264 THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG: 
In this country, however, the Newfoundland Dog is raised to its proper position, and 
made the friend and companion of man. Many a time has it more than repaid its master 
for his friendship, by rescuing him from mortal peril. 
Astrologically speaking, the Newfoundland Dog must have been originated under the 
influence of Aquarius, for it is never so happy as when dabbling in water, whether salt 
or fresh, and is marvellously endurant of long immersion. There are innumerable in- 
stances on record of human beings rescued from drowning by the timely succour brought 
by a Newfoundland Dog, which seems fully to comprehend the dire necessity of the 
sufferer, and the best mode of affording help. A Dog has been known to support a 
drowning man in a manner so admirably perfect, that if it had thoroughly studied the 
subject, it could not have applied its aiding powers in a more correct manner. The Dog 
seemed to be perfectly aware that the head of the drowning man ought to be kept above 
the water, and possibly for that purpose shifted its grasp from the shoulder to the back 
of the neck. It must be remembered, however, that all Dogs and cats carry their young 
by the nape of the neck, and that the Dog might have followed the usual instinct of these 
animals. 
Not only have solitary lives been saved by this Dog, but a whole ship’s crew have been 
delivered from certain destruction by the mingled sagacity and courage of a Newfound- 
land Dog, that took in its mouth a rope, and carried it from the ship to the shore. 
Even for their own amusement, these Dogs may be seen disporting themselves in the 
sea, swimming boldly from the land in pursuit of some real or imaginary object, in spite 
of “rollers” and “breakers” that would battle the attempts of any but an accomplished 
swimmer. Should a Newfoundland Dog be blessed with a master as amphibious as itself, 
its happiness is very great, and it may be seen splashing and snapping in luxuriant sport, 
ever keeping close to its beloved master, and challenging him to fresh efforts. It is very 
seldom that a good Newfoundland Dog permits its master to outdo it in aquatic gambols. 
The Dog owes much of its watery prowess to its broad feet and strong legs, which enable 
the creature to propel itself with great rapidity through the water. 
As is the case with most of the large Dogs, the Newfoundland permits the lesser Dogs 
to take all kinds of liberties without showing the least resentment; and if it is 
worried or pestered by some forward puppy, looks down with calm contempt, and 
passes on its way. Sometimes the little conceited animal presumes upon the dignified 
composure of the Newfoundland Dog, and, in that case, is sure to receive some quaint 
punishment for its insolence. The story of the big Dog, that dropped the little Dog into 
the water and then rescued it from drowning, is so well known that its needs but a pass- 
ing reference. But I know of a Dog, belonging to one of my friends, which behaved in a 
very similar manner. Being provoked beyond all endurance by the continued annoyance, 
it took the little tormentor in its mouth, swam well out to sea, dropped it in the water 
and swam back again. 
Another of these animals, belonging to a workman, was attacked by a small and pug- 
nacious bull-dog, which sprang upon the unoffending canine giant, and, after the manner 
of bull-dogs, “pinned” him by the nose, and there hung, in spite of all endeavours to 
shake it off. However, the big Dog happened to be a clever one, and spying a pailful of 
boiling tar, he bolted towards it, and deliber ately lowered his foe into the hot and viscous 
material. The bull-dog had never calculated on such a reception, and made its escape as 
fast as it could run, bearing with it a scalding memento of the occasion. 
The attachment which these magnificent Dogs feel towards mankind is almost un- 
accountable, for they have been often known to undergo the greatest hardships in order to 
bring succour to a person whom they had never seen “before. A Newfoundland Dog has 
been known to discover a poor man perishing in the snow from cold and inanition, to 
dash off, procure assistance, telling by certain dogeish language of its own of the need 
for help, and then to gallop back again to the sufferer, lying upon him as if to afford vital 
heat from his own body, and there to wait until the desired assistance arrived. 
I might multiply anecdote upon anecdote of the wondrous powers of this spirited 
animal, but must pass on to make room for others. 
There are two kinds of Newfoundland Dog; one, a very large animal, standing 
