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    Size
    Large to Giant (27Kg +)
  • exercise-icon.svg
    Exercise
    40 min/day
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    Training
    Weekly
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    Size of home
    House with garden
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    Time at home
    Alone with support
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    Grooming
    Weekly
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    Barking preference
    Low
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    Personality
    Very affectionate
Landseer-ECT-01

History

The history of the Landseer ECT and the Newfoundland is intertwined and somewhat controversial.

In the 1800s, these large dogs were brought over to England from Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada. The breed was orginally used to help the settlers fishing off the island, pulling the fishing nets through the sea and the boats through the surf.1.

The breed's profound talent and perseverance in the water, friendly nature and intelligence created a big demand for this intelligent helper at the fishing ports in England. Large dogs were also popular with the aristocracy at this time, for their majestic appearance. 1.

The breed, at this time, was largely white and black, or white and brown. 2.

The painter, Sir Edwin Landseer, England's most prominent animal artist of the time, immortalised several of the dogs in his paintings, the most well-known being "A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society.'

In the mid 1800s, possibly through the introduction of new blood from Canada, the black colouration was introduced and quickly became the dominant colour. Newfoundland breeder and former Naval surgeon, Dr William Gordon Stables, championed the black as the original colour, although this was incorrect. Dr Stables, in an 1875 interview said, that the white and black Newfoundland dog should be called the Landseer, since they were featured in Sir Edwin's paintings. 2.

In Europe, the original Landseer type first came to Holland and then Switzerland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where it was taken forward notably by Otto Walterspiel from Munich. the breed was heavily impacted by the first World War, but by 1933 the stud book was established, with the Landseer European Continental Type (ECT) officially recognised as a seperate breed to the newfoundland in 1960. 3.

There are substantial differences in type between the Landseer ECT and the Newfoundland. The Landseer is taller, higher on the leg, more energetic, with a certain elegance. (1. 4.) As a tight lipped breed, they should not drool. (4.) Today's Newfoundland can also come in white and black, and in Australia, the UK and the USA, this colouration is called 'Landseer.' Thus, there can be confusion between the Landseer ECT (breed) and the Landseer (white and black Newfoundland colour).

Appearance

A Landseer is a beautiful large breed with a noble appearance. The massive head is closely fitted with a wrinkle free scalp. Finer short hair covers the head. A Landseer has a broad skull and a short but strong muzzle that appears to be squared off. A Landseer has a black nose. The brown to dark brown medium sized eyes are almond shaped giving the dog a friendly expression. The medium sized ears are triangular in shape and have slightly rounded tips. Set on high ears are covered with fine short hair. Longer hair at the back of the base of the ears forms fringes. Ears are carried flat to the sides of the head. 5.

This breed has a broad muscular neck, a straight and level back, a muscular loin and a deep chest with well sprung ribs. The strong tail is densely covered with bushy hair. When the dog is at rest, the tail forms a slight curve at the end and hangs down. On the move, the tail is carried straight out with a slight curve at the end. This breed has a double coat. The topcoat is long, straight and soft to the touch. The slightly wavy topcoat is thick and oily. The thick undercoat is oily too. The predominantly white coat is marked with black patches on the body. The head is black and ears are black. A white blaze that runs from the muzzle to the collar enhances the impressive appearance of the dog. 5.

Main colour of coat is a clear white with distinct black patches on body and croup.
Collar, forechest, 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. 6.

Height at shoulders :
Dogs : 72 to 80 cm ( 28,5 to 31,5 inches)
Bitches : 67 to 72 cm ( 26,5 to 28,5 inches).
Small deviations below or above to be tolerated. 6.

Temperament & Suitability

In 1774, Oliver Goldsmith wrote in a description of breeds (A History of the Earth and Animated Nature): 'This dog is surely the most noble member of his species, provided he is pure bred and untouched from a mixture of other breeds. His huge size and strength, his majestic expression convey an impression od awe, even fear, but it disappears quickly once we recognise the placid composure, the soft expressive intelligence of his countenance. This proves that ferocity is not part of his nature. He is exceptionally teachable and nothing can surpass his devotion.' 1.

The Landseer is very much attached to his family and has a distinctive personality. He is only there for his family. He is self confident, loves cuddles and playing. With his family, he unfolds his good characteristics. 1.

