CHAPTER V 

 THE NEWFOUNDLAND 



THE dogs which take their name from the island of New- 

 foundland appeal to all lovers of animals, romance, and 

 beauty. A Newfoundland formed the subject of perhaps 

 the most popular picture painted by Sir Edwin Landseer ; a 

 monument was erected by Byron over the grave of his New- 

 foundland in proximity to the place where the poet himself 

 hoped to be buried, at Newstead Abbey, and the inscription 

 on his monument contains the lines so frequently quoted : 



"But the poor dog in life the firmest friend, 

 The first to welcome, foremost to defend, 

 Whose honest heart is still his master's own, 

 Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone. 



To mark a friend's remains these stones arise : 

 I never knew but one, and here he lies." 



Robert Burns, also, in his poem, " The Twa Dogs," written 

 in 1786, refers to a Newfoundland as being an aristocrat 

 among dogs. Doubtless, other breeds of dogs have been 

 the subjects of popular pictures and have had their praises 

 sung by poets, but the Newfoundlands have yet a further 

 honour, unique amongst dogs, in being the subject for a 

 postage stamp of their native land. All these distinctions 

 and honours have not been conferred without reason, for 

 no breed of dogs has greater claim to the title of friend of 

 man, and it has become famous for its known readiness and 

 ability to save persons in danger, especially from drowning. 

 It is strong and courageous in the water, and on land a properly 

 trained Newfoundland is an ideal companion and guard. 



38 



