Description

The Landseer should convey the impression of a tall, powerful and well balanced dog. The legs are comparatively longer than those of the black and hardy. The wide muzzle is rather short and squared-off. The small triangular ears are pendant. The small eyes are dark brown; the conjunctiva should not show as it does in the St. Bernard. The nose is black. The feet are webbed for better swimming. Dewclaws should be removed on the hind legs. The tail hangs down. The water-repellent long outer coat is flat, oily and slightly wavy with a thick oily undercoat. Dogs that live indoors, however, tend to loose their undercoats. 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 back and hindquarters is not objectionable. When brushed wrong way it falls back into place naturally. The main color of the coat is a clear white with distinct black patches on body and croup. Collar, forechest, belly, legs and tail is white. The head is black, with a white muzzle and a white symmetrical blaze.

Origin

The origin of the Landseer stems back to Germany and Switzerland. In the USA and Great Brittan the Landseer is considered the same breed as is a totally different breed than the Newfoundland. Landseers in Europe have longer legs than newfies, Landseers are not so massive, they are more sporty dogs. In shows, they compete separately.

Temperament

The Landseer is a dog with an outstanding temperament, good, courageous, generous, intelligent, human. Lord Byron wrote of one of this breed: "... Courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of a man without his vices." It is also a patient dog, mild with guests, and obsequious with its master. He is noble, calm, gentle, loyal and trustworthy with a sweet temperament. Dignified and peaceable. Very devoted. They can become so attached to their owners that they cannot adapt to a new home. Good and brave. Intelligent enough to act on his own when needed. Protective, but tends to place himself between the intruder and his family rather than bark or growl. Landseer's can recognize a dangerous situation and will generally act if the family is threatened. Any dog, other animal, child, or visitor who has no evil intention will receive a friendly welcome, however some males may be aggressive with other males. But the breed is generally good with other animals. Patient, playful, and loving with children; he is a born babysitter. Very sociable. Enjoys the outdoors, but also requires companionship. The Landseer drinks a lot of water and may be messy about it, as he loves to get wet. They tend to drool, though not as much as some other giant breeds. Although puppies require a lot of food, an adult Landseer eats only about as much as a retriever. They love to swim and if backpacking near water, don't let the Landseer carry your sleeping bag - or you may spend a very damp night! This breed may be slightly difficult to train. Training must be conducted in a calm and balanced manner. These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. This dog's huge body tends to move rather slowly. Take this into account during training.

Height

Height: Dogs 28 ½ -31 ½ inches (72-80 cm.) Bitches 26 ½-28 ½ inches

Weight

Weight: Dogs 130-150 pounds (59-68 kg) Bitches 100-120 pounds (45-54kg)

Known Health Problems

Prone to hip dysplasia. Do not let a Landseer get fat. Also prone to a hereditary heart disease called sub-aortic stenosis (SAS). Breeders should have puppy's hearts checked by a veterinary cardiologist at 8-12 weeks of age. Adult Newfies should be cleared of SAS again before breeding.

Conditions for Living

Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They are sensitive to heat: provide them plenty of shade and cool water in warmer weather. These dogs prefer cool climates.

Exercise Requirments

This gentle giant is quite content to laze around the house, but they opportunities to swim and frolic.

Life Expectancy

Under 10 years.

Grooming

Daily to weekly brushing of the thick, coarse, double coat with a hard brush is important. The undercoat is shed twice a year in the spring and fall and extra care is required at these times. (The heaviest shedding period coming in the spring). Avoid bathing unless absolutely necessary, as this strips away the coat's natural oils. Instead, dry shampoo from time to time.

Group

Mastiff