Newfoundland

The Newfoundland looks like a bear and acts like a nanny. Huge, dark, and slow to anger, it has spent centuries pulling people out of cold water. It does this without being asked, then looks surprised to be thanked.

The breed comes from the island of Newfoundland, off Canada’s Atlantic coast. Fishermen there needed a dog that could haul nets, drag carts, and work in freezing surf. They got a swimmer with webbed feet, a coat that sheds water, and a heart as large as its paws.

Rescue became its calling. Stories of Newfoundlands saving swimmers and sailors run through two centuries of sea history. Some are legend and many are true. Even today the breed trains for water rescue, and it passes the test by wanting to.

The breed also walks through history and books. Lord Byron adored his Newfoundland, Boatswain, and gave him a monument and a famous epitaph. Lewis and Clark took a Newfoundland named Seaman across the continent. Peter Pan’s nursemaid, Nana, was one too.

At home, the Newfoundland is a gentle giant. It is patient with children, calm with strangers, and fond of leaning on whatever it loves. It also drools, so keep a towel nearby.

Perhaps that is the secret. A dog this strong has nothing to prove. It is simply ready, always, to be the safest thing in the room.