Landseer (dog)

Landseer European Continental Type

Landseer European Continental Type
Origin	Newfoundland (now part of Canada)
Traits Weight Male 65–80 kg (143–176 lb) Female 50–70 kg (110–150 lb) Height Male 72–80 cm (28–31 in) Female 67–72 cm (26–28 in) Color white with black patches, white around the nose, white tail with little black
Classification / standards FCI Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian: Mountain type #226 standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Landseer (European Continental Type) is a dog breed. The breed is not recognized by all kennel clubs. It is not to be confused with a white and black Newfoundland, which is also often called a "landseer". The Landseer E.C.T. (European Continental Type) is a separate breed and recognized as such by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

The breed was named after the British painter Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, because in 1838 he created the painting A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society, which shows a dog of this breed.

The Landseer Newfoundland dog is known for its sweet disposition, gentleness, and serenity. They enjoy swimming and tend to drool, though not as much as some other giant breeds.

While the Landseer European Continental Type is also sweet, affectionate and enjoys swimming, it is quite different from the Landseer Newfoundland in regard to response, agility and speed.

During colonial times, large white and black "Newfoundland dogs" were brought to England. Because of their good swimming skills, these dogs were utilized by fishermen to tow nets to the shore. They were also noted for their ability to help drowning people; therefore, these dogs were bought and sold mainly by European fishermen. It is believed that, by and large, the exportation of these dogs occurred during the late 18th century. However, paintings show us that these dogs must have already existed in England in the early 18th century.

Because of their impressive appearance they were the subject of numerous books and paintings.

The most famous painting of a large white and black dog of this type is a portrait called "A Distinguished Member of Humane Society" done by the renowned English animal painter Sir Edwin Landseer in 1838. In fact the subject matter of many of Sir Edwin's paintings focused on these dogs. The dog portrayed in one of the most famous paintings is believed to have saved more than 20 people from drowning. It therefore was adopted as a member of the humane society.

Unfortunately, by the end of the 19th century the Landseer Continental Type were not recognizable. Some breeders attempted to build the breed back up in the beginning of the 1900 but their efforts were thwarted during World War I when most of the dogs were killed. After World War I some enthusiastic breeders in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland began breeding these dogs again. Between 1945 and 1960 the Landseer Continental Type was bred as a part of the Newfoundland Clubs in Europe.