A review of "Newfoundlands" by Joanna Kosloff.
The first time I saw a Newfoundland, I assumed it was a Black Saint
Bernard. I mean, the similarity is striking. So is their size. The Newfie looks
like a circus bear! Or black bear?
Actually, the Newfoundland is a breed of working dogs from Canada, famous for their large size, swimming ability and good-mannered temper. They used to help fishermen howl in the nets, pulled carts and even served as "nannies" to children.
According to popular legend, the Viking chief Leif Eriksson had a Newfie with him on his journey to Vinland, while another Newf saved Napoleon from drowning during his daring escape from Elba. Even the American Indians had large dogs similar to Newfoundlands. Indeed, nobody knows where the breed originally comes from.
While most Newfoundlands are black, a few are black-and-white. Known as Landseers, they are named after the British painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who often painted portraits of this particular dog. (I've seen the paintings on art websites, but never understood what breed it was!)
"Newfoundland" is a basic introduction to the breed, and to dogs in general. Some of the other customer reviewers found this objectionable. Personally, I think even a short, general book for $ 9 fills a niche. (I liked the Boxer, Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane and Giant Schnauzer books in this series, as well.) People who never owned a dog before, or whose only experience with dogs is a poodle, might do well to look through this little booklet in case they fall in love with a Newf. We're talking a 130-pound dog that can be 28 inches tall...
The book contains information on puppy training, where to buy a puppy, feeding, grooming, potential health problems and suitable activities. The latter include swimming, hiking, cart pulling and tracking. This little doggie isn't a couch potato!
An extra star for the superb and sometimes humorous photos.
Actually, the Newfoundland is a breed of working dogs from Canada, famous for their large size, swimming ability and good-mannered temper. They used to help fishermen howl in the nets, pulled carts and even served as "nannies" to children.
According to popular legend, the Viking chief Leif Eriksson had a Newfie with him on his journey to Vinland, while another Newf saved Napoleon from drowning during his daring escape from Elba. Even the American Indians had large dogs similar to Newfoundlands. Indeed, nobody knows where the breed originally comes from.
While most Newfoundlands are black, a few are black-and-white. Known as Landseers, they are named after the British painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who often painted portraits of this particular dog. (I've seen the paintings on art websites, but never understood what breed it was!)
"Newfoundland" is a basic introduction to the breed, and to dogs in general. Some of the other customer reviewers found this objectionable. Personally, I think even a short, general book for $ 9 fills a niche. (I liked the Boxer, Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane and Giant Schnauzer books in this series, as well.) People who never owned a dog before, or whose only experience with dogs is a poodle, might do well to look through this little booklet in case they fall in love with a Newf. We're talking a 130-pound dog that can be 28 inches tall...
The book contains information on puppy training, where to buy a puppy, feeding, grooming, potential health problems and suitable activities. The latter include swimming, hiking, cart pulling and tracking. This little doggie isn't a couch potato!
An extra star for the superb and sometimes humorous photos.
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