Landseer European Continental Type/ Landseer ECT  

 

About 200 years ago these big, white and black dogs were spotted on the island Newfounland by European fishermen. Because of their appealing appearance these giants were brought to Englend. The dogs of Newfounland 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 Newfounland".

 

The first written reporst of "the dog of Newfounland" are from 1732 by a "Person of Qualiti" in the book "The Gentlemen farrier". Thisis 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 Newfounland".

In 1778 the "dog of Newfounland" 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.

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.

In England these dogs were crossed with the black Newfounland 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 Newfounland. The second Landseer litter was born in Switzerland in 1902 and this litter may be considered to be the revival of the Landseer E.T.C. was considered a separate breed. It is now protected under number 226 of the F.C.I.

Landseer_Newfounlands have usually more black on their body and blacker heads. The name "Landseer-Newfounland" is mostly used to indicate the colour of the Newfounland. 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 Newfounland is usually somewhat calmer.

 

Landseer - BREED STANDARD

 

FCI – Standard № 226

Country of Origin: Germany / Switzerland

 

General Appearance

 
The Landseer should convey the impression of a tall, powerful and well balanced dog. The legs are comparatively longer than those of the black Newfoundland - especially in the male. Movement of the well-muscled legs should present a free, long stride, covering ground well. 

 

Coat and Colour

 
The top coat - with exception of the head - 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. Slightly wavy coat on back and hindquarters is not objectionable. When brushed wrong way it falls back into place naturally. Main colour of coat is a clear white with distinct black patches on rump and croup. Collar, fore chest, belly, legs and tail must be white. Head black, with white muzzle and white symmetrical blaze - neither too narrow, nor too wide - extending from muzzle over head to the white collar, being considered a definite breeding goal. Ticking still occurring in the white not to be penalised, but should be bred away.

 

Head

Head to be broad and massive with a well developed occupied. Decided Stop, however not as pronounced and steep as in the St. Bernard. Length of muzzle is equal to depth of muzzle, measured in front of he Stop. Lips clean, the upper slightly overlapping the lower, they should be as tight as possible, no drivelling. Head to be strikingly modelled noble expression. Cheeks moderately developed, gradually tapering into the muzzle. Nose and lips black. Scalp should be free from wrinkles, covered with short, fine hair.

 

Mouth

 
Scissors bite.

 

Ears

 
Medium size. Reaching inner corner of eyes, when drawn out. Triangular shape, with slightly rounded tips. Set high on head, however not too far back. Carried close and flat to sides of head. Ears covered with short, fine hair. Fringes of longer hair to be found only at back part of root of ear.

 

Eyes

 
Medium size. Moderately deep set, brown to darkbrown, lightbrown to be tolerated, friendly expression, almond shaped, showing no haw. Pronouncedly light eyes (sulphur or greyish yellow) are faulty, as well as eyes set too close together.

 

Neck

 

The Neck - muscular and broad - should not be quite round but rather eggshaped in cross-section, symmetrical set and obliquely placed in shoulders. Length of Neck from occiput to withers to be approximately 3/4 to 4/5 the length from occiput to tip of nose. Pronounced dewlap undesirable.

 

Body

 
The back should be straight and level, wide and strong from withers to croup. Very muscular shoulders, the chest to be deep and broad corresponding to well sprung ribs. Belly slightly tucked up. Clearly visible flat depression between belly and muscular loin. Croup broad, we rounded at sides and rear by powerful bolster of muscles. Faults: weak or hollow backs, weak loins, too short last false ribs, resulting into too much tuck-up.

Forequarters

 
Strong muscles descending from shoulders, to surround a well-boned humerus, connected in correct angulation to the massive bones of the front legs; these are absolutely straight and muscular. Elbows close to body at lowest point of brisket. Distance from ground to elbows rather high, elbows pointed straight to the rear. Legs slightly fringed down to pasterns.

Hindquarters

 
All of hindquarters to be very sturdy. Hindlegs to move freely, they should have strong bone embedded by powerful muscles to be broad across thigs. Hindlegs to be moderately fringed. Cowhocks or insufficient angulation are faulty. Dewclaws are objectionable, they should be removed as soon as possible after birth.

Feet

 
Large, well shaped cat-feet . Splayed or turned out feet are objectionable. Toes connected by webbing, which should be strong, almost reaching tip of toes.

 

Tail

Strong, reaching slightly below hocks at the most, well covered with dense, bushy hair, however not flaglike. Tail should hang downwards, when standing or at ease, with a slight curve at end permissible. May carry tail straight out, with only a slight curve at end, when moving. Tails with a kink or curled over back are most objectionable.

Size

Dogs: 72 to 80 cm (28,5 to 3l,5 inches)

Bitches: 67 to 72 cm (26,5 to 28,5 inches)

Small deviations below or above to be tolerated.