Newfoundland: The Canadian Province With Its Own Dogs!

Sixty years ago today, Newfoundland entered the (then) Commonwealth of Canada as its 10th province.

On the left, a Newfoundland dog is pictured against a backdrop of shoreline at what looks like spring breakup.

To the right, is a Labrador (Retriever) , also pictured in his homeland. Today, Labrador and Newfoundland are merged to be one Canadian Province and the designation is Newfoundland Labrador (NL).

These two breeds are indigenous to Canada and they are well-suited to the craggy terrain of Canada's most easterly province - which is an island, by the way.

In particular, the Newfoundland dog is known for his rescue work. He is a good swimmer and will go out into the water and pull you back to shore. He is easily able to navigate rough terrain which is common to this province.

(The Labrador Retriever has been number one in popularity in North America for about a decade because he makes such a good family dog. He fits in well with children and can be trusted with them. He is an even-tempered, self-confident, happy dog. I just wanted to point out that this breed is also originally Canadian, like myself!)

Now, the Newfoundland is a gentle giant. Many people who first see a "Newfie" up close are surprised at his mere size: particularly his head is enormous!

The Newfoundland makes a great family pet IF you have lots of land where he can run and if you can ensure clear coffee tables and lots of space between chairs and sofas in your home. (While the Newfoundland is a graceful picture as he gaits around the ring at a dog show, it is fair to say he needs lots of room to maneuver around a household.)

I have seen Newfoundlands stand tall at the kitchen sink and drink directly from the faucet. (Yes, a human turned on the tap but I imagine he could be trained to open some taps.) It takes a certain sense of humor to engage a Newfoundlander as a household pet.

It is fair to say that Newfoundland is a maverick province and most North American families would have to think very carefully about engaging the province's namesake for their family pet. Today, it is called Newfoundland & Labrador.