History of the Newfoundland:
The Newfoundland is well known for its ability to work. Their large build and strength, coupled with a thick duel layered coat and webbed toes, makes them ideally suited to pull heavy loads; both in and out of the water.
In the past they have been used to pull the boats into shore, rescue humans in the water in adverse weather similar to the St Bernard and as a sled or carting dog.
However, it is their gentle and caring nature that has most endeared them to others throughout their history. This can be seen in J.M Barrie's Peter Pan story as "Nana" and also in Byron's Epitaph to a Dog, memorialising Boatswain the Newfoundland.
They have often been used as a companion for children due to their mild guarding instincts. Ours adore children and are ever so sweet to smaller visitors.
In the past they have been used to pull the boats into shore, rescue humans in the water in adverse weather similar to the St Bernard and as a sled or carting dog.
However, it is their gentle and caring nature that has most endeared them to others throughout their history. This can be seen in J.M Barrie's Peter Pan story as "Nana" and also in Byron's Epitaph to a Dog, memorialising Boatswain the Newfoundland.
They have often been used as a companion for children due to their mild guarding instincts. Ours adore children and are ever so sweet to smaller visitors.
The Artist, Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-1873), produced many paintings of Newfoundland's during his lifetime, particularly the black and white variety as pictured below.
Since then, the black and white Newfoundland has been named the 'Landseer' in his honour.
In some countries around the world, the Landseer is regarded as a distinct breed and therefore its shape has diverged from the U.K. Breed Standard to produce a longer legged dog which is what tends to be produced when you breed Landseer to Landseer.
So many breeders aim to breed a Landseer to a black dog that carries the Landseer colouring as recessive.