dog does not deserve such a fate. The unobtrusiveness and delicacy of the Newfoundland makes his stay in the house almost imperceptible, he is not able to get underfoot, annoying with his annoying presence. And at the same time, he needs the company of family members. Newf is a good listener, he can pour out his soul and in the expression of large open eyes catch the participation and response to the change in timbre and intonation in his voice.

Newfoundland keeping is not cheap. One meal adds up to a big sum. There are also expenses for care, payment of veterinary clinic bills. The family must have the necessary funds so that covering expenses is not a heavy burden on the budget.

Maintenance in the apartment

In the past, this breed was widespread on the territory of the USSR, and in Moscow in particular, where the problem with living space was felt quite acutely. And the experience of our fathers and grandfathers showed that the Newfoundland can be kept in an apartment. Fans of the breed claim that Newfies often require less space than some popular small breeds. Themit is only necessary to provide a secluded corner where the dog will be where to stretch out to his full height. So he can lie without hurting anyone until they call him for a walk. And with age, he will go out for a walk without enthusiasm. True, you need to be prepared for very frequent cleaning in the apartment. The Newfoundland sheds all year round, and no matter how you comb it, the wool will be found everywhere.

Care

As already noted, the Newfoundlands have abundant molting throughout the year. They need careful and regular grooming so that the thick undercoat does not form tangles.

According to the recommendations of the breeders, four times a week is the minimum number of brushing procedures with a stiff brush. Newfies completely shed their undercoat in spring and autumn. Wool during this period seems to be inflated. An unprepared person can be overwhelmed by the volume of wool shed. It is also dirt and water repellent. It is often impossible to bathe a diver. It is recommended to use dry shampoo, and then in cases of strong need. Otherwise, the quality and he alth of wool deteriorates.

Newfoundlands are big sloths, they will happily run around if asked, but they themselves do not show initiative for games. Paired with a clockwork dog, the Newf, of course, runs around, but alone with himself, he would rather roll off to take a nap. He is a convenient companion for jogging or long walks in the park or forest, and preferably along the shore of the reservoir, where the pet can swim. Such walks are necessary, as these big lumps are prone to overeating andobesity.

Food

You can feed the Newfoundland with dry mixes, where the necessary balance of vitamins, proteins and minerals has already been selected. But this is not a standard. Newfoundlands are big meat lovers. It is not recommended to give them a lot of pork or chicken. If only because chicken meat producers use a large number of all kinds of drugs when feeding chickens, which can cause allergies in a dog. Ideally, the bowl should be filled with 60% beef and offal, the remaining 40% are cereals, mineral and vitamin supplements, vegetables.

Price of puppies

Newfoundland puppies are quite expensive, especially if they are potential show winners and suitable for breeding. There are no more than five kennels in Moscow and the region where puppies can be obtained by appointment at a reasonable price (starting from 14 thousand rubles). Champion puppies will not cost less than 50 thousand rubles.

Flaws

In addition to the ever-growing coat, the disadvantages of the breed include hanging drool. The owners of newfs practically do not part with a specially designated rag or towel for wiping the breeze. If this is not done, it is difficult to catch the moment when the dog shakes his head and saliva scatters around the room. This liquid dries up, and it is quite difficult to wash off traces of the presence of a large pet.