Some say the Newfoundland breed is said to be descended from a mix of the native Indian dogs of the Beothuk tribe living in Newfoundland many centuries ago, others say that the Newfoundland Dog is descended from the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Mastiff type dogs brought by the Vikings, who were believed to have been the earliest European visitors to the Eastern coast of the North American continent. However the Newfoundland came to be, he is well known historically as a working dog of the country of Newfoundland, having been used for centuries as a fisherman's helper, bringing in the nets full of fish from the sea and pulling the carts full of fish to the local villages.

The Newfoundland is considered to be one of the most highly instinctive life-saving breeds and water rescue breeds of all the dogs. The Newfoundland's strong instinctive desire to swim into the water, coupled with his desire to keep humans from harm, have led to numerous accounts of the dog's life saving abilities from bringing in floundering boats to carrying ropes out to floundering swimmers.

The Newfoundland is among the Giant breeds. He should stand 26-29 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 140 to 150 pounds, with females being of smaller stature for the most part. The coat is exceedingly thick and double and can be black, black and white (also termed Landseer, after the famous painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who often painted the black and white Newfoundlands,) and brown, brown and white, gray and very rarely black and tan or cream. The coat requires regular brushing. The coat is weather resistant and should not be shaved as it provides insulation in both the summer and the winter. The Newfoundland's body should be heavy boned and massive and appear nearly square, being as long as he is tall. The ears are lop and , like the face, are covered with short hair, elsewhere all the fur is two inches or more in length. The feet are webbed between the toes. The dog should have great strength for pulling carts and power for swimming.

As a general rule Newfs are a messy dog, some drool and most puppies like to dig water out of the water bucket. Being large as puppies, they can be very destructive. Newfs are noted for their sweet disposition and gentleness towards humans and even towards other creatures. Most Newfoundlands do not exhibit aggression in any manner. The standard of the Newfoundland Club remarks: "sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the breed". The Newfoundland does not make a good kennel dog. Without human companionship they can become quite unruly and they are a big enough dog to do a good deal of damage when they jump up enthusiastically on an unsuspecting visitor. The Newfoundland is an "easy trainer" and is motivated to want to please his owner. They are generally not a "one person" dog but will extend affection to all whom they meet. They have made their mark as excellent therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs and draft dogs. Almost all those who have had the pleasure of living with a Newfoundland will tell you that they will never consider another breed.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs