# Newfoundland Dog (*Canis lupus familiaris*) The Newfoundland Dog is a big, fluffy friend known for its gentle nature. They love to play and are great swimmers! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Also known as:** Newfie, Newfoundland ![Newfoundland Dog](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424434/objects/4428.jpg) ## Appearance The Newfoundland Dog is a giant-sized breed with a thick, double coat that is typically black, brown, grey, or landseer (black and white). It has a massive head, deep muzzle, and webbed feet. Its dense, oily fur helps it repel water, making it look robust and powerful. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - A Newfoundland named 'Seaman' traveled with explorers Lewis and Clark across America! - Newfoundlands are so good at swimming, they can even dive to retrieve objects! - Sir J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, based the character Nana on his own Newfoundland dog. - They are nicknamed 'Nuffies' by many fans who adore their big, friendly personalities. ## Special abilities - **Water Rescue Power:** Newfoundland Dog can safely rescue people from water because it has webbed feet and a water-resistant, oily double coat that helps it swim tirelessly. - **Gentle Giant Strength:** Newfoundland Dog has immense strength and a calm temperament that helps it pull heavy carts or even carry children gently and safely. - **Cold Water Endurance:** Newfoundland Dog can withstand very cold water temperatures due to its thick, insulated coat and muscular build, helping it work in harsh conditions. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 65-75 cm - **Weight:** 45-70 kg - **Lifespan:** 8-10 years - **Speed:** 25 km/h - **Litter Size:** 6-10 - **Gestation:** 60-64 days ## Diet & Feeding These large, active dogs eat a balanced diet of dog food, often supplemented with healthy treats. - **Age differences:** Puppies require special food for growth, while seniors may need different formulas for joint health. - **Primary Foods:** kibble, cooked meat, vegetables, healthy dog treats ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** [human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — They are cherished companions and working dogs. - **Eats:** [cattle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cattle) (*Bos taurus*) — Cattle meat is a common ingredient in their commercial dog food. - **Parasitizes:** cat flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Fleas can infest their thick coat, causing itching and discomfort. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always ask the owner if you can pet a dog, and remember to be gentle. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Newfoundland Dog? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Newfoundland Dog? 65-75 cm ### How much does Newfoundland Dog weigh? 45-70 kg ### How long does Newfoundland Dog live? 8-10 years ### How fast can Newfoundland Dog move? 25 km/h ### What does Newfoundland Dog eat? These large, active dogs eat a balanced diet of dog food, often supplemented with healthy treats. ### How many babies does Newfoundland Dog usually have? 6-10 ### How long is Newfoundland Dog's gestation? 60-64 days ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Newfoundland Dog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/newfoundland-dog)