Newfoundland

Newfoundland breed of massive, powerful working dog developed in Newfoundland, probably in the 17th cent., and later perfected in England. It stands from 25 to 28 in. (63.5-71.1 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 110 to 150 lb (49.9-68.1 kg). Its dense, flat-lying coat is coarse and rather oily and is usually a dull jet black in color. The Landseer type of Newfoundland is one in which the color is other than solid black, the most frequent being black with white markings. The precise origin of the Newfoundland is obscure, but the most convincing evidence points to the crossbreeding of arctic and other dogs native to Newfoundland with the ship dogs of European fishermen. Specimens of the resulting breed, similar to the modern variety but smaller, were then brought to England, where their size and appearance were refined. The Newfoundland is an excellent water dog and has been used to rescue drowning people. It also has been a popular draft animal, particularly on its native island. Today it is raised for show competition and as a family companion, being especially gentle with children. See dog .

Newfoundland was probably ‘discovered’ by John Cabot in 1497. Europeans soon exploited its cod fishery. Although Newfoundland was claimed for England in 1583 by Sir Humphrey Gilbert, sovereignty was disputed until 1713, and France retained rights of access to the coasts until 1904. An assembly was introduced in 1832 and self‐government in 1855. Newfoundlanders rejected union with Canada in 1869. Military bases in the Second World War brought prosperity and in 1948 Newfoundlanders voted to become Canada's tenth province.