Landseer ECT Breeder

The Landseer European Continental Type (ECT) is a European dog breed that was created to resemble a type of giant dog discovered on the coast of what is now Canada during colonial times. Because of their good swimming skills these dogs were utilized by fishermen to tow nets to the shore. They were also noted for their ability to help drowning people. These dogs were bought and sold mainly by European fishermen. It is believed that, by and large, the exportation of these dogs occurred during the late 18th century. Because of their impressive appearance they were the subject of numerous books and paintings. The most famous painting of this large white and black dog is a portrait called "A Distinguished Member of Humane Society" done by the renowned English animal painter Sir Edwin Landseer in 1838. The black and white coloration of this dog was  named in honor the painter. By the end of the 19th century the breeding of these dogs selected for black coloration and other characteristics that are  now recognized as the Newfoundland dog. After World War I some enthusiastic breeders in Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland began recreating the original type of  black and white dog and created a breed standard. Between 1945 and 1960 the Landseer Continental Type was a part of the Newfoundland Clubs in Europe.  The breed was recognized as a separate breed by the FCI in 1960.  The Landseer ECT is not recognized by any kennel club in the United States. Like many purebred dogs today the breed has several known genetically transmitted inherited diseases, making it imperative that breeding dogs are tested to identify carrier status for which testing is available.

The small size of the gene pool for this breed creates risk for additional recessive diseases to occur as is true for all 'pure' bred dogs with closed registration books; ultimately the health of purebred dogs will require increasing genetic diversity.

There are significant differences between the Newfoundland dog and the ECT Landseer: 

1.  the Landseer has longer leg length and less depth of chest as well as a lighter body  

2.  the Landseer has a less dense undercoat and does not shed as profusely.
3.  the Landseer does not have pendulous lips and therefore does not drool.
4.  the stop is less pronounced .

An ECT Landseer like all giant breeds matures slowly and is not fully grown until 2 years of age. In order to fully mature psychologically and physically the dog requires the influence of its sex hormones therefore should not be spayed or neutered until after age 2 if at all.  Landseers typically enjoy swimming and are instinctive retrievers and lifeguards.  They are more active than typical Newfoundlands and remain that way throughout a  life expectancy of 8- 10 or more years.  Some Landseers have a strong prey drive and maybe overly interested in cats or other small pets. Landseers can be stubborn and training requires positive reinforcement to convince the dog that compliance will be rewarded