"Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed."
Bearlike breed of working dog known for aiding fishermen and sailors by jumping
overboard to rescue people and by barking to warn of reefs; strong swimmers,
could retrieve people and boats in turbulent waters; also used to carry goods
between ships; coat is water-repellent and very long, dense, and lush; color
may be solid black, bronze, or come in patches of black and white (called
landseer); ears are long, broad, shaggy, and hang to below bottom jaw; tail is
long and full and curves naturally at end; eyes are small, deep-set, and dark
brown; adult stands 25-28 in. (64-71 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 110-150
lbs (50-68 kg); also called Greater St. John’s Dog; its gentle nature is an
important hallmark of the breed; ancestors were probably the Great Pyrenees
brought to the coast of Newfoundland hundreds of years ago by Basque fishermen.
overboard to rescue people and by barking to warn of reefs; strong swimmers,
could retrieve people and boats in turbulent waters; also used to carry goods
between ships; coat is water-repellent and very long, dense, and lush; color
may be solid black, bronze, or come in patches of black and white (called
landseer); ears are long, broad, shaggy, and hang to below bottom jaw; tail is
long and full and curves naturally at end; eyes are small, deep-set, and dark
brown; adult stands 25-28 in. (64-71 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 110-150
lbs (50-68 kg); also called Greater St. John’s Dog; its gentle nature is an
important hallmark of the breed; ancestors were probably the Great Pyrenees
brought to the coast of Newfoundland hundreds of years ago by Basque fishermen.
