ARTICLE, PHOTOS, AND ILLUSTRATIONS PROVIDED BY THE NEWFOUNDLAND CLUB OF AMERICA NEWFOUNDLAND JUDGING THE IT IS ALL ABOUT THE BALANCE
T he Newfoundland is a swimmer, a hauler, and a gentle companion. The Breed Standard is built around these traits. Type comprises those physical characteristics that distinguish the Newfoundland from other breeds. The original Newfoundland Standard is over 100 years old, and while modifications have been made in the interest of clarity, its essentials remain unchanged. The intention is to keep the New- foundland as it has been over the years—large, strong, and active; at home in water and on land; a multi-purpose dog with natural life- saving instincts, capable of heavy work as well as a devoted compan- ion for both child and adult. The following excerpts from the work, This is the Newfoundland , were written by the late Mr. & Mrs. Major B. Godsol. “Remember that type, balance, and general appearance are of the utmost importance. As a breeder, shun those faults that are hard to breed out. As a judge, remember that any dog can gait soundly, but no matter how well he moves, unless he looks like a Newfoundland, he is not typical of the breed. Type is the embodiment of a Standard’s essentials.” We put much emphasis on conditioning and handling in the show ring in America today. To be sure, fine conditioning and good han- dling of dogs are things we all like to see at shows. When it comes to judging an individual dog, only the degree to which it measures up to the Breed Standard counts. In other words, “All the grooming and skillful handling cannot change a mediocre dog into a top one, nor are beauty treatments transmitted.” TEMPERAMENT IS THE HALLMARK OF THE BREED TEMPERAMENT IS OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE The Newfoundland is a sweet-dispositioned dog that acts neither dull nor ill tempered. They are devoted companions. A multi-purpose
dog, at home on land and in water, the Newfoundland is capable of draft work and possesses natural lifesaving abilities. A sense of dignity, strength, and power are softened by a benevolent demeanor. Any indication of ill temper is especially to be guarded against. LARGE, WELL BALANCED, MUSCULAR SIZE, PROPORTION & SUBSTANCE The Newfoundland is a large, heavily coated, well-balanced dog that is deep-bodied, heavily boned, muscular, and strong. A good specimen of the breed has dignity and a proud head carriage. Average height for adult dogs is 28 inches; for adult bitches, 26 inches. Approximate weight of adult dogs ranges from 130 to 150 pounds; adult bitches from 100 to 120 pounds. These are not minimums or maximums. Large size is desirable, but never at the expense of balance, structure, and correct gait. The New- foundland is slightly longer than tall when measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, and from withers to ground; a dog of considerable substance, which is determined by spring of rib, strong muscle, and heavy bone. It is helpful in judging to have an idea of the proportions of an animal. In the Newfoundland, the following proportions are approximate: 1) They are slightly longer than tall. 2) The skeletal structure, measured from the withers to the lowest part of the chest (brisket), should be at least 50% of the dog’s total height. However, skin, muscle, and coat make this distance appear pro- portionally greater so that, in profile, it appears to be approxi- mately 55%. 3) The distance from withers to elbow is approxi- mately 50% of the total height, and from elbow to ground, about 50%. Variations in these proportions become apparent when the dog moves and appears to be “running downhill.”
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2021 | 275
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