The reason I am writing this blog is because someone told me that, and I quote “The original purpose was not to be a life guard, but to be a multi-purpose working dog, that hauled nets, carts, and retrieved things. If it rescued someone, it did so as a fringe job.” Which is true, I know, but NOW the Newfoundland dog is used as a LIFE SAVING dog and a draught dog, not a retriever. That is why it is classed as a working dog and NOT a retriever or gun dog.
Now, because I have disagreed, and had my own opinion about this subject i am being accused of being “breedist”! I freely admit that I, along with thousands of others, prefer Newfoundland dogs over other breeds. I have five newfies at present and a little jack Russell; I have also owned a German Sheppard, many Yorkshire terriers, great Danes, Poodles and even a Labrador retriever. And I loved them all dearly, but none of my other dogs matched up to my newfound lands. This does NOT mean I am breedist it simply means I am a lover of the Newfoundland breed. I love what they do, how they look, there temperament, their character, there prowess, their magnificence and their whole laid back attitude towards life. I am in awe of them.
Here is some information about the history and personality of my favorite breed.
There are many conflicting stories as to the origin of the Newfoundland, all with their own facts and romanticized stories.I believe they all hold information that is relevant to the growth and change of the breed as we know it today.
Here are three versions.
It is agreed only that the Newfoundland dog is one of the older breeds of dogs in existence today. He may not have originated in Newfoundland, though skeletons of giant dogs have been discovered in Indian gravesites in Newfoundland dating from the 5th century, AD One of the more appealing speculations rests on the legend that when Leif Erikson discovered North America about 1000 AD, he had aboard his boat a large black dog resembling a Newfoundland, called “Oolum.” It is recorded that early in the 19th century some Norwegians kept and used Newfoundland-like dogs for bear and wolf hunting. The first record of the Newfoundland dog on the island whose name he bears dates from 1732 when an unknown author wrote, “The Bear Dog of a very large size is very watchful, his business is to guard a court or house, and has a thundering voice.” It is possible, too, that some Great Pyrenees were bred to this Newfoundland dog by the Basque fishermen sailing between Newfoundland and their homeland. The breed as we know it today was developed largely in 19th century England and America. The Newfoundland is an ancestor of the present day Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, which follow the Newfoundland in their natural swimming ability. The rough-coated St. Bernard owes its coat to the Newfoundland.
The breed originated in Newfoundland from a breed indigenous to the island, that later became known as the St. John’s Dog. It is likely that their size results from the introduction of large mastiffs brought to the island by many generations of Portuguese fishermen, who had been fishing the Grand Banks of Newfoundland since the 1400s. By the time colonization was permitted in 1610, the distinct physical characteristics and mental attributes had been established in the breed. In the early 1880s fishermen from Ireland and England traveled to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, where they described two main types of working dog: one more heavily built, large with a longish coat, whereas the other was lighter in build, an active, smooth-coated water dog. The heavier one was the Newfoundland and the other was the known as the Lesser St. John’s Dog, the forerunner of the Labrador Retriever. The dogs were used in similar ways to pull fishnets and heavy equipment. Many tales have been told of the courage displayed by Newfoundland’s in lifesaving exploits and this has attracted the attention of a large number of artists, who have portrayed the dogs in paint, stone, bronze and porcelain over the last two centuries. The breed prospered in the United Kingdom, until 1914 and again in 1939, when its numbers were almost fatally depleted by wartime restrictions. Since the 1950’s there has been a steady increase in numbers and popularity, while still remaining a relatively uncommon breed, this is not least because a Newfoundland’s great size, appetite and fondness for playing around in mud and water make it very unsuitable for most homes.
The breed originated in Newfoundland from a breed indigenous to the island, that later became known as the St. John’s Dog. The Vikings and Basque fishermen that visited Newfoundland as early as 1000 AD wrote accounts of the natives working side by side with these wonderful dogs. The breed as we know it today was developed in England, while the island of Newfoundland nearly legislated the native breed to extinction in 1780. Then, shortly after World War I, a magnificent dog named Siki became not only the most famous show Newf in history, but the most famous stud dog of the breed. Most Newfoundland’s in the conformation ring today can trace their pedigrees to Siki.
Here is some general info about newfies, all taken from various different internet sources.
The Newfoundland is a large, usually black, breed of dog originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland. They are famously known for their giant size and tremendous strength, and for their sweet dispositions, loyalty, and natural water rescue tendencies. The Newfoundland dog excels at water rescue, due to their great muscles and partly to their webbed feet and acute swimming abilities. They are extremely loving and patient. Newfoundland puppies are laid-back and considered easy to housebreak (most of the time!). When it comes to physical strength, this breed is thought to be the strongest–even beating some characteristics of the Great Dane, Mastiff, or Irish wolfhound.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) standard colors of the Newfoundland dogs are black, brown, gray, and landseer (black head and white and black body); The Kennel Club (KC) permits only black, brown, and landseer; the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) permanents are only black and landseer. The Landseer is named after the artist Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, who featured them in many of his paintings. AKC, CKC, and KC all treat Landseer as part of the breed. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) consider the Landseer to be a separate breed; others consider it only a Newfoundland color variation.
Newfoundland’s (‘Newfs’ or ‘Newfies’) have webbed feet and a water-resistant coat Males weigh 60–70 kg (130-150 lb), and females 45–55 kg (120-140 lb), placing them in the “Giant” weight range. Some Newfoundland dogs have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb). The largest Newfoundland on record weighed 120 kg (260lbs) and measured over 6 feet from nose to tail, ranking it among the biggest Mastiffs and St. Bernards. They may grow up to 22-28 inches tall at the shoulder.
The Newfoundland’s extremely large bones give him mass, while his mammoth musculature gives him the power he needs to take on rough ocean waves and powerful tides. He has an enormous lung capacity for swimming extremely long distances, and a thick, oily and waterproof double coat which protects him from the chill of icy waters. His droopy lips and jowls makes the dog drool, but the purpose of his design gives passageways that allow him to breathe even when his mouth is full and swamped by waves.
In the water, having massive webbed paws gives the Newfoundland another advantage, giving him maximum propulsion with every stroke. The stroke is not an ordinary doggy paddle. Unlike other dogs, the Newfoundland moves his limbs in a down-and-out motion, which can be seen as a modified breaststroke. This gives him more power with every stroke.
The Newfoundland dog is legendarily known for its benevolence and strength. It is known to be one of the kindest and gentlest dogs, if not the very best and gentlest dog of all when it comes to children. 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. They have deep barks, are easy to train, are fine guardians and watchdogs, and are extremely good with children.
The Newfoundland dog is also extremely good with other animals. Its caring and gentle nature comes out in play and interaction with both humans and animals alike. As with any breed, Newfoundland dogs can have dominance issues, but this is unusual for the breed. “Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed.” – Newfoundland Club Of America.
“Its soft expression reflects its benevolent and dignified temperament.” – Animal Planet about the great Newfoundland Dog.
There are many legends and actual accounts of Newfoundland’s saving drowning victims by carrying lifelines to sinking ships. The dogs were kept in the “dog walk” on early sailing ships. If the sea was too choppy when land was sighted, the dog carried a line to land. A Newfoundland named Seaman was selected to accompany the Lewis and Clark expedition, and Nana, the children’s “nurse” in the original of “Peter Pan” was also Newfoundland.
Tags: life savers, Newfoundland dogs, Retrievers, water work
