Did you know Newfoundlands have a double coat?
Newfoundland dogs were bred on the rugged island of Newfoundland, Canada, where they were bred for a variety of tasks, including water rescue and hauling fishing nets. Their strong build, webbed feet, and thick, water-resistant, coat made them well-suited for the tasks.
At the heart of the Newfoundland’s remarkable adaptability is their double coat, a marvel of nature that provides insulation, waterproofing, and protection in equal measure to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic climate.
What is a double coat?
Newfoundland dogs, like many other cold-weather breeds, have what is known as a double coat. This term refers to a specific type of coat structure characterized by two distinct layers of fur, the outer coat and the undercoat.
Outer Coat (Guard Hair)
The outer layer of the double coat consists of longer, coarser guard hairs that provide protection against the elements. These guard hairs are typically water-resistant and help repel moisture, dirt, and debris. They also act as a barrier against UV radiation and other environmental hazards.
Undercoat
Beneath the outer layer lies the undercoat, which is made up of shorter, denser hairs. The undercoat serves primarily as insulation, helping to regulate the dog’s body temperature by trapping air close to the skin. This layer is crucial for keeping the dog warm in cold climates and cool in hot weather.
Functions of a Newfoundland’s Double Coat
Insulation
Regulating Body Temperature
One of the primary functions of the double coat is to regulate the dog’s body temperature. The dense undercoat provides excellent insulation, trapping warm air close to the skin during colder weather. Conversely, in warmer climates, the double coat helps to insulate against excessive heat by providing a barrier between the dog’s body and the external environment.
Adaptation to Cold Climates
Newfoundland dogs, with their thick double coats, are well-equipped to thrive in cold climates. The insulation provided by their undercoat allows them to stay warm even in sub-zero temperatures, making them well-suited for activities such as water rescue in icy waters or pulling sleds through snow.
Waterproofing
Water-Repellent Properties
The outer layer of guard hairs in the double coat serves as a natural barrier against water. These hairs are coated with oils that help repel moisture, keeping the dog’s skin and underlying fur dry even when submerged in water. This waterproofing ability is particularly advantageous for Newfoundland dogs, which are renowned for their proficiency in water rescue operations.
Enhanced Buoyancy
The buoyancy provided by the double coat’s waterproofing properties is especially beneficial for Newfoundland dogs when swimming. Their thick fur helps them stay afloat more effortlessly, allowing them to navigate through water with greater ease and efficiency.
Protection
Shielding Against External Hazards
Beyond its insulating and waterproofing properties, the double coat also serves as a protective barrier against external hazards. The coarse guard hairs help shield the dog’s skin from scratches, abrasions, and other physical injuries that may occur during outdoor activities or when traversing rugged terrain.
UV Radiation Protection
Additionally, the outer coat provides some protection against harmful UV radiation from the sun. While not as effective as sunscreen, the dense fur can help shield the dog’s skin from prolonged exposure to sunlight, reducing the risk of sunburn and related skin conditions.
Do Newfoundlands Shed A Lot?
Newfoundlands are known for all their fur and that inevitably leads to the question, do they shed a lot? The answer lies in understanding the shedding patterns of this breed and how to manage them effectively.
Shedding Patterns
Seasonal Shedding in Newfoundlands
Like other double-coated breeds, Newfoundland dogs undergo seasonal shedding cycles known as blowing their coat.
Typically, they will shed their undercoat more heavily in the spring and fall as they prepare for the changing temperatures. During these times, you may notice an increase in shedding as the dog’s body sheds its thick winter fur to make way for a lighter summer coat, or vice versa.
Year-Round Maintenance
Even though Newfoundlands experience more significant shedding during seasonal transitions, they do shed year-round too. This shedding helps to remove dead or damaged hair and keep the coat healthy.
Managing Shedding
Regular Grooming
The key to managing shedding in your Newfoundland is regular grooming.
Brushing your dog’s coat several times a week helps to remove loose fur and prevent it from accumulating around your home. Using a grooming brush, such as a slicker brush or undercoat rake, can be particularly effective in reaching the dense undercoat and removing loose hair.
Bathing
Bathing your Newfoundland dog occasionally can also help reduce shedding by removing loose fur and debris from the coat.
Make sure to avoid over-bathing. Excessive washing can strip the coat of its natural oils and lead to dryness, which may increase shedding.
Always dry your Newfoundland completely after baths or anytime they get wet. Drying your dog thoroughly will prevent any skin irritations and will keep your dog from having that damp, wet dog smell that no one loves.
Healthy Diet
Providing your Newfoundland dog with a balanced and nutritious diet is another crucial aspect of managing shedding. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients can help promote healthy skin and coat, reducing the likelihood of excessive shedding and skin problems.
Can I Trim My Newfoundland’s Coat?
The breed standard states the coat should only be trimmed for neatness.
Areas that are typically trimmed are around the ears, paws, feathers, and certain areas for sanitary purposes. Timing these areas will help in the prevention of matts. If matts are allowed to proliferate, they’re not only incredibly uncomfortable to the dog, but they can lead to skin irritation or infections if left.
Summer Grooming for Newfoundlands
During hot summer months, some owners may opt for a “summer cut” to help keep their Newfoundland cool. A summer cut typically refers to shaving some or all of their coat off.
Giving your Newfoundland a summer cut is discouraged as this compromises the dog’s ability to regulate their body temperature and keep cool in the heat. When people say they shave their dogs and do what they want because it makes the dog happier, they are actually doing more harm than good.
The Newfoundland’s Double Coat is an amazing trait of the breed we all know and love. Without it, they aren’t able to regulate their body temperature and they wouldn’t be protected from the elements, hot and cold. But not only that, they just wouldn’t be Newfoundlands without their double coat.
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