Newfoundland dogs are a double coated breed that not only keeps them warm but also protects them in cold climates.
Beyond their sweet temperament, devotion and large size, one of the other amazing features of the Newfoundland is their beautiful and functioning double coat.
The Newfoundland’s coat is impressive not only in looks but because it also plays a big role in their working dog history.
The Characteristics of Newfoundland Dog Coats
Newfoundland dogs are a double coated breed.
Their coat is designed to keep them warm by providing insulation and offering them protection in cold climates.
This double coat is made up of two distinct layers:
- a coarser longer outer coat
- a soft, dense undercoat
The Coarse Outer Coat
The outer coat is longer than the undercoat and has coarse guards that offer even more protection.
An important part of the topcoat that is often missed is the fact that it has an oily layer that helps to protect the Newfie rain and snow and it can also repel water.
You can easily see the protection the outer coat offers when the dog is covered in snow.
If the snow is resting on top of the coat and not melting through to the skin, the coat is doing its job.
Additionally, removing the layer of snow on the dog’s back is easy because it just wipes away with a towel.
The Dense Undercoat
The undercoat of a Newfoundland dog is soft, thick, and insulating, helping to keep them warm in frigid waters and cold climates.
It acts as a natural thermal layer that traps heat, making it possible for these dogs to thrive in icy conditions.
This undercoat is incredibly efficient at keeping moisture away from the skin and keeping the dog warm.
Maintenance of Newfoundland Dog Coats
To keep a Newfoundland’s double coat in good condition, regular grooming and maintenance are a top priority.
Here are a few tips on how I care for my Newfoundland’s double coat:
Brushing
Newfoundland dogs require frequent brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
But a regular pin brush just brushes the surface of the coat so it’s important to also use a good dog comb to ensure that you’re getting down to the skin.
Bathing
A regular bathing session is important to keep both coats and the skin clean and healthy.
However, because of the Newfoundland’s waterproof coat, it’s not easy to get the dog totally wet so make sure you’re getting through to the undercoat.
Drying
Drying a double coat is another top priority.
It’s important to make sure that a Newfie is dried after being given a bath or going swimming.
Drying not only keeps the moisture from getting trapped in the undercoat and causing skin issues like hot spots but it also helps to keep the dog from having a wet dog smell.
A high-velocity dog dryer is the best way to dry the coat.
Trimming
According to the breed standards, the Newfoundland’s coat should be trimmed for neatness.
This usually includes trimming the hair on their paws, ears and sanitary areas.
The History Of Newfoundland Dog Coats
The history of the Newfoundland dog is pretty cool when you dig deep.
They were vital working dogs in Canada and their coat played an important role in their jobs.
The breed is best known for pulling carts for local fishermen and for their heroic water rescue efforts.
A Newfoundland’s coat helped to keep them warm and protect them in frigid temperatures
Their waterproof coat aided them in swimming and didn’t weigh them down so they were able to still be efficient and strong in the icy waters.
The Downside To Double Coated Breeds
A Newfie’s double coat is beautiful and requires regular grooming whether they go to a professional dog groomer or are groomed at home.
This double coat mats easily, especially in high friction areas and if not combed regularly, the undercoat can get compacted to the skin.
Another downside is getting their waterproof coat fully wet when bathing and then getting it mostly dried.
It can take up to 2-3 hours to completely dry a Newfie’s coat!
Their coat is also a magnet for leaves, sticks, straw mud and other debris.
Newfoundlands can also get an odor from their coat when not groomed or bathed regularly.
This can be a sour smell or a mildew smell which often comes from their drooling.
Newfies also shed, a lot.
They shed heavily twice a year when they blow their coat but otherwise they shed on every day that ends in Y.
And finally, since Newfies love to be in or near water, they are prone to skin infections which can be expensive to treat.