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Landseer
Characteristics, History, and Health

Landseer

The Landseer, also known as the Landseer Newfoundland, is a large, powerful working breed that originated in Newfoundland, Canada. They are named after the renowned British painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who often depicted them in his artwork. The Landeer is considered a variety of the Newfoundland, with its white and black markings as the first coat color variety representative of the breed. They were originally bred as working dogs for water rescue and draft work. They have a strong swimming ability and were used to assist fishermen in retrieving fishing nets and rescuing drowning people.

Main Info
Origin
Canada
Alternate Names
Landseer Newfoundland, Landseer ECT (European Continental Type)
Life Expectancy
9-12 years
Average Male Height
28-32 inch
Average Female Height
26-29 inch
Average Male Weight
140-180 lbs
Average Female Weight
130-165 lbs
Coat Length
MediumLong
Coat Type
Double
Coat Colors
White & Black
Coat Pattern
Black Markings, White Blaze (Head), Ticking, Black Croup (Tail Base)

Genetic Predispositions and Health

Landseers can be affected by cystinuria, muscular dystrophy, signal transduction disorder, thrombopathia, and urolithiasis (cystine). As a larger dog breed, they are also at risk of developing orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Genetic testing is recommended, including for the following additional conditions: hyperuricosoria, degenerative myelopathy, and progressive rod-cone degeneration.

Personality and Behavior

Landseers are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are intelligent, loyal, and social dogs that are generally good with children and other pets. Due to their working background, they have a strong work ethic and are willing to please their owners. They can be protective of their family, making them good watchdogs, but they are not aggressive by nature.

Fun Facts

Landseers are excellent swimmers and have webbed feet, which aids them in water rescues.

The Landseer's coat is double-layered, consisting of a dense, water-resistant outer coat and a soft, insulating undercoat. Their fur is medium to long in length, and it lies flat on their body.


The breed gained popularity in England during the 19th century, thanks to Sir Edwin Landseer's paintings featuring these dogs.

The Landseer is said to be a descendant of the now extinct St. John's Water Dog.

References

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/landseer
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/LANDSEER-EUROPEAN-CONTINENTAL-TYPE-226.html
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/newfoundland/
https://www.ukcdogs.com/newfoundland

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