Landseer

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

Landseer

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

Life expectancy :

2

14

7

9

Temperament :

Affectionate Calm

Size :

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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

  • Landseer
    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

    Type of coat

    Eye colour

    Brown

    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

    • 100%

      Affectionate

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

    • 66%

      Playful

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

    • 100%

      Calm

      A well-trained Landseer is a calm dog indeed.

    • 66%

      Intelligent

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

    • 33%

      Hunter

      The Landseer is not noted for her hunting instincts.

    • 100%

      Fearful / wary 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.

    • 66%

      Independent

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

      Behaviour of the Landseer

      • 100%

        Tolerates solitude

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

      • 66%

        Easy to train / obedience

        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.

      • 100%

        Barking

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

      • 33%

        Tendency to run away

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

      • 33%

        Destructive

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

      • 100%

        Greedy / Gluttony

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

      • 100%

        Guard dog

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

      • 33%

        First dog

        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.

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        Lifestyle

        • 33%

          Landseer 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.

        • 66%

          Need for exercise / Sporty

          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.

        • 33%

          Travelling / easy to transport

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

          Compatibility

          • 66%

            Landseer and cats

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

          • 66%

            Landseer and dogs

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

          • 66%

            Landseer and children

            She will be patient and playful with children.

          • 33%

            Landseer and the elderly

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

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            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.

            Shedding

            She sheds daily during her twice-annual moulting seasons.

            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

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