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.