Living in a kennel is totally inappropriate and will lead to loneliness and fading of his soul. Because of his beautiful coat, being outside is as important as his food. You should have a fenced in backyard, where he has a place to run and which he can defend. 1.

Although Landseer are heavy and strong dogs, their temperament is lively and they love to learn. For example, they love to hold the shopping basket in their mouth on the way home, especially if they get a treat afterwards. They learn very easily to pull a little wagon or sled. The whole being of a Landseer is to work for his family. He loves to run and is desperate for walks. And his ultimate pleasure is to swim and play in the water where, and whenever possible. The person who is prepared to take on a Landseer, with all consequences, couldn't ask for a better friend. 1.

The coat requires a good brush once a week, with a pin brush for the body and a comb for the feathering, tail and behind the ears.

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Landseer (European Continental Type) and have decided this is the dog for you, or you would like more information, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Landseer (European Continental Type) and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References:

  1. Deutscher Landseer Club www.landseer.de, Translation H. Mc Crae 2017.
  2. J Bondeson, Historical Analysis of the newfoundland dog for colour genetics, Open Vet Journal 2015; 5(1): 85-89.
  3. Continental Kennel Club and Swedish Kennel Club, via www.landseer.se
  4. E Haapeniemi, M Klok, P Klok, T Nygard The Breed Standard: interpretation and judging guidelines, Translation E Haapeniemi 2018.
  5. www.sarahsdogs.com
  6. DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au


Image: worlddogshow

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 24 Jul 2018)

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Breed Standard - Landseer (European Continental Type)

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

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.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull HEAD : Scalp should be free from wrinkles, covered with short, fine hair. Head should be strikingly modelled, with noble expression.CRANIAL REGION :Skull : Broad and massive with well developed occipital protuberance.Stop : Decided, however not as pronounced and steep as in the Saint Bernard Dog.FACIAL REGION :Nose : Black.Muzzle : Length of muzzle is equal to depth of muzzle measured in front of the stop.Lips : Clean, black ; the as tight as possible and no drivelling upper lip slightly overlapping the lower.Cheeks : Moderately developed, gradually tapering into the muzzle.
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.
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.
Mouth Jaws/Teeth : Scissor bite.
Neck The neck- muscular and broad - should not be quite round but rather eggshaped in cross-section, symmetrically set andobliquely placed in shoulders. Length of neck from occiput to withers to be approximately ¾ to 4/5 the length from occiput to tip of nose. Pronounced dewlap undesirable.
Forequarters General appearance : Strong muscles descending from shoulders and surrounding a well boned humerus are connected in correct angulation to the massive bones of the seen from front absolutely straight and muscular fore-legs. Legs slightly fringed down to pastern.Elbows : Close to body at the lowest point of brisket ; distance from ground to elbows rather high ; elbows pointing straight to the rear.
Body The length measured from withers to set on of tail should be about twice the length of the head. Wide and strong from withers to croup.Back : Straight and level.Loin : Muscular.Croup : Broad, well rounded at sides and backwards by powerful bolster of muscles.Chest : Between the very muscular shoulders the chest is deep and broad corresponding to well sprung ribs.Belly : Slightly tucked up. Clearly visible flat depression between belly and loin. Weak or hollow back, weak loins, too short false ribs and too much tuck-up of the belly are faults.
Hindquarters General appearance : The hindquarters are throughout very sturdy.Hindlegs to move freely ; they should have strong bone embedded by powerful muscles. Hindlegs to be moderately fringed.Upper thighs : Especially broad.Dewclaws : They are objectionable ; they should be removed as soon as possible after birth. Cowhocks or insufficient angulation are faulty.
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.
Gait/Movement Movement of the well musceled legs should present a free, long stride, covering ground well.
Coat HAIR : 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.
Colour Main colour of coat is a clear white with distinct black patches on body and croup.Collar, forechest, 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 occuring in the white not to be penalized, but should be bred away.
Size Height at shoulders :Dogs : 72 to 80 cm ( 28,5 to 31,5 inches)Bitches : 67 to 72 cm ( 26,5 to 28,5 inches).Small deviations below or above to be tolerated.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should beregarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.DISQUALIFYING FAULTS :· Aggressive or overly shy dogs.· Any dog clearly showing physical of behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

· Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.· Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding.

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