Breed Bio: Newfoundland

Strong, Loyal, and Courageous. These are just a few of many traits that sum up the personality and spirit of the Newfoundland.

A natural swimmer due to its webbed feet and brute strength, the Newfoundland has long been a favorite companion of Canadian fisherman. But this is just the tip of the iceberg (see what we did there?) of the breed's long and fascinating history.

While journeying across the Atlantic in 1802, Lewis & Clark brought along a Newfie named Seaman for protection and companionship. Seaman would soon become something of a folk hero, saving the Corps of Discovery's camp by running off an aggressive Buffalo looking for prey. Today, Seaman is depicted in ten different Lewis & Clark monuments, ensuring his heroic efforts are never forgotten.

A Newfoundland was also a loyal and cherished companion of the Kennedy family. Robert F. Kennedy often referred to his beloved Newfie Brumus as the family's nanny dog - as he was known to be quite protective of Robert and wife Ethel's eleven children.