THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG 707 



long, shaggy, flowing hair, and his fore-legs are 

 feathered behind, as well as the hinder ones, as far as 

 the hock-joint. The fur in many is white, with black 

 or dark brown patches and spots, but they are also 

 met with plentifully of almost all colours, as chocolate, 

 fawn-colour, cream colour, and black. 



This dog is not remarkable for symmetry of form, 

 or in the setting on of his legs, and consequently his 

 motion is somewhat awkward and loose, and therefore 

 he is not distinguished for speed — a defect which 

 might be remedied by breeding, were an improvement 

 in that particular desirable. 



The Newfoundland dog is docile to a very great 

 degree, and nothing can exceed his affection. Natur- 

 ally athletic and active, he is ever eager to be em- 

 ployed, and seems delighted to perform any little 

 office required of him. Nature has given him a great 

 share of emulation, and hence to be surpassed or 

 overcome is to him the occasion of great pain. Active 

 on every emergency, he is the friend of all, and is 

 naturally without the least disposition to quarrel with 

 other animals. He seldom or never offers offence, 

 but will not receive an insult or injury with impunity. 

 Such is the capacity of his understanding, that he can 

 be taught almost everything which man can inculcate, 

 and of which his own strength and frame are capable. 

 His sagacity can only be exceeded by his energies, 

 and he perseveres with unabated ardour in whatever 

 shape he is employed, and while he has a hope of 

 success he will never slacken in his efforts to attain it. 

 The amazing pliability of his temper peculiarly fits him 

 for the use of man, and he never shrinks from any 

 service which may be required of him, but undertakes 

 it with an ardour proportionate to the difficulty of the 

 execution. 



