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?

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Life expectancy	The Landseer has a life expectancy of between 7 and 9 years
Temperament	Affectionate Calm
Size	Large
Adult size	Female Between 26 and 28 in Male Between 28 and 31 in
Adult weight	Female Between 110 and 154 lb Male Between 110 and 154 lb
Coat colour	Black White
Type of coat	Long
Eye colour	Brown

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.

More details about the Landseer

Landseer: 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).

Physical characteristics of the Landseer

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.

FCI classification of the Landseer

Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Section 2 : Molossian type

Landseer: Characteristics

Very affectionate

This is a very good family dog who knows how to be affectionate when the members of her social group respect her.

Moderately playful

She is more gentle and serene than playful, but she won’t turn her nose up at a hug and a game.

Very calm

A well-trained Landseer is a calm dog indeed.

Moderate intelligence

She is a very skilful dog who is often used as a rescue dog thanks to her ability to work in the water.

Low prey drive

The Landseer is not noted for her hunting instincts.

Fearful of strangers

She is a protector at heart; in fact, she is naturally suspicious of people she does not know because they could represent a possible danger.

Moderately independent

The Landseer can work independently but this capacity rarely asserts itself in the form of stubbornness, as it does in other independent dogs.

Landseer: Behaviour

Tolerates being left alone

She isn’t bothered by solitude, and can quite happily lie down and watch her surroundings.

Moderately easy to train

Although she is very kind and affectionate, she has a very strong temperament that sometimes makes education complicated, especially if too brutal and inappropriate methods are used.

Tends to be very vocal

She can bark to be even more intimidating than her size already makes her.

Doesn't have a tendency to run away

She can stay quietly at home, as she’s not a great adventurer.

Doesn't have a tendency to be destructive

Despite her size, she is a calm cookie, not a destroyer.

Very food motivated

If it’s difficult to get her attention, a treat should do the trick.

Very good watchdog

She makes a great watchdog as she is alert and protective without being overtly aggressive unless absolutely necessary.

Training a Landseer

Although she is very kind and affectionate, she has a very strong temperament that sometimes makes education complicated, especially if too brutal and inappropriate methods are used.

Landseer: Lifestyle

Not very compatible with living in a flat

She really mustn’t live in an apartment in the city. She must be able to take up space in the countryside, in a house with a large enclosed garden and the possibility of a regular swim.

Needs a moderate amount of exercise

She doesn’t have an enormous need to exercise, but it’s important that she gets several walks every day. Being something of a water dog, she also enjoys a swim, and this allows her to work her muscles without her weight taking its toll on her joints.

Difficult to travel with

If you have a very large car to fit her in, you might just get away with it. Otherwise, it will be a challenge.

Breed compatibility Landseer

Moderately compatible with cats

She will usually get on just fine with cats as long as she is made familiar with them from a young age.

Moderately compatible with other dogs

She rarely has a problem with any other dog, especially if she has learnt how to be social from a young age.

Moderately compatible with children

She will be patient and playful with children.

Not compatible with senior owners

Her strength, instincts, and temperament might be challenging for older people.

Not recommended for a first-time owner

A dog of this size may be a bit of an armful for ‘first dog,’ although there is nothing in her breeding or temperament to forbid it.

Landseer: Purchase 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.

Landseer: Shedding

Heavy !

She sheds daily during her twice-annual moulting seasons.

Landseer: 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.