Newfoundland Dog

The Newfoundland is a large dog that can be black, brown, gray, or black and white (Landseer). They were originally bred and used as a working dog for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. They are famously known for their giant size and tremendous strength, sweet dispositions, and loyalty. Newfoundland dogs excel at water rescue, due to their great muscles and their webbed feet and acute swimming abilities. Newfoundland dogs require daily (possibly every 2 days) brushing with a hard brush. Newfoundland puppies are laid-back and considered easy to housebreak.The breed is thought to be the strongest of any dog breed—even beating some characteristics of the Great Dane, Mastiff, or Irish Wolfhound.

Appearance

Newfoundlands ('Newfs' or 'Newfies') have webbed feet and a water-resistant coat. Males weigh 60–70 kg (130-150 lb), and females 45–55 kg (100-120 lb), placing them in the "Giant" weight range. Some Newfoundland dogs have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb). The largest Newfoundland on record weighed 120 kg (260 lbs) and measured over 6 feet from nose to tail, ranking it among the biggest Molossers. They may grow up to 22-28 inches tall at the shoulder.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) standard colors of the Newfoundland dogs are black, brown, gray, and landseer (black or brown head and white and black body); The Kennel Club (KC) permits only black, brown, and landseer; the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) permanents are only black and landseer. The Landseer is named after the artist Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, who featured them in many of his paintings. AKC, CKC, and KC all treat Landseer as part of the breed. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) consider the Landseer to be a separate breed; others consider it only a Newfoundland color variation.

The Newfoundland's extremely large bones give him mass, while his mammoth musculature gives him the power he needs to take on rough ocean waves and powerful tides. He has an enormous lung capacity for swimming extremely long distances, and a thick, oily and waterproof double coat which protects him from the chill of icy waters. His droopy lips and jowls make the dog drool, but the purpose of his design gives passageways that allow him to breathe even when his mouth is full and swamped by waves.

In the water, his massive webbed paws gives the Newfoundland another advantage, giving him maximum propulsion with every stroke. The stroke is not an ordinary dog paddle. Unlike other dogs, the Newfoundland moves his limbs in a down-and-out motion, which can be seen as a modified breaststroke. This gives him more power with every stroke.

Temperament

The Newfoundland dog is legendarily known for its benevolence and its strength. It is known to be one of the kindest and gentlest dogs ever. It is for this reason that this breed is known as "the gentle giant". International kennel clubs generally describe the breed as having a sweet temper. It has a deep loud bark, is easy to train, makes a fine guardian or watchdog, and is extremely good with children.

The Newfoundland dog is also extremely good with other animals. Its caring and gentle nature comes out in play and interaction with humans and animals alike. As with any breed, the Newfoundland can have dominance issues, but this is unusual for the breed. "Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed." - Newfoundland Club Of America.

"Its soft expression reflects its benevolent and dignified temperament." - Animal Planet about the great Newfoundland Dog.

Health

There are several health problems associated with Newfoundlands. Newfoundlands are prone to hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint). They also get Elbow dysplasia, and cystinuria (a hereditary defect that forms calculi stones in the bladder). Another genetic problem is subvalvular aortic stenosis. This is a common heart defect in Newfoundlands involving defective heart valves. SAS can cause sudden death at an early age.

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Alsatian Shepalute

The Alsatian Shepalute is a large breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) originating in the United States of America prized for its calm, quiet demeanor and intelligent, loving devotion to its human family. Although this breed started from purebred Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd Dog, English Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees lines, through selective breeding, these dogs have evolved into large companion dogs, making them the only large breed of dog originally bred for this purpose. Although the Alsatian Shepalute can be trained to work and some have been successful as wilderness search and rescue dogs, this breed does not possess a strong desire for the physical demands of most dog endeavors. The Alsatian Shepalute is most suited for the gentle work of therapy dogs or Reading Assistance Education dogs (READ dogs).

Alsatian Shepalute Appearance

The Alsatian Shepalute is bred to resemble, in size and bone structure, the extinct Dire Wolf of the Middle to Late Pleistocene. As such, the head is very broad and large with a slight slope down to the muzzle. The Alsatian Shepalute has a wide dark muzzle housing strong white teeth. The nose is deep black, with any color variations faulted. The eyes are almond-shaped and light brown to yellow in color. The ears are erect and short in comparison to the body. They are set wide apart, tipped with black and will fold back in shame and turn in any direction aware of the sounds around them. The Alsatian Shepalute neck is well-muscled, short in length and thick in circumference. The shoulders are slightly sloping and set wide apart to accommodate the depth and width of the chest. The large feet are heavy, with slightly splayed toes to support the dog's weight. The Alsatian Shepalute legs are massive and round. Any indication of unsoundness in the legs is considered a serious fault. The tail lies flat and does not curve over the back of the body. It is tipped with black and reaches to the hock. Alsatian Shepalutes have a thicker, denser undercoat, which completely sheds out in the spring and summer. They also possess a longer, coarser outer coat with a light color and black tips. All skin pigmentation should remain dark.

Alsatian Shepalute Size

The Alsatian Shepalute is solidly built and should have a large defining stature. Adult males weigh 79 to 120 pounds (36 to 54 kg) and stand on average 25 to 28 inches (63 to 71 cm) tall. Females are smaller, weighing 75 to 100 pounds (34 to 45 kg) pounds and standing 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) tall. The overall length of the Alsatian Shepalute is longer than tall.

Coat Colors

Colors range from gold to silver sable, timber wolf gray being the most desirable. Cream and black sable coloring has also been seen in a few dogs, but remains very rare overall.

Alsatian Shepalute Health

The Alsatian Shepalute lives an average of 12–14 years. Eye and ear problems have never been experienced in any Alsatian Shepalute and panosteitis, a genetic disease causing limping in young dogs, has not been seen in any dog since 1994. No known hip or elbow dysplasia has been seen in any Alsatian Shepalute since 1996. Two dogs from the Vegas/Urich lines in 2003 experienced severe arthritis. In 2009, one 4 month old puppy was shown to have seizures for one week immediately following the rabies shot.

Alsatian Shepalute Temperament

The Alsatian Shepalute is a calm dog with a low working drive. It does not initiate play unless encouraged. True to the personality of smaller dogs bred for companionship, the Alsatian Shepalute enjoys snuggling and being close to its owners. The Alsatian Shepalute is friendly with a tendency to be more aloof with unknown children and pets. However, the Alsatian Shepalute is not aggressive or fearful. While outdoors, these loving dogs will not wander or roam the neighborhood, choosing instead to stay close to their pack and their home. True companions, these dogs are sensitive to the smallest sound and respond well to light correction. Thunderstorms and loud noises do not bother them.

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