It seems almost certain that the Newfoundland did not originally inhabit Newfoundland. However the island was peopled by a race of peaceful Indians and their wolf type dogs during the 15th century. These dogs were used for hunting, fetching and carrying. When the white settlers started to occupy the island they hunted down the Indians and their dogs, only the most useful and obedient dogs were permitted to live. The surviving dogs more than likely bred with other dogs that were introduced to the island by traders from around the world. This meant that different varieties of dogs were mated; these dogs included hunters, water dogs and mastiffs. The resulting offspring were left to fend for themselves, the outcome being that only the largest and strongest survived. Over the years a dog resembling the Newfoundland of today started to emerge. By the early 18th century word of these extraordinary dogs that could haul heavy loads and help fishermen had reached Europe. To begin with poor people who couldn’t afford horses to transport goods from the ports to their homes purchased these dogs. Shortly after their introduction to Europe large breeding kennels appeared and some good quality dogs were produced. The Newfoundland Club was formed in 1886 and is one of the oldest in Britain. Not long after the Club was formed a breed standard was created and has remained largely unchanged since.

The Newfoundland is an intelligent dog that requires consistent training in a relaxed manner.

The Newfoundland should have a broad head with a short and rather square muzzle that is covered with short hair. They have a soft mouth, which is well covered by the lips, and the jaws have a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be wide and deep set, small in size and dark brown in colour. The ears should be small, set well back, lie close to the head and be covered with short hair. The neck should be strong and well set onto the shoulders. The chest should be deep and broad. The back should be broad with a level top line. The front legs should be perfectly straight and well muscled; the back legs should be muscular and strong. The feet should be large and webbed. The tail should be of moderate length and well covered with hair. At rest the tail should hand down and be slightly curved at the end, when on the move it should be carried slightly up. It should never be carried over the back or have a kink. Their movement should be free with a slight rolling gait. The double coat should be dense, flat, coarse to the touch, oily and water resistant. The front legs should have more feathering than the back. The colours desired are black, brown and landseer (white with certain black markings).