Landseer
Other names: Landseer Newfoundland, Landseer ECT (European Continental Type)

There is more to distinguish the Landseer from the ‘common or garden’ Newfoundland dog than her colour. Yes, she’s black and white, compared to the purely black or brown standard Newfoundland, but her legs are a bit longer, too. See! Totally different dog! Yet depending where you are standing, some regard her as a spin-off of the Newfoundland, and others an altogether separate breed. Well, when she sits on you there will be less chance for fuss, because this gentle giant is enormous and full of love. Even if she’s relatively little trouble pound-for-pound, a dog of this size is always going to need a little special attention. Do you have room in your heart – and in your home – for a Landseer?
Key facts about the Landseer
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Origins and history
Developed in the north of Canada, the Landseer is an off-shoot of the Newfoundland, and probably has bits of St. Bernard, English Mastiff, and Great Pyrenees about her as well as the extinct, indigenous Newfoundland dog, the St. John’s. She is named for Sir Edwin Landseer, who painted her in 1838 (which is to say he made a portrait of her, not that he’s the one that added the white spots to her coat).
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Section
Section 2 : Molossian type
Physical characteristics of the Landseer
Adult size
Female : Between 26 and 28 in
Male : Between 28 and 31 in
Weight
Female : Between 110 and 154 lb
Male : Between 110 and 154 lb
Coat colour
Black and white.
Type of coat
Straight, dense double coat.
Eye colour
Darker browns.
Description
An ‘absolute unit,’ as the contemporary turn of phrase has it, this bi-coloured giant is unruly of hair and lumbersome of limb, yet noble and dignified with it. Her short, muscular neck leads to broad, powerful shoulders and eventually round to a neatly tucked belly; though you may lose sight of her line through that soft, heavy fur. This softness is magnified through her deep-set eyes, square face, and friendly expression. Her ears are flappy and fringey: bliss.
Good to know
This dog really loves swimming. Although it’s not essential for her well-being, living near water will make her very happy.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Landseer
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Is the Landseer right for you?
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Compatibility
Price
We do not have enough data to set and average price, but you can expect to pay upwards of £1000 for a well-bred puppy. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £140 and £220 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
A thorough weekly brushing is necessary to deal with this furry doggo’s spectacular ‘do. If she swims in salt water, she should be rinsed in fresh water immediately afterwards.
Nutrition of the Landseer
High quality dog food formulated for enormous dogs will do fine; it is best to limit the pace at which she can eat using a slow-feeding bowl so she doesn’t suffer from gastric bloat, to which the breed is vulnerable.
Health of the Landseer
Life expectancy
This dog is moderately healthy, but she has a short average lifespan of around 8 years.
Strong / robust
This dog is quite sturdy, although she doesn’t live very long.
Withstand heat
Not brilliantly, due to the Landseer’s size and thick coat.
Withstand cold
She deals quite well with the cold, as befits her northern heritage.
Tendency to put on weight
If her meals aren’t balanced, she can put on weight.
Common illnesses
- Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (bloat)
- Thrombopathia
- Joint Conditions (osteoarthritis)
- Aortic stenosis
- Ectropion / entropion
- Cystinuria
- Platelet disorder
- Ear infections
- Epilepsy