History of the Newfoundland....

There are a couple of different theories on the origination of the Newfoundland. One is that they are the result of crossbreeding between the Great Pyrenees, Mastiffs and Portugese Water dog, by the 15th century European explorers. Another theory is that

they were the result of dogs left behind by Viking explorers and crossbred with native wolves. Everyone agrees that the breed originated in Newfoundland. They were well suited for the enviroment in its native land, they were a large breed with a heavy coat to protect him against the harsh cold and icy waters. Their feet were webbed for the marshy land and shores.

It wasn't until 1775 that the breed formally had a name when George Cartwright applied the name of it's native land to his own dog. To promote sheep raising, the Governor limited the ownership of one dog per household, which almost drove the breed into extinction, the breed survived solely because a few chose to ignore this decree because of their love for the breed.

There are many true stories of Newfoundlands that have saved lives in shipwrecks by carrying lifelines to victims or physically dragging them to shore, there are also many accounts of children being pulled from drowning in swimming pools. If the victim is unconcious they will pull the victim through the water by grasping them in the armpit so that their head is held out of the water, and if the victim is concious they will allow them to hang onto their long, thick coat.

The Newfoundland is a large and strong breed that is very intelligent and loyal, and strives to please it's master, but also has the intelligence to act on it's own when rescue work is called for.

A lot of the Newfoundlands origins are theories but however they became the breed they are, it's the way we love them and we wouldn't change anything about them.

For more info on the Newfoundland please feel free to visit the AKC "link"