Landseer ECT  

  History 

About 200 years ago these big, white and black dogs were spotted on the island Newfoundland by European fishermen. Because of their appealing appearance these giants were brought to England. The 'dogs of Newfoundland' were present on the island in great numbers and helped the fishermen by towing nets out the water to the mainland. They also helped to bring people who threatened to drown, to safety.
It is believed that around 1770 these dogs have been exported to England ingreat numbers. However, these dogs were seen and reported much earlier. It is known that there is a painting of a boy, named Henry Sidney the later "Earl of  Romney", with his white and black 'dog of Newfoundland'. The first written reports of 'the dog of Newfoundland' are from 1732 by  "Person of Quality" in the book "The Gentlemen farrier". This is followed by "An  History of the Earth and Animated Nature" dated 1774 written by Oliver Goldsmith. This is a very extensive and impressing description of 'the dog of
Newfoundland'.  In 1778 the 'dog of Newfoundland' is first reported on our continent by E.A.
Zimmerman. In 1790 Thomas Bewick's famous work follows: "A General History of Quadrupeds". His work contains a picture (drawing) of the dog. From that moment until about 1880 there are at least 60 books known to us and a large number of paintings that include the large white and black dogs. The most famous painting ever is "A Distinguished Member of Humane Society" painted by the famous animal painter Sir Edwin Landseer in 1838. Because Sir Edwin Landseer always painted these large white and black dogs these dogs where referred to as "Landseer-dogs". This explains how the Landseer got his name. In England these dogs were crossed with the black Newfoundland regularly and it was soon a fact that there were more differences between these 2 dogs than just their colour. Gradually it became clear that the white and black dogs were much higher and more active than the black variety. One could clearly see the differences.  The first pure Landseer litter was probably born in Holland in 1893. However,
these dogs were crossed with the black Newfoundland. The second Landseer litter was born in Switzerland in 1902 and this litter may be considered to be the revival of the Landseer on the European mainland. Altogether it took until 1960 before the Landseer E.C.T. was considered a separate breed. It is now protected under number 226 of the F.C.I. Landseer-Newfoundlands have usually more black on their body and blacker heads. The name 'Landseer-Newfoundland' is mostly used to indicate the colour of the Newfoundland. This is not the same as Landseer E.C.T. Besides the colour, the characters are also different: a Landseer E.C.T. is much more active and remains active till his last day. The Newfoundland is usually somewhat calmer.

SIZE   The shoulder height is 72 - 80cm (281/2 - 311/2in) for dogs and 67 - 72cm (261/2 - 281/2in) for bitches. Small variations above and below these stan­dards are permitted.

COAT
The under-layer of the coat is soft, the outer coat is long, thick, and without curls. The colour is white with black patches, and a black head with white blaze is much preferred. For showing, it is preferable not to have black spots on the coat.

CARE REQUIRED
Regular brushing and combing is sufficient, spe­cifically paying attention to the places where tangles are likely to occur, such as between the hind and front legs. Keep the ear passages clean and snip away excessive hair between the pads of the feet. The Landseer, in common with other big dogs, grows fairly quickly and needs high quality nu­trition. Adapt exercise during this phase to pre­vent overworking a growing body.

CHARACTER The Landseer is an amiable, soft-natured, straight forward, affectionate, docile, sociable, self-aware, and equable dog which is friendly towards people and animals, and is a keen swimmer. It will protect the members of the family and the house and garden if necessary. The Landseer is not a barker, and voicing their opinion when really required.

TRAINING
Normally this breed is not difficult to train. Teach the young dog to walk to heel and not to pull on the lead, because when fully grown they are much too strong to control.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
The Landseer is a fine family dog, which will live in harmony with other dogs and household pets. Children often receive special attention from them (in a positive sense). Visitors who have no evil intentions will be treated in a friendly manner.

EXERCISE
Do not take it on exhausting long walks until it is fully grown. They love to swim and this is an ideal form of exercise for them.

SPECIAL REMARKS
The Landseer is well protected against poor weather and it is not therefore necessary for it to have to be indoors in the warm

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note   Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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