Though there is not an exact ancestor for the Newfoundland but all agree that he did come from its namesake through the St Johns dog. It doesn't really matter where the Newf is from but only that he is ideally suited for the work he has chosen to do down through the years. That work would be water rescue and they are very, very good at it. They rescue boats, oars, people in fact anything that is lost overboard, the Newf will happily go and get. This often gets translated in the modern day version of the breed who will retrieve swimmers and bring them to shore even if they don't want it. This is a very large dog whose size and strength made this work relatively easy. He has a very gentle temperament, a thick double coat that can come in black, bronze, and white with black markings better known as Landseer. This name came from the famous English artist who often painted the dogs. A number of famous people have loved these dogs including J.M.Barrie who placed the dog in his famous story Peter Pan in the character of the children's nursemaid, Nana and the poet Lord Byron whose elegy to his Newfoundland "Boatswain" written in 1808, remains today in Newstead Abbey in England. The Newfoundland is as at home on land and water. On land, his talent pulling carts and carrying packs make them their owner's helping hand. The Newfoundland makes an excellent pet for a family with owners that can deal with a dog that weighs as much as an adult man. Luckily their temperament is gentle and they will be excellent companions for children.
If you would like to knit this Newfoundland design, you may order it by going to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_knitting_patterns.htm
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