| There are various theories on the origin of
the Newfoundland, but the one that seems
most likely is that it is a descendant of the
Tibetan Mastiff. In adapting to the rugged
conditions in Newfoundland, eastern
Canada, it developed webbed feet and
an oily coat that allows it to remain
in the water for long periods of time.
The breed aided fishermen and gained
great fame as a life saver. With the
strong instinct to rescue anything,
or anyone, in the water and retrieve
it to safety, it became as valued by
crews in Newfoundland waters as
the Saint Bernard is by climbers
in the Swiss Alps.
A particolored variety of
the Newfoundland, known
as the Landseer, found fame
in the paintings of Sir Edward
Landseer. The breed was also
much admired by the English
poet, Lord Byron.
The large and beautiful
Newfoundland is rarely bad
tempered unless provoked.
Indeed, it is amazingly
gentle with other breeds.
It does, however, take
up a fair amount of
space, and needs
regular exercise
on hard
ground
and daily
brushing using
a hard brush.
|
