A gentle giant, the Newfoundland likely descends from the mastiff, and possibly the Great Pyrenees, but beyond that, the history and dog or dogs to which it contributed to, or received DNA from, becomes a bit muddled. Undeniable, however, is the Newfoundland’s (affectionately known as the Newfie) work ethic – especially in water – and mild disposition.
In the late 1800s, fishermen from England and Ireland ventured to North America and, on what is now known as Newfoundland in Canada, discovered two dogs inhabiting the island. The smaller now-extinct dog had a smooth coat and medium build, and was known as the Lesser Newfoundland or St. John’s Dog – it became the foundation stock of many of today’s retrievers. The larger, long-haired dog was essentially today’s Newfoundland, which has contributed to the evolution of the Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger.
Both dogs were working dogs that were used to primarily haul nets for fishermen, but also as draft animals pulling carts and other labor-intensive duties. The necessary love of water influenced the evolution and use of both dogs. While the smaller version contributed to the genetics of several breeds of retrievers that were developed to pick up ...