Landseer Dog (Landseer Newfoundland)

The Landseer dog is a breed of Molosser, developed in the second half of the 19^th century, is often confused with the Newfoundland. These large sized powerful dogs have an elegant, agile body stature, also characterized by a broad muzzle, small-sized eyes, triangular ears, webbed feet, wavy coat and a hanging tail.  In spite of its gigantic size, its sweet, gentle demeanor has earned it immense popularity in the recent times.

Landseer Dog Pictures

History

Both the Newfoundland and the Landseer are said to be descendants of the presently extinct St. John’s Water Dogs, which was an intelligent breed, known for its swimming and game retrieving capacity. On the basis of their size, this breed was divided into the Lesser Newfoundland and the Greater Newfoundland. While the former evolved as the present day Labrador Retriever in England, the latter was confined to Canada, developing into the Landseer and Newfoundland breeds.

These dogs reached England in the second half of the 18^th century, gaining immense popularity there. Sir Edwin Landseer, an eminent painter, gave recognition to these black and white dogs by immortalizing them through his paintings which also portrayed their heroic disposition. The breeds in Continental Europe were sometimes bred back with the Canadian Newfoundland breeds. However, the two lines differed from one another in a lot of aspects. The Canadian variations were heavy boned and black while the Continental types were light-boned, with a long muzzle as well as a black and white coat. The first of the litters of the Continental varieties were born and even developed in the Netherlands as well as Switzerland. However, the German Landseer Club had taken the initiative of separating them from the Newfoundland dogs.

Most European countries except Great Britain acknowledge the Landseer and Newfoundland as two separate breeds. However, in U.K., U.S.A, and Canada they are regarded as one breed with the AKC considering the Landseer just as a color variant of the Newfies, referring to the black and white varieties as the Landseer Newfoundland.

Temperament

Gentle Giant is the perfect way to describe these dogs because of their sweet, calm, kind and generous nature. They are trustworthy and loyal pets, being a great protector of their family, going to any extent to defend them against any impending danger. This trait perhaps makes them a good watch and guard dog. They are firmly bonded to the members of their family, always craving their company. Keeping them alone for prolonged periods may make them destructive. They get along well with other pets as well as children of the family. However, adults should supervise their interaction with the little ones as these large dogs might accidentally knock down the little ones while playing. They are excellent swimmers and even tend to drool.

Training

These gentle, courteous dogs are a trainer’s delight, though you should incorporate positive reinforcement techniques to keep your dog motivated.

• Since they are too bonded with their masters and cannot stay alone, crate training should begin early to lessen chances of separation anxiety.
• Because of its big size, leash training them in their puppy days is essential to ward off any unpleasant occurrences.

Feeding

Good quality dry dog food suited for large breeds should be given to them, though in measured amounts. You should keep a close watch on your Landseer so that it does not get fat, as obesity may lead to a lot of health complications in it.

Interesting Facts

• The dog that features in one of Sir Edwin Landseer’s famous paintings is said to have saved about 20 people from getting drowned.
• The famous dog of Mr. Rochester as depicted in Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre is a Landseer in actuality though it is shown to be a Newfoundland.
• Scottish novelist J. M. Barrie possessed a Landseer named Luath.