The Newfoundland breed development is credited to the fishermen and settlers of the island of Newfoundland, Canada.  It was known as a working partner of these people as far back as the 1600's and the breed is probably far older than even that.  Breed experts disagree as to whether the Newfoundland dog is descended from Tibetan Mastiffs, Great Pyrennees, or the wolf (bear)dogs explorer Leif Eriksson took to North America (about 1000A.D.).  The Newfies of that time period earned their living, not as a decoration or point of proud ownership, they worked at pulling carts, carrying packs, hauling nets, and delivering lines to shipwrecked vessels. They served, and are still serving, as rescue dogs, both on shore and in fishing boats.  They hauled wood for fuel and for construction.  They even were used by farmers to haul and deliver milk.  In the early 1800's, the Newfie delivered His Majesty's mail from outpost to outpost. In 1894, a commemorative half-penny stamp was issued to honor the Newfoundland.  In fact, the Newfoundland is the first animal to be so commemorated by any country.  In summation, the Newfoundland was and is a superb working dog, both on water and on land.

     The early 1800's saw the Newfoundland being exported from Canada to England where the breed became very popular.  It was during this exportation that it is thought that the English Mastiffs were crossed to the Newfies to obtain the size and massiveness known in the breed today.  It is also possible that the Springer Spaniel may have been used to contribute the black and white color - known as Landseer.  Sir Edwin Landseer frequently portrayed this type of Newfoundland in his paintings, hence the reference to Landseer.
     It was around 1808 that Lord Byron wrote his famous epitaph in honor of his Newfoundland, Boatswain.  You may read this epitaph in the Profile of the Newfoundland.
     Today's Newfoundland has found work around the world.  The French National Federation for Seaborne Rescue Dogs and the French National School for the Training of Rescue Dogs for Disaster use Newfoundlands particularly for rescue during extreme weather. Newfies see service in Canada and the U.S. as Avalanche Rescue Dogs. New Zealand uses Newfies as well for Search and Rescue.  The Newfoundland is not just another pretty face in the conformation ring.  They pull carts, track, pull sleds, they are working as service dogs and therapy dogs.  And best of all, they will sit beside you when you need a friend.

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