Newfoundland: The Gentle Giant of the Canine World
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It seems as if that every maritime vessel in Canada feels the imperative need to include a Newfoundland in their crew. To those who know the Newfoundland, this fact is undisputable. For those who does not know this wonderful breed that well, be ready to get to know the greatest dog breed of the waters, the Newfoundland.
The Newfoundland is a breed of dog that was developed in Canada's Newfoundland territory. It is said that this breed is the descendant of another Canadian native, the St. John breed. The Newfoundland is said to have been established as a breed as early as 1400s and this is backed up by records that state the sightings of a superb swimmer and intelligent working dog in the Great Banks of Newfoundland.
When it comes to swimming, the Newfoundland is an unbeatable winner and this ability is often used for water rescue missions. In fact, there are many recorded events that prove of the Newfoundland's supremacy in the waters. In the late 1800's, a woman named Anne Harvey of Isle de Morts, her father and their Newfoundland named Hairyman, saved 180 Irish immigrants from a sinking ship.
During the early 1900s, a Newfoundland single-handedly saved 92 people from a sinking ship during a blizzard. Famous people are also recorded to be helped by the Newfoundland and this includes the famed Napoleon Bonaparte when he nearly drowned in his escape from the island of Elba. A Newfoundland of a fisherman jumped in to the sea and helped Bonaparte safety.
The Wild West discoverers Lewis and Clark also brought with them during the quest a Newfoundland named Seaman. The Royal Rifles of Canada also have the Newfoundland as a hero and it is named Sgt. Gander. Sgt. Gander's heroic deed happened in the Battle of Hong Kong when he sacrificed himself by means of carrying away the grenade that's meant for the wounded soldiers.
For some, Newfoundland looks like a St. Bernard but actually, it is the other way around. They may be of the same size and color at times but what separate the Newfoundland are its webbed feet that allows him to swim efficiently in the water. Its lung capacity is also outstanding as it can stand swimming extremely long distances.
Its coat is dense, oily and resistant to water that's why he is able to stay in the freezing water even for hours on end. Other dogs swim in a "doggy paddle" but the Newfoundland swims in a breast stroke motion and this gives his swim more power and speed. Its lips and flews are droopy and it gives him the tendency to drool overly during hot days but in swimming, it allows him to breathe even if his mouth is full of water.
The Newfoundland is called the "gentle giant" by many and this is attributed to its supreme benevolence, kindness and gentleness to all creatures. This breed is brave, intelligent and protective of its master without being ferocious towards any creature. The words of Henry David Thoreau for the Newfoundland in Walden are "A man is not a good man to me because he will feed me if I should be starving, or warm me if I should be freezing, or pull me out of a ditch if I should ever fall into one. I can find you a Newfoundland dog that will do as much.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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