40 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



shows, nearly half a century prior to the discussion, a white 

 and black dog, typical in nearly every respect, except colour, 

 of the black Newfoundland. There is no appearance of 

 cross-breeding in Landseer's dog ; on the contrary, he reveals 

 all the characteristics of a thoroughbred. Seventy years 

 ago, therefore, the white and black variety may be fairly 

 considered to have been established, and it is worthy of 

 mention here that " Idstone " quoted an article written in 

 1819 stating that back in the eighteenth century Newfound- 

 lands were large, rough-coated, liver and white dogs. It is 

 clear, also, that in 1832 Newfoundlands in British North 

 America were of various colours. Additional evidence, 

 too, is provided, in the fact that when selecting the type of 

 head for their postage stamp the Government of Newfoundland 

 chose the Landseer dog. Therefore, there are very strong 

 arguments against the claim that the true variety is essentially 

 black. 



However that may be, there are now two established 

 varieties, the black and the white and black. There are also 

 bronze-coloured dogs, but they are rare and are not favoured. 

 It is stated, however, that puppies of that colour are generally 

 the most promising in all other respects. 



The black variety of the Newfoundland is essentially black 

 in colour ; but this does not mean that there may be no other 

 colour, for most black Newfoundlands have some white marks, 

 and these are not considered objectionable, so long as they 

 are limited to white hairs on the chest, toes, or the tip of the 

 tail. In fact, a white marking on the chest is said to be 

 typical of the true breed. Any white on the head or body 

 would place the dog in the other than black variety. The 

 black colour should preferably be of a dull jet appearance 

 which approximates to brown. In the other than black 

 class, there may be black and tan, bronze, and white and 

 black. The latter predominates, and in this colour, beauty 

 of marking is very important. The head should be black 

 with a white muzzle and blaze, and the body and legs should 



