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Newfoundland
Columbia Encyclopedia entry: Newfoundland
Newfoundland, breed of massive, powerful working dog developed in Newfoundland, probably in the 17th cent., and later perfected in England. It stands from 25 to 28 in. (63.5–71.1 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 110 to 150 lb (49.9–68.1 kg). Its dense, flat-lying coat is coarse and rather oily and is usually a dull jet black in color. The Landseer type of Newfoundland is one in which the color is other than solid black, the most frequent being black with white markings. The precise origin of the Newfoundland is obscure, but the most convincing evidence points to the crossbreeding of arctic and other dogs native to Newfoundland with the ship dogs of European fishermen. Specimens of the resulting breed, similar to the modern variety but smaller, were then brought to England, where their size and appearance were refined. The Newfoundland is an excellent water dog and has been used to rescue drowning people. It also has been a popular draft animal, particularly on its native island. Today it is raised for show competition and as a family companion, being especially gentle with children. See dog.
Columbia Encyclopedia search results: Newfoundland
Results 1 - 10  of 88
  • Memorial University of Newfoundland

    Memorial University of Newfoundland, at St. John's, N.L., Canada; provincially supported; coeducational; founded 1925 as Memorial Univ. College. It achieved university status in 1949. The scho...

  • Newfoundland and Labrador, province, Canada

    Newfoundland and Labrador, province (2001 pop. 512,930), 156,185 sq mi (404,519 sq km), E Canada. The province consists of the island of Newfoundland and adjacent islands (2001 pop. 485,066), ...

  • Morris, Edward Patrick Morris, 1st Baron

    Morris, Edward Patrick Morris, 1st Baron, 1859–1935, Newfoundland political leader, b. St. John's. He sat (1885–1918) in the Newfoundland parliament and was a delegate to the conference called...

  • Bond, Sir Robert

    Bond, Sir Robert, 1857–1927, Newfoundland political leader. He was educated in England and later entered Newfoundland politics. In 1890, he negotiated a reciprocity agreement between Newfoundl...

  • Placentia, town, Canada

    Placentia, town (1991 pop. 1,954), SE Newfoundland, N.L., Canada, on Placentia Bay. The town was founded by the French in 1662 as Plaisance and was the French headquarters on Newfoundland unti...

  • Poldhu

    Poldhu, town, Cornwall, SW England. Guglielmo Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio transmission (1901) from Poldhu to Newfoundland.

  • Avalon Peninsula

    Avalon Peninsula, 3,579 sq mi (9,270 sq km), SE N.L., Canada, on Newfoundland. It is nearly divided at its center by Conception Bay and St. Mary's Bay. The peninsula is the most densely popula...

  • Corner Brook

    Corner Brook, city (1991 pop. 22,410), W Newfoundland, N.L., Canada, on the Humber River. It is Newfoundland's second largest city and has a large pulp and paper mill. Other industries include...

  • Trinity Bay

    Trinity Bay, inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, 80 mi (129 km) long, SE Newfoundland, N.L., Canada, between the Avalon Peninsula and the mainland. With its small fishing settlements and canneries, i...

  • Long Range

    Long Range, mountain range, extending c.300 mi (480 km) along the west coast of Newfoundland island, Canada; rises to 2,672 ft (814 m) in the Lewis Hills. It forms the Great Northern Peninsula...

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