Some of you may be with familiar with Nana, the black and white Landseer featured in Peter Pan. Landseer dogs are often considered a color variation of the Newfoundland and not their own breed. Instead of being solid black, they are mostly white with black patches. Landseer dogs are highly intelligent and strong like their Newfoundland relatives. They bark only occasionally and have low incidence of biting due to their ability to get along well with people and other animals. However, they are playful and tend to play-bite at times. They are very social animals and don’t do well when left alone for long periods. If you are looking for a big loveable family member this may be the dog for you.

Breed Overview

Landseer Puppies

Landseer litters produce 4–10 puppies per litter. Landseer puppies take longer to mature than most dogs of this size and need to be kept on high protein diets while growing to develop properly. Landseer dogs like to wander between the house and the yard. They need plenty of space to roam. The Landseer has an average life span for dogs their size, although they do have shorter life spans than smaller dogs.

Puppies reach puberty between 16 and 20 months. At this time the growth plates close and they should be spayed or neutered. If this is done prior to puberty, studies show it can possibly cause problems with joints and connective tissue.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Landseer

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

According to Pet MD, Newfoundland varieties are the best breeds of dog for children. These dogs need human attention and are very gentle although they are large. Their history of protecting other animals makes them gentle with children and excellent watch dogs. However, because they are large, they may accidentally knock over small children.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

These dogs have instincts as guard dogs, not hunting dogs, leading them to get along well with other pets. They were originally used to protect sheep, so they should get along with larger animals in addition to household pets.

Things to Know When Owning a Landseer:

Food & Diet Requirements

Puppies take up to 18 months to mature. They should be fed a high-protein diet during this time to promote healthy growth. Once the puppy reaches adulthood, feed him commercial dog food formulated for large dogs, as they tend to become overweight easily. Feed your dog twice a day. You can follow the recommended amount for large dogs on the package of food you buy. However, speaking with your vet for specific recommendations for your pet is always the best. Landseer dogs do better in cool climates. Although they don’t drool as much as their relative the Newfoundland, the Landseer still pants a lot to cool off his body.  Make sure he has enough water.

Exercise

The Landseer variety is thought to be more active than the Newfoundland, making them excellent pets to take on outdoor adventures such as hiking and camping. This dog needs a daily walk and room to roam around. Although they are content to stay around the house, the Landseer needs a fenced yard as they are not afraid of vehicles or strangers. They are good diggers so make sure your fence is firmly rooted in the ground.

These dogs originally were used as water dogs and have webbed feet making them great swimmers. Although they don’t tolerate heat well due to their thick coats, they do enjoy swimming. In cooler climates, swimming is a good form of exercise for them.  Make sure they are swimming in a clean area. Avoid stagnant water and areas containing any debris. Also make sure your dog’s shots are up to date to avoid any waterborne illness.

Training

These dogs are thought to have a stubborn streak, so training must begin early. Training and socialization should start when the Landseer is a puppy. Consistent positive reinforcement works best to train this breed. It is important to train the Landseer to stay by your side from a young age. Due to their friendliness towards strangers and their large size, the Landseer can easily frighten people if he bounds towards them unexpectedly.

As with children, puppies should be trained in short increments on a routine basis. 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day will fit with their attention spans better than one long training session for over an hour. Focus on teaching one skill at a time and move on to another once the first is mastered. While treats can be used as rewards, be careful not to use too many as this breed is prone to obesity.

Grooming ✂️

The Landseer is easier to groom than a traditional Newfoundland because it only has one layer of wavy fur which is slightly shorter. Because he only has one layer of fur, the Landseer’s fur dries quickly after swimming. However, he still sheds a lot. Daily to weekly brushing is necessary to prevent matting. Grooming is also a good way to bond with your pet. His coat can be trimmed for comfort during warmer months.

Bathing frequently can tend to strip away a dog’s natural oils. A dry shampoo can be used in between baths.

Health and Conditions

This dog should be kept indoors during the hot summer months.

Male vs Female

Females are smaller than males, approximately between 26.5 and 28.5 inches tall. Females also weigh less on average, approximately 110 pounds.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Landseer

1. The Landseer is named after the artist Edwin Landseer.

During the 19th century, artists often used the Landseer as a subject for their art. These beautiful dogs are named after the artist Edwin Landseer who was known for his famous painting of one of these black and white dogs. Since the white coloring is a recessive gene, the solid black variety began dominating in the late 19th century. In the 1930s, an effort was made to rebreed the black and white variety, which was then named Landseer, after the artist who painted these dogs.

2. The Landseer is descended from Canadian guard dogs.

The Landseer is thought to descend from dogs used by fishermen in the Newfoundland area of Canada. These dogs are thought to be originally imported by the Portuguese from Europe. Newfoundland dogs were used as water dogs and to guard livestock. These guard dogs were different from dogs used to herd animals, as they guarded the flock from within instead of corralling the animals. This characteristic makes the Landseer a great watchdog today.

3. These dogs have a history of being first responders.

These dogs have a history of being rescue dogs. They allow themselves to act as a life preserver for someone who is drowning. They have even been known to grip an unconscious person by the upper arm so that the person’s head stays out of the water as they carry them to shore. For a time, they even worked at British lifeguard stations, making sure people didn’t go out to far and rescuing people in distress. It is even said that one of these dogs rescued Napoleon Bonaparte when he fell into the sea when returning to France.

Final Thoughts

The Landseer can be a great new addition to your family if you are prepared to spend time with him. These dogs are friendly, sociable, and loyal, but tend to wither when left alone. This is not the dog for you if you work long hours or are away a lot. The Landseer is also a large dog, so he is better suited for a house with a yard rather than an apartment.

• You may also want to read: Male vs. Female Newfoundlands: What Are the Differences?

Featured Image Credit: Beuthin, Pixabay