THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 179 



OHAPTEE II. 



THE NEWFOUNDLAND, LABRADOR, ST. BERNARD, AND 

 DALMATIAN DOGS. 



THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 



WO distinct types of this breed are now generally admitted one con- 

 siderably larger than the other, and known as the Newfoundland, from 

 its being generally found on the island of that name ; while the other, 

 distributed over the state of Labrador chiefly, though also met with in 

 the island of Newfoundland, is now known as the Labrador, otherwise 

 called the St. John or Lesser Newfoundland. In addition to these distinct types 

 there are numberless nondescript dogs to be found in both of the above districts, 

 and notably a breed of black and white dogs with curly coats and fine heads and 

 frames, which, from one of them having been selected by Landseer to serve as a 

 model for his celebrated picture denominated "A Distinguished Member of the 

 Humane Society," are now known as the " Landseer Newfoundland." In spite 

 however, of the immortality thus conferred on them, our judges refuse to recognise 

 their merits as compared with the whole blacks, and they are relegated to a 

 separate class in those shows which recognise them at all. Independently of the 

 difference in colour, they also vary from the black type in being more open in 

 their frames, weaker in their middles, and generally displaying a more shambling 

 and ungraceful gait in walking. All the varieties of the breed are excellent 

 swimmers. 



The large black Newfoundland is remarkable for his majestic appearance, 

 combined with a benevolent expression of countenance. The latter quality, being 

 really in accordance with his disposition, and frequently displayed by his life-saving 

 capacities in cases of threatened drowning, has made him for many years a great 

 favourite as a companion, especially with those who live near the sea or any great 

 river. With these points in view, judges have naturally made a full size of great 

 importance, since it not only adds to the majestic aspect of the dog, but renders him 

 really more capable of distinguishing himself in the career so beautifully com- 

 memorated by Landseer in the picture above alluded to. 



The general opinion now is, as first pointed out by " Index " in the Field, 

 that a dog of this breed above 26in. is almost unknown in Newfoundland ; but it 

 is also allowed that puppies bred and reared in England of the pure strains, which 

 in the island never attain a greater height than 26in., will grow to 30in. or even 32in. 

 Such an animal is Mr. Mapplebeck's Leo, who has recently taken the first prize at 

 Islington in the Kennel Club Show, after distinguishing himself previously at Bath, 



