The Newfoundland is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. It was originally used for rescue work and hauling supplies, which is why it developed both a strong body and a very gentle, affectionate temperament. Although its size can look frightening, the Newfoundland is actually almost non-aggressive and is exceptionally gentle toward both people and other animals. In places like Britain, it is often seen as a reliable guard or family dog.
Is the Newfoundland Aggressive?
The Newfoundland's aggression level is very low. Its typical traits are sweetness, gentleness, and kindness. It generally gets along well with adults, children, other dogs, and small animals. The breed originally comes from Newfoundland on the eastern coast of Canada and is believed to carry the blood of Great Pyrenees-type dogs, sled dogs, and possibly some Labrador lineage. Although it is very large, its temperament is usually mild.
Why Is the Newfoundland Restricted?
In many cities, Newfoundlands are restricted mainly because of their huge body size. Even if the dog is very gentle, it may still be forbidden simply because it belongs to the category of giant breeds. A Newfoundland can weigh sixty to seventy kilograms and is one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world. If it were ever to charge or attack, the impact would be enormous. That means the owner needs both physical strength and considerable training experience in order to handle it safely. Once a Newfoundland becomes overexcited, it is often very difficult for the owner to control, and even without aggression its giant size can easily frighten other people and create dangerous situations.
The Newfoundland originally developed in a cold region and has the typical features of a winter-adapted animal: a large body and a thick coat. It does not fear cold, but it does fear heat. That makes it poorly suited to the climate of most parts of China, and even less suitable to densely populated city households. Combined with its restricted status, this means people should not place unrealistic expectations on keeping a Newfoundland in ordinary urban conditions.