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Landseer

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 in great 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 a "Person of Quality" in the book "The Gentlemen farrier". This is followed by "AnHistory 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.

General Appearance The Landseer should convey the impression of a tall, powerful and well-balanced dog.The legs are comparatively longer than those of the black Newfoundlanddog, especially in the male. Movement of the well musculed legs should present a free, long stride, covering ground well.

Coat and colour The top coat, with exception of the head, should be long and as straight and dense as possible, soft to the touch, with good undercoat, which is not as dense as in the black Newfoundland. Slightly wavy coat on the back and hindquarters is not objectionable. When brushed wrong way it falls back into natural place. Main colour of the coat is a clear white with distinct black patches on the rump and the croup. Collar, forechest, belly, legs and tail must be white. Head black, with white muzzle and a white symmetrical blaze, neither too narrow, nor to wide, extending from muzzle over the head to the white collar, being considered a definite breeding goal. Ticking still occuring in the white not to be penalized, but should be bred away.

Head Head should be broad and massive with a well developed occiput. Decided stop, however not as pronounced and steep as the St. Bernard. Lenght of muzzle is egual to the dept of the muzzle, mesured in the front of the stop.. Lips clean, the upperlip slightly overlapping the lower, they should be as tight as possible, no drivelling. Head should be strikingly modelled with a noble expression. Cheeks moderately developed, gradually tapering into the muzzle. Nose and lips are black. Scalp should be free from wrinkles, covered with short, fine hair. Mouth: Scissor bite.

Ears Medium size. Reaching inner corner of the eyes, when drawn out. Triangular shape, with slightly rounded tips. Set high on head, however not too far back. Carried close and flat to sides of the head.Ears covered with short, fine hair. Fringes of longer hair to be found only at back part of root of ear.

Eyes Medium size, moderately deep set, brown to darkbrown, lightbrown to be tolerated. Friendly expression, almond shaped, showing no haw. Pronounced light eyes (sulphur or greyish yellow) are faulty, as well as eyes set too close together.

Neck The neck, muscular and broad, should not be quite round but rather eggshaped in cross-section, symmetrically set and obliquely placed in shoulders. Lenght of neck from occiput to withers to be approximately 3/4 to 4/5 lenght from occiput to tip of the nose. Pronounced dewlap undesirable.

Body The body measured from withers to set of tail should be about twice the lenght of the head. The back should be straight and level, wide and strong from withers to croup. Very muscular shoulders, the chest to be deep and broad corresponding to well sprung ribs. Belly slightly tucked up. Clearly visible flat depression between belly and muscular loin. Croup broad, well rounded at sides and rear by powerful bolster of muscels.

Forequarters Strong muscels descending from shoulders, to surround a well boned humerus, connected in correct angulation to the massive bones of the front legs; these are absolutely straight and muscular. Elbows close to the body at lowest point of brisket.Distance from ground to elbows rather high, elbows pointed straight to the rear. Legs slightly fringed down to pasterns.

Hindquarters All of hindquarters to be very sturdy. Hindlegs to move freely, they should have strong bone, embedded by powerful muscels to be broad across thigs. Hindlegs to be moderately friged.Cowhocks or insufficient angulation are faulty. Dewclaws are objectionable, they should be removed as soon as possible after birth.

Feet Large well shaped catfeet. Splayed or turned out feet are objectionable. Toes connected by webbing, which should be strong, almost reaching tip of toes.

Tail Strong, reaching slightly below hocks at the most, well covered with dense, bushy hair, however not flaglike. Tail should be hang downwards, when standing or at ease, with a slight curve at end permissable. May carry tail straight out, with only a slight curve at the end, when moving. Tails with a kink or curled over back are most objectionable.

Size Height at shoulder: Males: 72 to 80 cm (28,5 to 31,5 inches)

Females ** 67 to 72 cm (26,5 to 28,5 inches)

Small deviations below or above to be tolerated.

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.