The Newfoundland is known for its calm and docile nature and its strength.

They are
very loyal, have a mild nature, and make great working dogs. 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.[8][11][12] The breed
typically has a deep bark and is easy to train if started young. They are
wonderfully good with children, but small children can get accidentally leaned on
and knocked down. Newfoundlands are ideal companions in the world of therapy and
are often referred to as "nanny dogs". The breed was memorialised in "Nana", the
beloved guardian dog in J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan.[A] The Newfoundland, in general,
is good with other animals, but its size can cause problems if it is not properly
trained.

A Newfoundland's good, sweet nature is so important, it is listed in the breed

standards of many countries; dogs exhibiting poor temperament or aggression are
disqualified from showing and should never be used to breed. The breed standard in
the United States reads that "Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the
Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed."[13]

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 (SAS). This
is a common heart defect in Newfoundlands involving defective heart valves. SAS can
cause sudden death at an early age. It is similar to having a heart attack. The
breed may live to be 8 to 10 years of age; 10 years is a commonly cited life
expectancy.[14] However, Newfoundlands can live up to 15 years old.[15]