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Fair Winds and Full Hearts:
Recapping the 2026 NCA National Specialty
Warwick, Rhode Island delivered a week none of us will soon forget. From the moment the lines were cast on Monday to Sunday's fond farewells, the 2026 NCA National Specialty was a celebration of everything that makes this community extraordinary.
The week was packed from bow to stern. Draft Tests honored our breed's working heritage. Rally, Obedience, and Conformation rings buzzed with talent and teamwork. Beginner Puppies and Pee-Wee Handlers stole hearts, while the Living Legends Parade reminded us why we cherish every year of these magnificent dogs' lives. The inaugural Fashion Show, the electric Working Team Relay, and a stunning Yacht Club Lawn Party Top 20/10 made Thursday one for the books. Junior Showmanship on Saturday brought the perfect close — our youngest handlers stepping into the ring with skill, pride, and a whole lot of heart.
None of it happens without you. Competitors, volunteers, breeders, rescue advocates, vendors, and devoted pet owners — you are the fabric of this community, and you made this week shine.
Fair winds and following seas. Love your Newfs fiercely, and we'll see you on Mt Hood in Oregon next May for another exceptional NCA National Specialty.
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Black bears are strong. I know. During 15 years of research on wild black bears, I have seen them dismember big logs searching for large beetle larvae and I have seen them toss aside logs (big logs) and huge stumps because they were in the way. What does this have to do with Newfound lands as draft dogs? Lots. Were bears highly social and domesticated, they would be the perfect freight draft animals. They are built so that, for their size, they are far stronger than a dog ever can be. | | | |  |
Introducing Your Newf to Water | It’s always exciting when you have the opportunity to introduce a young Newfoundland to the water for the very first time. It’s a time of great anticipation, as well as an awesome responsibility, to lay the foundation for a working partnership that we hope will last a lifetime. You foresee fun-filled water-test weekends in the puppy’s future, made all the more likely by a positive first encounter with the water. | | | | |
Renew. Join. Belong. NCA Membership is Open
This is OUR NCA — and right now, membership is open for both renewals and new applications.
If you're already a member, thank you. Your renewal protects everything we've built together this year: our new 501(c)(3) public charity status, the AKC Eddy Award for Breeder Education, a full slate of Regional Specialties, record participation in our Beginner Draft Dog program, the brand-new Beginner Water Dog title, and a National Specialty that took our breath away.
If you're not yet a member, this is your invitation. Breeders, exhibitors, working-dog enthusiasts, pet owners, companion families, and rescue adopters — every kind of Newfoundland home belongs here. Your membership funds the education and programs that protect every Newf's future.
One club. Many ways to belong. We are NCA — because of you.
| | | Hey NCA Members - Celebrate your new AKC, NCA or CKC title and share the great news with our whole community! Celebration of Titles published in Newf Tide, e-Notes and on Facebook - get started at www.myNCA.org | | |
The Newfoundland Club of America is launching a Strategic Planning Survey—and we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a longtime member, a new enthusiast, a breeder, exhibitor, working dog handler, or simply someone who loves the Newfoundland breed, your perspective matters.
This is more than a survey—it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of our club and the breed we all cherish. Your input will guide priorities in areas like health, rescue, education, events, and member engagement for years to come.
What do you value most about the NCA?
Where should we grow?
How can we better support you and your Newfoundland journey?
Every voice adds depth. Every response helps build a stronger, more vibrant community.
Take a few minutes. Make a lasting impact.
Together, we can ensure the future honors our legacy while embracing new opportunities.
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The Newfoundland Dog Bashaw in Scuplture | |
Lord Dudley loved his Newfoundland dog. A great opening line for a ballad. And true, too. In 1831 Lord Dudley first contacted Matthew Coates Wyatt, certainly the most popular sculptor of his time, and asked him to create a statue of "Bashaw", most loyal and faithful Newfoundland dog. Wyatt had no objections: especially since the commission expressly asked for not just a mere likeness but for a work of art and "damn the costs, sir!!! Wyatt did. White, black and grey marble: rubies, topaz, sardonyx and on and on. The fee: a modest 5000 guineas (13,500 today). One problem. By this time Lord Dudley was dead - in 1833 - and, understandably, Bashaw himself was in no position to assess the value of his statue, concerned as he was with the problems and joys of an early retirement to a country estate. And Wyatt's bill is still outstanding: a lesson to future Newf artists to seek payment in advance.
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Bloat, technically known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is one of the most serious and life-threatening conditions affecting Newfoundlands, occurring when the stomach fills abnormally with air, fluid, or foam and can twist on itself without warning. Every Newfoundland owner should understand the signs, risk factors, and prevention strategies — because when bloat strikes, fast action can mean the difference between life and death. | | | | |
There are dog titles that take years of specialized training, and then there is the Canine Good Citizen — a title every well-loved Newfoundland is capable of earning, and one that pays back the effort many times over. Created by the American Kennel Club in 1989 and elevated to an official AKC title in January 2013, the CGC has become what the AKC itself calls “the gold standard of dog training,” with more than 1.2 million dogs certified to date. | | | | | Do you know that the Newfoundland Club of America has many Regional Clubs all around the country? These clubs hold events from fun walks and picnics to water and draft tests. They also socialize in many other ways and educate their members in all things Newfoundland. Check out the NCA Regional Club in your area of the country Become a member and join in on all of their fun! | |
Preservation Fund Launches
The Newfoundland Club of America, Inc. is now a public charity — and that opens a door we have never had before. To mark this milestone, we are launching the NCA Preservation Fund, a dedicated long-term reserve to protect our Club's financial future and sustain the programs you count on: Newf Tide, the National Specialty, judges' and breeder education, health clinics, and the member services that hold our community together.
Why give now?
- Every gift counts. Seed contributions in these first months will establish the Fund and signal member commitment to our shared future.
- Your gift is tax-deductible. Contributions qualify for a charitable deduction under Section 501(c)(3).
- 100% preservation. Gifts are held as long-term reserves — not spent on day-to-day operations.
- Honor a Newf, a breeder, or a mentor. Memorial and tribute gifts are warmly welcomed.
Make your gift today, or contact the Treasurer to discuss a gift of stock, a recurring pledge, or a memorial contribution. Thank you for helping us build a strong, sustainable home for the breed we all love.
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Summer Fun – Bad Hair Don’t Care!
We want to see your Newfies enjoying summer in all their windswept, water-soaked, fluffy glory! Submit your funniest, cutest, and most unforgettable “bad hair” photos featuring beach days, swimming, boating, muddy adventures, sprinkler fun, camping trips, or any summertime shenanigans.
Whether it’s dripping curls, sandy fur, wild post-swim fluff, or windblown ears, we know our Newfs wear summer fun well!
So grab those cameras and share the laughs — because when it comes to summer fun, bad hair definitely doesn’t care! 🐾🌊😎
Please send in one photo and follow the guidelines below:
- Photos accepted on a first come first serve basis
- One photo submission per member
- Maximum number of photos accepted is 10
- 300 dpi resolution
- JPG format only
- Member's name, dog's name and how far you’ve traveled to get to nationals
- Must be NCA member
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Members can email their photos to memberengagement@ncadogs.org no later June 21st
Brought to you by the Members of the Membership Engagement & Retention Committee (MERC)
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Adventure Awaits
Your 2027 National Specialty Is Coming Together
Mark your calendar in ink: May 15–22, 2027, at The Resort at Mt. Hood in Welches, Oregon. The 2027 NCA National Specialty is taking shape, and the theme says it all — Adventure Awaits.
We chose Mt. Hood because the mountain has room for everyone. Whether your Newfoundland is a seasoned special, a working partner on the draft course, a happy companion who loves a long walk, or a puppy taking it all in for the first time, there is a corner of this week designed with you in mind. Every Newfoundland can find an adventure on the mountain — and that is not a tagline, it is a promise.
| | | | Download the lastest version of the myNCA App for great new features to help you make the most of your National experience. | | Sign-up for Text Alerts to get up-to-the-minute info, updates and notices so you don't miss a thing. Message rates may apply. | | Subscribe to "National Insider" our monthly news delivered right to your inbox with all the highlights and exciting plans as they unfold. | | 2027 National Specialty Judging Panel | | |
Our judging panel brings deep experience and a love of the breed to every ring.
National Specialty:
Julie Siefert - Sweepstakes
Greg Szynskie - Beg Puppy & Pee-Wee Handlers
Richard Lewis - Obedience
Marina Pavlosky - Rally
Denise Castonguay - Conformation Classes
Sioux Forsyth-Green - Juniors & Best of Breed
Regional Specialty:
John Dewing - Conformation Classes & Best of Breed
Marina Pavlosky - Obedience
Richard Lewis - Rally
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As always, we want to hear from you. Email us at any time with your comments and suggestions. | |
Want to contact the NCA Board or add an item to a Board Meeting Agenda?
- Members' and Public concerns should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary by the first Thursday of each month
- Committees should send report and queries to the 2nd Vice President by the first Thursday of each month.
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The Newfoundland Club of America aspires to be a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community of enthusiasts recognized as the leading voice for the preservation, protection, promotion, and celebration of the Newfoundland Dog. | | | | | | |
