A Fluffy Brown Newfoundland Puppy Sits Beside His Snowman Friend

A fluffy chocolate-brown Newfoundland puppy sits in fresh snow, gazing up with sweet, serious eyes, and a few sparkling flakes cling to his thick coat. Beside him stands a small, lopsided snowman with coal eyes, three dark buttons, and a bright orange carrot nose. The two of them look like old friends who are both waiting for the same bus.

Behind them, a house glows in the early evening, a porch light warming the siding and snow-dusted evergreens crowding the corner of the yard. We'll call him Cocoa. He is not quite as tall as the snowman yet, but at the rate Newfoundlands grow, that is only a matter of months.

Newfoundlands are known for being sweet, patient, and wonderful with families, and they have a famous love of water and cold. Their dense, oily double coat keeps them comfortable in chilly weather, though puppies still need breaks to come in and warm up. After playing outside, towel him off and check between the toes for packed snow, which can form tiny ice balls. That thick coat needs regular brushing, especially when it gets wet or snowy, to avoid tangles. Giant breeds also grow quickly, so ask your vet about the right food and exercise for his age, and avoid too much hard running while his joints are still developing.

Cocoa is happy to share the spotlight with his new friend. Every snowman deserves a fluffy companion, and every puppy deserves a first snowfall.