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**NEWFOUNDLAND DOG THREAD**
Here is my Newfoundland, Luna! Recently I’ve had an urge to share with the world why they are so great.
There is a lot to cover with these majestic beasts so be sure to continue to the thread below!
Here is my Newfoundland, Luna! Recently I’ve had an urge to share with the world why they are so great.
There is a lot to cover with these majestic beasts so be sure to continue to the thread below!
WHAT IS A NEWFOUNDLAND?
These dogs are ‘gentle’ giants
Weighing 100-150+lbs with an average height of 27 inches!
Most Newfies are black, but also brown, gray (rare), Irish Spotted (black with white markings), and Landseer (black head, white body with black markings).
These dogs are ‘gentle’ giants
Weighing 100-150+lbs with an average height of 27 inches!
Most Newfies are black, but also brown, gray (rare), Irish Spotted (black with white markings), and Landseer (black head, white body with black markings).
The Newfoundland Dog is the original "ships dog”. Also nicknamed the “lifeguard dog” and for good reason.
Used for taking ropes ashore in North Atlantic seas, retrieving lost fishing gear, and rescuing humans.
It has also been used as a pack animal, sled dog, and carting dog
Used for taking ropes ashore in North Atlantic seas, retrieving lost fishing gear, and rescuing humans.
It has also been used as a pack animal, sled dog, and carting dog
“Its immense strength and thick double layered coat make it ideally suited for the work it does, yet its gentle nature and mild guarding instinct have endeared it to people throughout history.”
HISTORY OF THE NEWFOUNDLAND
The true history of the Newfoundland Dog is a mystery, with some different theories.
However, the breed we have today originated from dogs brought from the island of Newfoundland to England in the early 1800’s.
NEXT: Three most popular theories
The true history of the Newfoundland Dog is a mystery, with some different theories.
However, the breed we have today originated from dogs brought from the island of Newfoundland to England in the early 1800’s.
NEXT: Three most popular theories
- They developed from the black ‘bear’ dogs transported to Newfoundland and the Americas by Vikings around 1000 A.D. (a Viking settlement was discovered on the northern tip of Newfoundland with skeletons of large dogs)
- They evolved from the American Black Wolf or from other native dogs
- They developed from the inter-breeding of European Dogs brought to Newfoundland in the 15th and 16th century by explorer’s
The Newfoundland dog first appeared in text in 1775 when George Cartwright, entrepreneur, applied the name of the breeds native island to his own dog.
The Newfoundland dog first appeared in text in 1775 when George Cartwright, entrepreneur, applied the name of the breeds native island to his own dog.
ALMOST WENT EXTINCT
In the year 1780, to promote sheep raising, the governor of Newfoundland limited the legal ownership of Newfoundland dogs to one per household.
This was devastating to the breeding potential for this wonderful breed and they almost went extinct.
In the year 1780, to promote sheep raising, the governor of Newfoundland limited the legal ownership of Newfoundland dogs to one per household.
This was devastating to the breeding potential for this wonderful breed and they almost went extinct.
Many dogs were killed if not exported.
If it weren’t for a few newfoundlander’s breaking the law for their love of the breed, the Newfoundland would not have survived on the island.
Many lessons in there.
If it weren’t for a few newfoundlander’s breaking the law for their love of the breed, the Newfoundland would not have survived on the island.
Many lessons in there.
NEWFOUNDLANDS GAIN POPULARITY
As the Newfie population grew, it began to make appearances in literature and journals.
As the Newfie population grew, it began to make appearances in literature and journals.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847);
“I stopped a minute, looked round and listened, with an idea that a horse’s hoofs might ring on the causeway again, and that a rider in a cloak, and a Gystrash-like Newfoundland dog, might be again apparent”
“I stopped a minute, looked round and listened, with an idea that a horse’s hoofs might ring on the causeway again, and that a rider in a cloak, and a Gystrash-like Newfoundland dog, might be again apparent”
Journals of the Lewis Clark Expedition
“Summer 1803, Lewis oversees construction of big keelboat in Pittsburgh, then takes it down Ohio River, picking up Clark and some recruits along the way. With Lewis is a Newfoundland dog, Seaman, he has purchased for 20 dollars.”
“Summer 1803, Lewis oversees construction of big keelboat in Pittsburgh, then takes it down Ohio River, picking up Clark and some recruits along the way. With Lewis is a Newfoundland dog, Seaman, he has purchased for 20 dollars.”
My Newfoundland, Luna, is a Landseer Newfoundland, due to her coloring. Named after the English Artist, Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (1802-1873) .
Mr. Landseer painted many Newfoundland during his life, particularly the white and black variety.
Mr. Landseer painted many Newfoundland during his life, particularly the white and black variety.
Interestingly, in some countries, the Landseer is regarded as its own breed and there its shape has diverged, producing a longer legged dog.
WORKING DOGS
It is estimated in 1824, in the city of St. John’s, Newfoundland, there were as many as 2,000 Newfoundland dogs working for their owners. Being used to deliver milk and haul loads throughout the city.
It is estimated in 1824, in the city of St. John’s, Newfoundland, there were as many as 2,000 Newfoundland dogs working for their owners. Being used to deliver milk and haul loads throughout the city.
When my family brings groceries home, our Newfie always loves to help! She will carry almost any bag inside for us and is so gentle in doing so.
Being such large and great swimmers, is precisely why the Italian Coast Guard has a special K9 lifeguard unit.
From speeding boats and hovering helicopters, the Newfoundlands are able to jump into the water and use their tremendous strength to reliably pull a person to shore.
From speeding boats and hovering helicopters, the Newfoundlands are able to jump into the water and use their tremendous strength to reliably pull a person to shore.
To be able to do so, these amazing dogs must train for a minimum of three years.
At Italy's beaches, over 300 of these canines are on duty.
At Italy's beaches, over 300 of these canines are on duty.
Each year in Italy, they save 3,000 people with the help of their Newfoundlands “The dog becomes a sort of intelligent lifebuoy”
“It is a buoy that goes by itself to a person in need of help, and comes back to the shore also by himself, choosing the best landing point and swimming through the safest currents.”
This has been really fun creating this thread all about Newfie!
I feel there is still so much more to speak about!
I may keep adding to the thread in the future...
So...do you want one now?
I feel there is still so much more to speak about!
I may keep adding to the thread in the future...
So...do you want one now?
