|
The Newfoundland –Breed
History
There
are three theories that exist to explain the existence and origination of
the large, black dogs on their native island of Newfoundland. The three
theories are:
- They
evolved from the American Black Wolf (now extinct) or from the Tibetan
Mastiff believed to have entered into North America from Asia.
- They
developed from dogs transported to the New World and left by Vikings in
1000 A.D. with speculation that these dogs may have interbred and
crossbred with the native wolves.
- They
were a mixture between fifteenth and sixteenth century European explorer's
dogs. Perhaps the crossbreeding between Mastiffs, Pyrenean Sheep Dogs and
Portuguese Water Dogs resulted in the Newfoundland.
Because theories are only speculative, the true origin of the breed will
always remain a mystery. No matter what the true origin, these big black
dogs have always impressed man with their great strength, size, natural
swimming abilities, instincts and gentle dispositions.
The Newfoundland breed development is credited to the fishermen and settlers
of the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Vikings and Basque fishermen
visited Newfoundland as early as 1000 AD and wrote accounts of the natives
working side by side with these retrieving dogs. The Newfoundland was known
to be a working partner of these people as far back as the 1600's. The breed,
however, is probably far older than that.
Breed experts disagree as to whether the Newfoundland dog is descended from
Tibetan Mastiffs, Great Pyrennees, or the wolf (bear)dogs explorer Leif
Eriksson took to North America (about 1000A.D.). The Newfies of that time
period earned their living, not as a decoration or point of proud ownership,
they worked at pulling carts, carrying packs, hauling nets, and delivering
lines to shipwrecked vessels. They served, and are still serving, as rescue
dogs, both on shore and in fishing boats.
They
hauled wood for fuel and for construction. They even were used by farmers
to haul and deliver milk.
The
breed itself was not formally named until the latter half of the eighteenth
century, when George Cartwright appropriately applied the name of the
breed's native island to his own dog in 1775.
In 1780 Governor Edwards limited the legal ownership of the dog to one per
household in order to promote sheep raising. Even though the decree had no
positive effect on sheep raising, it did almost drive the whole Newfoundland
population into extinction.
During this time of the early 1800’s Newfoundlands were being exported from
Canada to England to keep the breed alive. The Newfoundlands however became
very popular in England.
In 1894, a commemorative half-penny stamp was issued to honor the
Newfoundland. In fact, the Newfoundland is the first animal to be so
commemorated by any country. In summation, the Newfoundland was and is a
superb working dog, both on water and on land.
As
the breed became more and more popular, it is thought that the English
Mastiffs were crossed to the Newfies to obtain the size and massiveness
known in the breed today. It is also possible that the Springer Spaniel may
have been used to contribute the black and white color - known as Landseer.
Sir
Edwin Landseer frequently portrayed this type of Newfoundland in his
paintings, hence the reference to Landseer.
Stories were found written in journals from this century, like that of "Scannon",
the Newfoundland that accompanied Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition
to the Pacific Northwest coast during the first decade of the 18th century.
The
first record of official showing of the breed was held at a dog show in
Birmingham, England in 1860, where six Newfoundlands were entered in the
show. The first Newfoundland was registered with the American Kennel Club
in 1879, and in 1883, a Newfoundland named "Sam" was the first American
champion of the breed.
Most
of today's Newfoundland's can be traced back to a English show dog named "Siki"
from the 1920's. "Siki" was an outstanding example of the breed, but more
importantly, he was a very prepotent sire that produced outstanding progeny.
"Siki" and three of his sons were imported into the United States and when
crossed with the American Newfoundland, began the definition of the
Newfoundland standards as we know them today. Almost all Newfoundland's can
trace their pedigrees back to "Siki".
Today's Newfoundland has found work around the world. The French National
Federation for Seaborne Rescue Dogs and the French National School for the
Training of Rescue Dogs for Disaster use Newfoundlands particularly for
rescue during extreme weather. Newfies see service in Canada and the U.S. as
Avalanche Rescue Dogs. New Zealand uses Newfies as well for Search and
Rescue. The Newfoundland is not just another pretty face in the
conformation ring. They pull carts, track, pull sleds, they are working as
service dogs and therapy dogs. And best of all, they will sit beside you
when you need a friend.
Sources:
http://www.bearadisenewfoundlands.com/breedhistory.html
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~kap/history.html
http://www.barkbytes.com/history/newfld.htm
|