Alighieri Dante van Yaromirha
This page is written by Karin van Eijck, Holland.
All pictures by Karin van Eijck.
The Landseer E.C.T. is a large breed. They are a friend to
other animals, children and people. The letters 'E.C.T.' stand for European Continental Type
since this breed is only recognised by the F.C.I. Outside the mainland of Europe this breed is
still considered a Newfoundland variety. However, there are more differences between the
Landseer E.C.T. and the Newfoundland than the colour. More about this later.
First something about the history:
About 200 years ago these big, white and black dogs were spotted on the island Newfoundland by
European fishermen. Because of their appealing appearance these giants were brought to England.
The 'dogs of Newfoundland' were present on the island in great numbers and helped the fishermen
by towing nets out the water to the mainland. They also helped to bring people who threatened to
drown, to safety.
It is believed that around 1770 these dogs have been exported to England in great numbers.
However, these dogs were seen and reported much earlier. It is known that there is a painting of
a boy, named Henry Sidney the later "Earl of Romney", with his white and black 'dog of
Newfoundland'.
The first written reports of 'the dog of Newfoundland' are from 1732 by a "Person of Quality"
in the book "The Gentlemen farrier". This is followed by "An History of the Earth and Animated
Nature" dated 1774 written by Oliver Goldsmith. This is a very extensive and impressing
description of 'the dog of Newfoundland'.
In 1778 the 'dog of Newfoundland' is first reported on our continent by E.A. Zimmerman.
In 1790 Thomas Bewick's famous work follows: "A General History of Quadrupeds". His work
contains a picture (drawing) of the dog.
Quadrupeds, by Thomas Bewick
From that moment until about 1880 there are at least 60 books
known to us and a large number of paintings that include the large white and black dogs.
The most famous painting ever is "A Distinguished Member of Humane Society" painted by the
famous animal painter Sir Edwin Landseer in 1838. Because Sir Edwin Landseer always painted
these large white and black dogs these dogs where referred to as "Landseer-dogs". This explains
how the Landseer got his name.
Paul Pry; A distinguished member of human society.
Painted by Sir Edwin Landseer
In England these dogs were crossed with the black Newfoundland
regularly and it was soon a fact that there were more differences between these 2 dogs than just
their colour. Gradually it became clear that the white and black dogs were much higher and more
active than the black variety. One could clearly see the differences.
The first pure Landseer litter was probably born in Holland in 1893. However, these dogs were
crossed with the black Newfoundland. The second Landseer litter was born in Switzerland in 1902
and this litter may be considered to be the revival of the Landseer on the European mainland.
Altogether it took until 1960 before the Landseer E.C.T. was considered a separate breed. It is
now protected under number 226 of the F.C.I.
Alighieri Dante van Yaromirha (9 months old)
So far the history of this breed. The most important thing to
know is that it is not a Newfoundland, although some Newfoundland breeders will say that the
breeds are the same.
To make it more obvious for you, just look at these 2 pictures: the left shows a
Landseer-Newfoundland and the right shows a Landseer E.C.T. You can obviously see more
differences in they way they are built than just the colour. About this colour:
Landseer-Newfoundlands have usually more black on their body and blacker heads. The name
'Landseer-Newfoundland' is mostly used to indicate the colour of the Newfoundland. This is not
the same as Landseer E.C.T. Besides the colour, the characters are also different: a Landseer
E.C.T. is much more active and remains active till his last day. The Newfoundland is usually
somewhat calmer.
Landseer-Newfoundland and a Landseer E.C.T.
According to the breed standard the Landseer E.C.T. should
convey the impression of being a tall, powerful and well balanced dog. The legs are comparatively
longer than those of the black Newfoundland. The back is straight and firm. Both shoulders and back
legs should be well-muscled.
The top coat should be long and as straight and dense as possible, soft to the touch, with good
undercoat, which is not as dense as in the black Newfoundland. The main colour of the coat is
white with distinct black patches on rump and croup. Collar, forechest, belly, legs and tail
must be white.
Antonia v. Hardtenberg: Prada, 5 months old.
The head should be black with a white muzzle and white
symmetrical blaze extending from muzzle over head to the white collar. The head must be broad
and massive but not as broad as the St. Bernard.
It has a distinctive form with a noble expression. The ears are medium-sized and the eyes should
be dark brown.
The size of the Landseer E.C.T. should be:
Height at shoulder:
Dogs: 72-80 cm (28.5-31.5 in).
Bitches: 67-72 cm (26.5-28.5 in).
Small deviations below or above to be tolerated.
Like all mastiff breeds, the Landseer also grows very fast during his first year. Therefore one
should be careful with exercise. At birth they weigh between 500-750 gram and at the age of 1
year they can weigh 50-60 kg. (110-132 lbs).
Esmay, Fonda and Chica.
When the Landseer is fully grown (which is not until the dog
is 3 or 4 years old) he is a very active dog who loves to do all kind of activities. Of course,
swimming is still something that is his favourite activity. So when a Landseer smells and sees
water, don't expect to take a dry dog home. He will certainly jump in the water.
Ebb Tide's Dennis T Menace NA, NAJ
The Landseer E.C.T is a dog with a great feeling 'to do
something for the boss'. He is active, has a good temperament but is certainly not a nervous
type. He is very self-assured, intelligent, loyal to his own people, fairly gentle in character
and, when given enough exercise outside, easy to keep in your house. Generally speaking, most
Landseers are very independent and have a mind of their own. The Landseer should be raised very
consequently without any form of firm training. Lots of love and patience will be rewarded with
a companion for life.
As I said, most Landseers love water and a daily walk or swim must be given. Water work is
therefore an excellent training for both the owner and dog. And after training a while some
Landseers will even dive all kinds of objects from the bottom of a lake. When you want to go
for a swim with your Landseer you must be aware of the fact that the dog will try to rescue
you and drag you back to the mainland. Therefore you must certainly be careful when doing this
the first time. A basic training is necessary to let the dog know you are not in any trouble.
Any other activity with the family is also something the Landseer always wants to do.
Ebb Tide's Dyna Mite CD, OA, OAJ, Can. CD
When it comes to behaviour towards other dogs, children and
people there is no problem. Especially children are loved by the Landseer. When the Landseer has
met a lot of different dogs during his first year and has had the opportunity to play a lot,
this will also not be a problem. However, some male dogs will sometimes try to be dominant over
other dogs. That is why a basic training is necessary.
Harley & Dante
Even though the Landseer E.C.T. is a dog with a mainly white
coat, it is fairly easy to keep him clean. Because his coat is water resistant all dirt will
fall out once he is dry. Brush him 2 or 3 times a week and the coat will always look great. One
will notice that he has a very different coat than the black Newfoundland: it is not as dense
and easier to keep clean. Furthermore, the Landseer E.C.T. hardly has any bodily odour.
The Landseer E.C.T. is a large dog who is always cheerful, active and a fantastic friend. Who
is able to spend enough time with him will be rewarded with a true friend for the rest of his
life!
Karin van Eijck
I want to thank Karin van Eijck for writing this page, so the Landseer could be included at Molosserworld.
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