Alt Names: None Country of Origin: Canada

History: The origin of the breed is uncertain, but they were in use as working dogs on the island of Newfoundland as early as AD 1000. It is said that Newfoundlands were bred to pull in the fishermens' nets. Newfoundlands have been used as water rescue dogs and for draft work. The National Geographic Society's program "Dogs with Jobs" named the Newfoundland as the strongest draft dog on Earth. The breed almost became extinct; most modern-day Newfoundlands trace their ancestry to a single stud dog named Siki who lived in the 1920s.

Appearance: Newfoundlands ("Newfies") have webbed feet and a water-resistant coat. Males weigh 60–70 kg (130–150 lb), and females 45–55 kg (100–120 lb), placing them in the "giant" weight range.

Most Newfies are black, but brown, gray (very rare), Irish Spotted (black with white markings), and Landseer (black head, white body with black markings) varieties exist. The Landseer is named after the artist Sir Edwin Landseer, who featured them in many of his paintings. Some kennel clubs consider the Landseer to be a separate breed; others consider it simply a Newfoundland color variation. Some kennel clubs consider Irish Spotted to be an "invalid" marking, and these clubs will not allow them to be shown.

Temperament: Newfies have a gentle, placid disposition. They are nicknamed the "Gentle Giant" and "Nature's babysitter." Indeed, the official AKC breed description says "Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed." They are protective of children. The dog Nana in James M. Barrie's Peter Pan was a Newfoundland. (Newfie owners resent the depiction of her as a St. Bernard in the Disney animated film version; the 2004 film Finding Neverland used a Great Pyrenees).

The Newfoundland is smart and loyal. The breed is easily trained as they are eager to please their masters. They are neither easily frightened nor excitable. Relative to other breeds, Newfoundland puppies, especially older puppies, tend to be calm. Puppyhood doesn't last for extended amounts of time as in some breeds. They get along wonderfully with other dogs. They have deep, fierce-sounding barks, but are not good guard dogs. They have been known to grieve when separated from their families. Despite their wonderful qualities, this breed is not for everyone. Their large size makes them difficult to keep in many living situations, although they do not require great amounts of exercise and as puppies they tend to tire easily.