What is draft work?

The Newfoundland Club of America Draft Tests are a series of exercises designed to develop and demonstrate the natural abilities of purebred Newfoundland dogs. While working in a land-work capacity involving hauling, the dog and handler must demonstrate teamwork skills. The Newfoundland has historically functioned as a draft dog in various capacities, and the performance of these exercises is intended to demonstrate skills resulting both from natural ability and training that are applicable to realistic work situations.

Dogs must be willing to work with their handlers and the exercises must be accomplished efficiently. The goal of each handler is to maintain control while encouraging his dogs' natural independence; together, they demonstrate teamwork. Since a dog can perform draft work only in cooperation with a person, each handler must demonstrate an understanding of draft work with the dog's ability, training, and equipment.

The Newfoundland Club of America Draft Test Regulations is a set of standards by which handlers and Newfoundlands are judged at a Newfoundland Club of America sponsored draft test. The Regulations are not a guide on how to train for draft work nor a definition of draft work.