Dog Articles
Past and Present: Newfoundland
Two dogs
which rival the Eskimo in their ability to endure deep snow and
extreme cold are the St. Bernard and the Newfoundland, both of which
have become famous as savers of life. Both are well-known subjects
of the poet and the painter, who delight to record their heroic
deeds or their simple fidelity.
The
Newfoundland has the further unique distinction among dogs of being
figured on a postage stamp of his native land. He is a wonderful
swimmer and is credited with saving many people from drowning.
It is a
real pity that this noble, useful, and typically American dog should
have lost popularity to such an extent that now he is almost never
seen. Only two strains are preserved, so, far as can be learned -
one in England and one in New Jersey. Therefore it was a great
pleasure as well as a great assistance if the making of the plate to
meet face to face at the Westminster show of 1918 the straight
descendant of the very dog whose photograph had been the artist's
model.
The
magnificent St. Bernard carries on better than any other breed the
qualities that characterize the Newfoundland. For many years the
breed, which had been perfected and stabilized in England, was used
as a farmer's helper, having the intelligence needed for a herding
dog and the weight and willingness to churn and do other real work.
His
benignity and unquestioned gentleness made him a very desirable
guard and companion for children, and his deep voice rather than his
actual attack was usually a sufficient alarm against unwanted
intrusions. Aside from these fine qualities, however, his mere
beauty and staunch dependability should have been sufficient to
preserve him from the fate that seems to be almost accomplished.
Weighing
from 120 to 150 pounds and standing 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder,
the deep-furred, massive-headed, and kind-eyed Newfoundland was one
of the most impressive of dogs. He was strong, active, and leonine
both in looks and in action, having a rolling, loosely knit gait.
There were two recognized colors - all black (white toes and breast
spot were not defects, however) and white, with large black patches
over the ears and eyes and on the body, the latter being known as
Landseer Newfoundlands, because a dog of this type is the subject of
Sir Edwin Landseer's well-known painting, ‘A Distinguished Member of
the Humane Society’. The forehead was domed almost to the point of
looking unnatural; the broad forehead, deep jaw, flews, and dewlaps
betokened a kind and gentle nature.
Source:
National Geographic 1919
Recommended Reading
Dog Training
Mastery - An Owners' Manual
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